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7 Mistakes Foreigners Make When Buying an Apartment in Poland
Buying an apartment in Poland for foreigners — the process is clear and safe.
But in practice, I regularly see the same mistakes made by buyers from the CIS countries.
Some of them cost nerves, others tens of thousands of euros.
I'll tell you honestly and without sugar what to pay attention to.
Mistake #1: Buying an apartment without checking the documents
Many people think:
If the apartment is sold through an agency, everything has been checked.
This is not always the case.
Before purchasing, be sure to check:
- księga wieczysta (land register)
- presence of debts
- mortgage
- arrests
- registered residents
- land status
Sometimes an apartment looks perfect, but legally it can be problematic.
Mistake #2: Not factoring in all expenses when purchasing
Most people only consider the price of the apartment.
And then they wonder why they need a few more thousand euros.
- notary
- PCC 2% tax (secondary market)
- realtor services
- translator during a transaction
- paperwork
- sometimes repairs
On average, you need to lay down +2–6% to the price of the apartment.
Mistake #3: Bringing money without proof of origin
A very common situation.
People sell an apartment in their own country, bring cash and think that everything is simple.
And then the bank asks:
«Where do the funds come from??»
If there are no documents:
- It's difficult to deposit money into the bank
- it's difficult to pay for the apartment
- there may be questions from the bank
The main rule:
Always have documents proving the origin of funds.
Mistake #4: Transferring a deposit without verification
Sometimes the buyer gives a deposit verbally or with a simple receipt.
It's risky.
Deposit (zadatek) need to transfer:
- under contract
- after checking the apartment
- with clear return conditions
Otherwise, you may lose money.
Mistake #5: Buying without understanding the area
Many people buy remotely or based on beautiful photos.
And then it turns out:
- noisy street
- social district
- parking problems
- transport is far away
- bad rent
The apartment may be nice, but the neighborhood is not.
If you are buying it as an investment, this is critical.
Mistake #6: Opening an account at the last minute
Without a Polish bank account, the transaction is almost impossible.
Errors:
- do not open an account in advance
- fail to prepare documents for the money
- do not clarify bank limits
It is better to open an account 2-3 weeks before the transaction and prepare the transfers.
Mistake #7: Trying to do everything yourself
The most expensive mistake.
Buyers think:
«"Why do I need a realtor? I'll do everything myself.".
In summary:
- overpay
- buy problematic apartments
- don't know the real prices
- risk money
A good specialist saves more than it costs.
Conclusion
Poland is a safe and understandable country for buying real estate.
But only if you do everything right.
Main rules:
- check documents
- count all expenses
- have confirmation of origin of funds
- take your time
- consult a specialist
Then buying an apartment in Poland will be smooth and without any unpleasant surprises.