Buying an apartment: advice, formalities and the step-by-step process

Buying an apartment is one of the most important decisions in everyone's life. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will guide you through the entire process, showing you how to safely purchase your dream apartment. Regardless of whether you are considering buying an apartment from the secondary market or planning to buy an apartment from a developer, knowing the key stages will help you avoid costly mistakes.

The process of buying an apartment requires solid preparation and knowledge of the applicable regulations and what formalities you need to complete. Today's real estate market offers many opportunities – from new apartments in modern investments to attractive properties from the secondary market. Each option has its own advantages and requires an appropriate approach.

The most common mistakes when buying a property

Many people starting the process of buying an apartment make similar mistakes that can cost thousands of dollars or lead to legal problems. Knowing these pitfalls will allow you to avoid them.

Failure to properly inspect the apartment

The basic mistake is to superficially check the apartment before making a purchase decision. The owner of the apartment may not disclose all defects, so it is necessary to thoroughly inspect the apartment by a potential buyer. This applies to both apartments from the secondary market and new apartments from developers.

Key elements to check before buying a property:

1. Legal and technical documentation
   
2. Electrical and hydraulic system status
   
3. Wall dampness and potential leaks
   
4. Operation of heating and ventilation
   
5. Insulation of windows and doors

Ignorance of the differences between markets

Buying an apartment from the secondary market is significantly different from buying an apartment from a developer. A second-hand apartment requires a more thorough verification of its technical and legal condition, while a new apartment offers guarantees but may involve delays in construction.

Errors in financing

Many buyers do not compare offers for an apartment on credit, which can result in overpaying thousands of zlotys. An equally common mistake is not considering the option of buying an apartment for cash, which may give negotiation advantages.

Buying an apartment from the secondary market vs buying from a developer

The choice between a secondary market apartment and a new apartment from a developer is crucial. Second-hand apartments often require additional formalities, such as checking the land and mortgage registers, while new apartments may involve other costs. In the case of buying an apartment from the secondary market, it is also worth paying attention to the legal status of the property and possible mortgage encumbrances.

Secondary market apartment – characteristics

Buying an apartment from the secondary market means purchasing the property from the current owner of the apartment. Secondary market properties are premises that have already been inhabited and have their own operating history.

Advantages:

• greater negotiating opportunities with the owner of the apartment
• Possibility of immediate relocation
• Proven location and neighborhood
• often more attractive price per square meter

Challenges when buying from the secondary market:

• The need to thoroughly inspect the apartment – crucial before signing the preliminary contract
• Potential costs of renovation and modernization
• Obligation to pay tax on civil law transactions
• Verification of the legal history of the property

A new apartment from the developer

These types of apartments are often distinguished by a modern standard of finishing and innovative technological solutions. When deciding to buy, you can count on a guarantee of quality, which gives future owners the certainty that they are investing in a well-made product. In addition, new apartments are often located in attractive locations, close to urban infrastructure, which increases their value and comfort of living. It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of personalizing the interior, which allows you to adapt the apartment to your own needs and preferences. Buying an apartment from a developer is therefore not only an investment, but also a chance to create a dream place to live.

Benefits of new apartments from the primary market:

• Often modern technical solutions
• Developer's warranty for the work performed
• Choice of finish
• No PCC tax 

Potential problems:

• Risk of construction delays
• Higher price per square meter
• Costs of finishing the apartment
• Limited price negotiation options

The process of buying an apartment – step by step

Step 1: Preparation

Budget analysis and preference
The first step in the process of buying an apartment is a realistic assessment of your financial capabilities. Determine whether you prefer an apartment on credit or are considering buying an apartment for cash. Each option has different requirements and financial implications. It is also worth looking at your expenses and savings to determine what amount will be achievable for you. It is good to prepare for additional costs related to the purchase, such as notary fees, taxes and possible renovations. Understanding your financial situation will help you make an informed decision that won't put too much strain on your budget.

Choice between different options:

• Secondary market apartment vs new apartment
• Apartment on credit vs purchase for cash
• Location and size of the apartment or house
• Standard of finishing and equipment

Stage 2: Searching and selecting apartments

Searching for housing offers
Systematic browsing of apartment offers allows you to find the best options in a given budget. Pay attention to both second-hand apartments and new apartments in planned investments.

Selection criteria for apartments:

1. Compliance with budget and financing possibilities
   
2. Location and transport accessibility
   
3. Technical condition of the apartment (especially for the secondary market)
   
4. Prospects for the development of the area – can significantly affect the value of the apartment in the future
   
5. Legal terms and documentation

Step 3: Apartment Inspection and Verification

Thorough inspection of the apartment
Each apartment requires a professional inspection before making a purchase decision. The process of verifying a property differs depending on whether it is a primary or secondary apartment.

Elements of apartment verification:

• Technical inspection of all rooms
• Legal document check
• Running cost analysis
• Verification of local development plans
• Consultation with construction experts

Step 4: Negotiation and formalisation

Conversations with the owner of the apartment
Negotiations with the owner of the apartment are a key moment in the buying process. Prepare arguments justifying the price proposal, especially if you plan to buy an apartment for cash, which can be an important negotiating asset.

Step 5: Closing the transaction

Signing the contract and finalizing the purchase
The last stage of the process of buying an apartment includes signing a notarial deed and conducting financial settlements. Regardless of whether it is an apartment on credit or a purchase for cash, the legal procedures are similar.

Stage 6: Acceptance of the apartment

After completing the process of buying an apartment, it is time to accept the apartment. It is important to carefully check the condition of the apartment before handing over the keys. In the event of any defects, they should be reported to the owner of the apartment or the developer.

Costs of buying an apartment in 2025

Notary fees when buying an apartment

Each process of buying an apartment is associated with notary fees, the amount of which depends on the value of the transaction. These costs are borne by the buyer regardless of whether it is the purchase of a second-hand apartment or a new apartment.

PCC tax and exemptions

Buying an apartment from the secondary market may involve the obligation to pay tax on civil law transactions. However, from 2023, there is an exemption from PCC for people buying their first apartment from the secondary market.

Conditions for exemption from PCC:

• The first apartment bought by the buyer
• The transaction concerns an apartment from the secondary market
• The buyer did not own a residential property before
• He can have a share of up to 50% in the property acquired in the inheritance

Mortgage costs

An apartment on credit generates additional costs related to the handling of financing. These include bank commission, home insurance, valuation costs, and other bank fees.

Formalities after buying an apartment

Mandatory notifications and procedures

Formalities after the purchase of an apartment are a series of mandatory activities that the new owner of the apartment must perform within certain deadlines. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in financial penalties.

Main formalities after buying an apartment:

1.  Notification to the commune office – within 14 days of purchase
   
2.  Rewriting utilities – energy, gas, water, internet
   
3.  Home insurance – mandatory with a loan
   
4.  Entry in the land and mortgage register – securing ownership rights

Home insurance

Home insurance is a mandatory element when financing with a mortgage. Even when buying an apartment for cash, home insurance is strongly recommended as protection against fortuitous events.

Types of home insurance:

• Insurance against fire and other fortuitous events
• Liability insurance
• Home contents insurance
• Additional specialist insurance

Prescribing utilities and other formalities

After finalizing the process of buying an apartment, all contracts must be transferred to utilities and other administrative formalities must be completed. This is an important element of formalities after buying an apartment, which ensures the proper functioning of the household.

Apartment on credit vs purchase for cash

The decision whether to buy an apartment for cash or on credit is of great importance. A mortgage is associated with many formalities and costs. It is worth carefully analyzing your financial capabilities and comparing bank offers. If you buy an apartment for cash, you immediately become the owner and avoid additional formalities related to the loan.

Financing an apartment with a mortgage

An apartment on credit is the most popular way to finance the purchase of real estate in Poland. A mortgage allows you to buy an apartment with a smaller own contribution, but it is associated with a long-term financial commitment.

Benefits of housing on credit:

• Can be purchased with less savings
• Maintaining financial liquidity
• Spreading costs over time
• Tax interest deductibility

Buying an apartment for cash

Buying an apartment for cash eliminates credit costs and gives you an advantage in negotiations with the owner of the apartment. This form of financing is particularly attractive when buying a property from the secondary market.

Advantages of buying with cash:

• Full ownership without bank encumbrances
• No credit costs (interest, commissions)
• Negotiating advantage with the landlord
• Faster finalization of the apartment purchase process

Practical tips for buyers

How to choose the right apartment

The choice between a second-hand apartment and a new apartment depends on individual preferences and financial capabilities. Each option has its advantages and requires a different approach in the process of buying an apartment.

Negotiations when buying an apartment

Effective negotiations with the owner of the apartment can bring significant savings. Especially when buying an apartment for cash, you have a strong negotiating position, which can translate into a price reduction.

Checking the apartment before buying

A thorough inspection of the apartment is an investment that can save thousands of dollars in the future. Professional technical expertise is especially important when buying a property from the secondary market.

Why choose to work with Velora Estate?

Comprehensive service of the apartment purchase process

We are a real estate agency specializing in comprehensive customer service during the process of buying an apartment. We help you find the perfect apartment or house, whether you are looking for a secondary market property or a new apartment from a developer.

Our services include:

• Professional search for apartments on budget
• Detailed inspection of the apartment before purchase
• Support in negotiations 
• We work with experts who help you get a loan for an apartment
• Handling formalities after the purchase of an apartment

For investors and foreign clients

We also specialize in providing services to investors looking for an apartment or house as a capital investment. We offer professional advice to customers from abroad who are considering the most maintenance-free or even completely remote purchase. 

Buying an apartment is a complex process that requires good organization and knowledge of formalities. Regardless of whether you are interested in a second-hand apartment or a new apartment from a developer, it is crucial to plan each step well and seek advice from real estate experts.

Summary – key rules for buying an apartment

The 5 most important rules of the apartment buying process

1.  Carefully analyze your financial capabilities – take into account all the costs of the process of buying an apartment, not only the price of the property
   
2.  Choose the right financing option – compare the benefits of an apartment on credit with the possibilities of buying an apartment for cash
   
3.  Conduct a detailed inspection of the apartment – especially when buying a property from the secondary market, professional verification can save thousands of dollars
   
4.  Complete all formalities when buying an apartment to avoid problems in the future – remember about the deadlines for applications and mandatory home insurance
   
5.  Use the help of experts – professional support in the process of buying an apartment can protect you from costly mistakes

Final tips

Buying an apartment is a long-term investment that requires well-thought-out decisions. Regardless of whether you choose an apartment from the secondary market or a new apartment from a developer, the key to success is a reliable approach to every stage of the apartment buying process.

Remember that the owner of the apartment has his own interests, so always verify the information you receive and do not hesitate to ask additional questions. A thorough inspection of the apartment and proper completion of formalities after the purchase of an apartment is the basis of a safe transaction.

If you need professional support in the process of buying an apartment, our team is ready to help you at every stage – from searching for the perfect apartment or house, through negotiations, to finalizing all formalities after buying an apartment.