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How to buy an apartment in Serbia in 2025? Step-by-step guide for beginners

How to buy an apartment in Serbia in 2025? Step-by-step guide for beginners

How to buy an apartment in Serbia in 2025? Step-by-step guide for beginners

Acquisitionreal estateinSerbia- is a simple and straightforward procedure, but it is important to understand each step to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this guide, we will explain how to correctlybuyapartmentFrom the selection of housing to the execution of documents.

1- Determine the purpose of the purchase

Before you startto searchan apartment, it's important to determine why you needreal estate. Will it be a home to live in, or are you considering buying as an investment? It is worth considering that in large cities, such asBelgradeandNovi Sad, prices forapartmentswill be higher, but the demand for rentals is also high.

2. Searching for an apartment

There are several options for finding real estate in Serbia:

  • To contactagenciesreal estate. This is one of the most convenient ways, because agencies take on not only the search for options, but also check the documents.

  • Utilize online platforms. On sites such as.Halo oglasi,Nekretnine.rs, and4zida.rs., real estate listings have been posted.

  • Search without intermediaries. Sometimes you can find favorable offers directly from the owners, but in this case it is important to be careful and carefully check all documents.

3. Verification of real estate rights

Before proceeding, you should make sure that the property is free of legal restrictions:

  • Verification of ownership. Make sure that the seller has full authority to sell the home. To do this, request an extract from the cadastre.

  • Sales authorization(if the seller is a legal entity). In some cases, additional authorization will be required for the transaction.

  • Verification of construction documents. For new construction, it's important to make sure that the .developerhas all the building permits.

4. Conclusion of a preliminary contract

When the object has been selected and all documents have been checked, it is possible to concludepreliminary contract. This document sets out the key terms of the transaction, including the price and payment term.

  • Prepayment. It is usually 10-20% of the total cost of the apartment and serves as a confirmation of the seriousness of the buyer's intentions.

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Step-by-step guide for beginners">

5. Finalization of the transaction

When the preliminaries have been agreed and the money has been transferred, you can sign themain sales contract. The transaction is executed in the presence of a notary.

  • Payment methods. Payments can be made in cash, by bank transfer or through a notary. Remember to keep all payment receipts.

6. Registration of ownership right

After signing the sale and purchase agreement, the property must be registered in theSerbia's real estate registry. This is a mandatory step for the transaction to be recognized as official.

  • Registration process. In order to register ownership, you need to submit a notarized sales contract and identity documents.

  • The cost of registration is usually 1-2% of the value of the apartment.

7. Taxes and fees

When buying real estate in Serbia, it is important to consider the following taxes and fees:

  • Tax on property transfer- 2.5% of the value of the property as stated in the contract.

  • Notary and legal services- Notary and lawyer costs can be around 0.5-1% of the value of the apartment.

  • Duty for registration in cadastre- is also 1-2% of the value of the property.

In addition, property owners are required to pay an annualproperty taxwhich depends on the location and size of the dwelling.

8. Obtaining real estate documents

After all procedures are completed, you will be given the following documents:

  • cadastral statementproving your ownership.

  • Sales Agreementwith a notary seal.

  • If you are buying a new-build property, you may be given additional certificates to show that the building has been completed.

9. Opportunities for foreign investors

Serbia offers attractive conditions for foreign investors, including the possibility to obtain atemporary residence permitwhen purchasing real estate.

In addition, in some cases, investors can expect tax incentives and other benefits.

10. Purchase through a legal entity

If you decide to purchase a property through a company, you will need to register alegal entityin Serbia, which will complicate the process somewhat. However, this option can be beneficial for business, as the company can benefit from tax preferences.

  • To register a company, you must obtaintax numberand provide documents confirming the financial solvency of the company.

Buying an apartment in Serbia is a process consisting of several key steps, including selecting a property, verifying ownership rights, signing preliminary and main contracts, payment and registration of the transaction. It is important to make sure in advance that all documents are legitimate, choose a reliable seller and execute all papers through a notary. At each stage of the transaction, the buyer should be prepared for tax costs and additional fees, such as property transfer tax and registration fees. When buying real estate in Serbia, it is also worth considering opportunities for foreign investors, including benefits and temporary residence permits.

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