FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Your path to greater clarity when buying real estate with Diamona & Harnisch
In this FAQ section, you will find answers to the most important questions about our projects, the process of buying an apartment, and our quality standards. Find out what sets Diamona & Harnisch apart, how a new construction project comes about, and what advantages you enjoy when purchasing directly from the developer.
Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need in a transparent, understandable, and reliable manner—so that you can start your new life in your new home fully informed.
Who is Diamona & Harnisch and what exactly does the company do?
Diamona & Harnisch is an experienced project developer specializing in high-quality residential space in Berlin. The company creates unique properties that combine modern design with energy-efficient architecture.
All projects are developed in carefully selected locations where urban flair and everyday practicality complement each other perfectly. Diamona & Harnisch's outstanding reputation is based on many years of experience, professional expertise, and a clear commitment to quality and sustainability.
Why should I choose a new building over an old one?
A new build offers numerous advantages that affect both the quality of living and long-term value development.
Modern buildings meet current energy, noise, and safety standards, making them particularly efficient, comfortable, and future-proof. In the first few years, there are hardly any maintenance costs, as all components and technical systems are new.
Buyers also benefit from a statutory warranty and can—depending on the progress of construction—design the fittings and materials according to their wishes. Spacious floor plans, bright rooms, barrier-free access, and modern building services make this new build a long-lasting investment that retains its value.
What is the step-by-step process for purchasing a new-build apartment from Diamona & Harnisch?
The purchasing process at Diamona & Harnisch is clearly structured and offers buyers maximum transparency and security.
Initial contact & information phase: You will receive an exposé, floor plans, and building specifications, allowing you to get an initial impression of the project.
Consultation or viewing: Depending on the progress of construction, a personal consultation, a viewing of a show apartment, or an on-site appointment will take place to discuss any questions and requests.
Purchase decision & reservation: After the decision has been made, the apartment can be reserved at short notice without obligation in order to check financing and documentation.
Preparing for the notary appointment: The purchase agreement with the declaration of division, payment plan, and property details will be sent to you in advance for review.
Notarization: The purchase becomes binding upon signing.
Payment according to construction progress: The purchase price shall be paid in installments as stipulated by law, each time after construction work has been completed. For completed apartments, payment shall be made within two weeks.
Construction phase: You will be kept regularly informed of progress and receive invitations to sampling appointments.
Acceptance & handover: Upon completion, joint acceptance and handover of keys will take place, including all documentation and technical information.
The process may vary slightly depending on the project, but always provides reliable guidance.
What projects has Diamona & Harnisch already completed?
Diamona & Harnisch has been one of Berlin's leading developers of high-quality residential properties for many years.
The company has successfully implemented numerous projects, mainly in central, sought-after locations in the capital.
References include Wieland & Pestalozzi (Charlottenburg, 2023), Schlüter18 (Charlottenburg, 2021), Am Park Potsdam (Potsdam, 2023), Am Winterfeldt (Schöneberg, 2024), Wilhelmsaue 32 (Wilmersdorf, 2020), The FRANZ (Friedrichshain, 2024), Lychener 53 (Prenzlauer Berg, 2010), Diplomatenpark (Tiergarten, 2011), Fichtenberg Carré (Steglitz, 2011), Kastanienallee 63/64 (Mitte, 2014), Paulinum Dahlem (2016), Schlachtensee Carrée (2015), Oskar & Helene (2019), Genthiner 40 (2019), Carré Voltaire (2018), Breite 23 (2018), and Königsquartier (2013).
An interactive overview of all projects can be found at diamona-harnisch.com/map.
What warranty and guarantee periods do I have when purchasing a new-build apartment?
When purchasing a newly built apartment, the statutory warranty periods under the German Civil Code (BGB) apply.
As a rule, the deadline for buildings is five years from handover.
These deadlines differentiate between construction work, technical components, and individual building elements. Depending on the project, additional contractual provisions may apply. Diamona & Harnisch attaches great importance to transparency and informs buyers individually about the applicable deadlines in each case.
What should I bear in mind when buying an apartment directly from the developer?
When purchasing a new-build apartment from a developer, you should familiarize yourself with the most important documents.
This includes the building specifications, payment schedule, timelines, completion deadlines, declaration of division, and warranty provisions.
Special requests should also be discussed at an early stage. These documents and points provide you with a sound basis for understanding the scope of services and the purchase process in detail and making a confident decision.
How does payment based on construction progress work?
For new construction projects, payment of the purchase price is made in several stages in accordance with the German Real Estate Agent and Commercial Contractor Ordinance (MaBV).
Each installment is only due once a specific construction phase has been fully completed.
A typical payment plan looks like this, for example:
30% after commencement of earthworks, 28% after completion of the shell, 12.6% after installation of windows and glazing, 6.3% after rough installation of building services, 9.1% after interior plastering and screed work, 10.5% after completion of the facade and readiness for occupancy, and 3.5% after complete completion and payment of all development contributions.
This means that buyers only ever pay for construction work that has already been completed.
When is the deadline for submitting special requests for my apartment?
Special requests are generally possible, but depend on the progress of construction.
The earlier the purchase is made, the greater the scope for individual adjustments.
Once certain trades have been completed or material orders have been placed, changes can only be taken into account to a limited extent.
The possibilities available for the specific project will be discussed individually in a personal meeting.
Can I view the fixtures and fittings and materials in advance, for example, at a sampling event or in a show apartment?
Yes, at Diamona & Harnisch, personal consultation is a central part of the purchasing process.
After the contract has been signed, individual sampling appointments are arranged, during which buyers work with the project team to determine all the details of the furnishings.
Depending on the project, additional sample areas or fully furnished model apartments are available to give a realistic impression of quality, design, and feel.
For interior design, Diamona & Harnisch collaborates with renowned brands such as Bulthaup, Duravit, Hansgrohe, La Redoute, Bolia, BoConcept, Westwing, Kave Home, and Poliform.
Do I have to pay a brokerage fee when purchasing through Diamona & Harnisch?
Nein, beim Erwerb einer Neubauwohnung über Diamona & Harnisch fällt keine Maklercourtage an.
Buyers purchase their apartment directly from the developer, which means there are no additional brokerage fees.
All costs are listed transparently in the purchase agreement, giving you complete cost certainty.
What does DGNB Gold certification mean for a building?
A DGNB Gold certification stands for particularly high quality in sustainability, planning, and execution.
The German Sustainable Building Council evaluates buildings according to ecological, economic, technical, and sociocultural criteria.
In addition to energy efficiency, life cycle costs, materials, indoor climate, location quality, and user comfort are also evaluated.
A building certified according to DGNB Gold meets demanding standards and is considered particularly sustainable.
Diamona & Harnisch is committed to sustainable construction—several projects, including Franz-Mehring-Platz, Pallasstraße, and Marshall, are already DGNB-certified or are in the process of certification.
How does a property development project such as Eckert Carré proceed from the search for a plot of land to completion?
At Diamona & Harnisch, every property development project follows a clearly defined, quality-assured process:
First, the property is purchased after careful location and market analysis. Then, the basic features of the project are defined in the concept and preliminary planning phase together with architects and specialist planners—from the mix of apartments and open spaces to the energy orientation.
This is followed by approval planning with specialist planning for statics, fire protection, sound insulation, and energy efficiency.
At the same time, project communication begins with an exposé, website, and marketing. Once approval has been granted, implementation planning and the awarding of contracts begin.
With the start of construction work, the realization begins—from the shell to the facade to the interior work.
Meanwhile, buyers can select their fittings and materials. Once all work and inspections have been completed, the handover takes place. Buyers benefit from a five-year warranty period in accordance with the German Civil Code (BGB), which guarantees long-term security.
The Eckert Carré project is currently undergoing precisely this structured development process—typical of the quality offered by Diamona & Harnisch.