Purchase price allocation – splitting the price between land and building – plays a decisive role in every property purchase in Germany.
It determines how much of the price is allocated to the land (not depreciable) and how much to the building (depreciable).
The higher the building share, the higher your tax depreciation – but only if the values are realistic. The tax office checks carefully.
An example:
You buy a property for €600,000.
If 70% is allocated to the building, you can depreciate €420,000 over the years.
If the tax office only accepts 50%, your depreciable amount falls to €300,000 – and with it your tax saving.
A well-founded allocation can therefore be decisive in getting the most out of your investment.
Since the BFH ruling of 21.07.2021 (IX R 26/19), the tax office uses the BMF purchase price allocation calculator to determine a market-based split.
The following factors are taken into account:
A contract split that deviates strongly – e.g. 95% building and 5% land – will not be accepted if the BMF calculator gives a significantly different result.
That gives a 50/50 split.
A 95:5 contract would therefore be unrealistic – the land value alone is already €300,000. The tax office would correct it, and you would lose part of your tax depreciation.
With good evidence you have a chance:
Without documentation, your proposed split remains pure theory.
Purchase price allocation – splitting the price between land and building – is not room for creative numbers, but the basis for sound tax planning.
Anyone who relies on data and evidence benefits from stable depreciation in the long run and avoids disputes with the tax office.
You can find more tips and analysis in the Immojourney Blog or in the official BMF purchase price allocation calculator.