Notary fees for apartment purchases – what are the costs

When purchasing a residential unit or a house, it is important to remember that the final costs of buying an apartment are higher than just the property’s price. One must consider not only the negotiated price for the apartment but also additional fees, including notary costs. What exactly are the notary fees associated with purchasing an apartment? What is a notary fee, and who bears these expenses?

What is a notary fee?

Notary costs when buying an apartment include, among other things, the notary fee. This is a charge collected by the notary for drafting the notarial deed, which is necessary for the validity of the property sale agreement.

Notary fees for apartment purchases

In addition to the mentioned notary fee, other costs when buying an apartment include the tax on civil law transactions, potential fees for the land and mortgage register application, or other documents such as extracts or court fees.

Who bears the notary fees when buying an apartment?

Typically, the buyer is responsible for the notary fees when purchasing an apartment. However, there are no obstacles to the parties voluntarily sharing these costs and including such a clause in the contract.

How much does a notary cost?

The amount of the notary fee depends on the value of the property. The higher the property’s price, the higher the notary fee for the apartment purchase. Additionally, other factors, such as the tax on civil law transactions or additional services related to the transaction, also affect the final amount. The notary fee rates are regulated by the Ordinance of the Minister of Justice and vary depending on the property’s price.

Currently, the maximum rates for signing a property sale agreement are:

– 100 PLN for properties worth up to 3,000 PLN

– 100 PLN + 3% of the excess over 3,000 PLN for properties worth from 3,000 to 10,000 PLN

– 310 PLN + 2% of the excess over 10,000 PLN for properties worth from 10,000 to 30,000 PLN

– 710 PLN + 1% of the excess over 30,000 PLN for properties worth from 30,000 to 60,000 PLN

– 1,010 PLN + 0.4% of the excess over 60,000 PLN for properties worth from 60,000 to 1,000,000 PLN

– 4,770 PLN + 0.2% of the excess over 1,000,000 PLN for properties worth from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 PLN

– 6,770 PLN + 0.25% of the excess over 2,000,000 PLN, but not more than 10,000 PLN for amounts over 2,000,000 PLN

It is important to note that these are maximum amounts, and the notary cannot charge a higher fee than stated in the ordinance. This provides clarity and certainty regarding the fees paid when purchasing an apartment.

How to ensure oneself about the amount of the notary fee for property purchases

Contact the notary office directly, which will handle the transaction. The notary will precisely calculate all the fees, taking into account elements such as notary fees, registration fees, and the tax on civil law transactions. It is also advisable to ask about any potential additional costs that may arise, depending on the specifics of the transaction. This way, you will have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the fees involved in buying an apartment and can financially prepare for the transaction.

This article addresses selected legal issues related to notarial costs when purchasing an apartment, including detailed information about fees. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute binding legal advice. WPBM Mój Dom S.A. advises consulting a qualified legal advisor to obtain guidance tailored to individual needs, given the complexity of regulations and the specificity of particular situations.