Development projects often combine land, construction, finance, lease and sale obligations. Their interfaces can matter as much as the individual documents.
Archive article, reviewed and updated on 12 November 2026. The original publication date is retained.
Use consistent milestones
A promised handover date or performance standard should be supported by the underlying building and design agreements. Define the consequence if permissions, funding or access are delayed.
Review formalities and security
Land-related commitments may require notarial treatment. Advance payments, performance guarantees and completion remedies should reflect the transaction structure and the credit risk.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios: the appropriate steps depend on the contract, evidence and applicable law. These are not reports of client matters.
A lease begins before completion
Coordinate rent commencement with the actual handover obligation.
Forward funding
Define certification and security for each payment stage.
A purchaser requires a standard
Ensure the developer’s construction contract supports that promise.
A linked land agreement
Check formal requirements across the complete transaction.
Further guidance
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed: 12 November 2026. Statutory references are to German law unless stated otherwise.