A bit of good news on the change in the law regarding gaining Habitation/Iskan.
Couple of main differences seems to be that, previously the Planning permission lapsed & the whole process had to be started again, no so now. Whilst the 'buyer' will remain liable for Debt & the Tax on the property, the government has now taken responsibility for the workers Insurance contributions (SGK)
http://www.voicesnewspaper.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6009