The purchase of real estate such as an apartment, a house or a property generally triggers real estate transfer taxes amounting to 3.5% of the purchase price. The registration of the right of ownership with the land register, which is a requirement for the acquisition of ownership of the buyer, generally triggers court fees of 1.1% of the purchase price.
If the purchase price or parts of it are financed by a bank and the loan shall be secured by a mortgage, a court fee of 1.2% of the amount of the registered mortgage is to be paid.
If a lawyer is drafting the purchase agreement and conducting the other required services in connection therewith, usually a fee of between 1.5 % and 2% of the purchase price plus VAT and cash expenses is agreed for these services. In certain cases, however, a (lower) lump sum might be agreed with the law firm.
If a real estate agent was involved in the transaction, the agent’s commission must also be considered, which is usually 3% of the purchase price plus VAT.
All the above taxes, fees and charges are either mandatory to be paid by the buyer or are usually paid by the buyer.