Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Poland: How Much Money Do You Really Need?

Buying real estate in Poland — it's not just the price listed in the ad. In practice, the buyer is faced with a number of additional expenses, which can significantly impact the final budget. Not knowing these costs often leads to unpleasant surprises at the final stage of the transaction.

In this article we will examine in detail, What hidden costs are involved when buying an apartment or house in Poland?, how much money should you prepare in advance and what to pay special attention to.

Why is the price in the ad not the final one?

The price indicated in the offer reflects only the cost of the property itself. The purchasing process includes:

• taxes and government fees,
• notary services,
• agency commissions,
• additional payments with a mortgage,
• possible costs for repairs and additional equipment.

Depending on the situation, the final amount may be 2–15% higher price of the object.

PCC 2% Tax – When it is paid and when it is not

Podatek PCC (Podatek od Czynności Cywilnoprawnych) — one of the main expenses when purchasing real estate on the secondary market.

When PCC is paid:

• when purchasing real estate on the secondary market;
• if the seller is a private individual;
• if the transaction is not subject to VAT.

When PCC is NOT paid:

• if you buy my first property in my life.

❗ Important:
If you have I already had real estate before, even outside of Poland, the exemption does not apply and PCC tax must be paid.

Amount and payment method:

• 2% from the cost, specified in the notarial deed;
• tax paid at the notary's office on the day of the transaction;
• more often - in cash, however, more and more notaries are accepting bank cards or transfers (it’s better to check in advance).

Notary fees and transaction processing costs

Every real estate purchase in Poland must be formalized by a notary. It is the notary who:

• prepares a notarial deed,
• accepts payment of taxes and fees,
• submits documents for wpis do księgi wieczystej (land registry).

What is included in notary fees:

• notarial tax,
• VAT 23%,
• court fees,
• wpis do księgi wieczystej,
• extracts from a notarial deed.

What does the cost depend on:

• real estate price,
• length of a notarial deed,
• complexity of the transaction,
• number of sides,
• the presence of a mortgage, powers of attorney and additional statements.

📌 The more voluminous and complex the act, the higher cost of notary services.

On average: from 2,000 to 6,000 zł and higher for complex transactions.

Real estate agency commission

Real estate agency commission in Poland is always specified in the contract and does not have a fixed rate.

Commission size:

• from 1% real estate value,
• more often 2–3% + VAT.

Who pays:

• salesman,
• buyer,
• or both parties, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Before signing documents, it is important to clarify:

• exact percentage,
• does the amount include VAT,
• What services are included in the commission?.

Buying real estate with a mortgage is associated with additional mandatory and conditionally mandatory expenses.

Real estate valuation

• price: 400–1,000 zł;
• if the application is being considered several banks, everyone can demand your assessment.

Life insurance

• often mandatory or affecting the terms of the loan;
• the cost depends on the age and the loan amount;
• usually several tens or hundreds of zlotys per month.

Apartment insurance

• mandatory requirement of the bank;
• 200–500 zł per year;
• the bank is indicated as the beneficiary.

Job loss insurance

• not always mandatory,
• increases monthly expenses,
• often included in a credit offer.

Bank commission

• 0–3% of the loan amount,
• can be paid immediately or included in the loan.

Repair and additional equipment after purchase

Even the apartment has a mark „"po remoncie"” often requires additional investments:

• furniture,
• technique,
• cosmetic improvements,
• minor repairs.

In practice, costs can amount to from several thousand to tens of thousands of zlotys.

How much money do you need to prepare in addition to the property price?

On average, a buyer should include:

🔹 First property (no agency commission)
→ about 2% cost

🔹 Standard transaction on the secondary market
→ 3–5% cost

🔹 Deal with agency commission and mortgage
→ 5–7% cost

🔹 Purchase with repairs or additional equipment
→ even up to 15% of the property value

Conclusions

Buying real estate in Poland — it's always more than the advertised price. Taxes, notary fees, commissions, mortgage costs and repairs can significantly increase the final cost.

Proper budget planning and understanding of all stages of the transaction allow you to:

• avoid financial surprises,
• maintain control over expenses,
• make your purchase safe and informed.