The documents you need to buy an apartment

Most delays in buying an apartment are not about money. They come from a missing document that is only discovered when it is too late — at the cadastre counter, after the payment has been made.

At the notary

To sign the sale and purchase contract, both parties must appear with original identity documents. When the parties are married, a civil status certificate is also required; for unmarried persons, the corresponding extract is required.

The seller must bring the property certificate issued by the Municipal Cadastral Office. When the property is being divided or when boundaries matter, a copy of the plan from the geodesy department is also needed.

If someone acts on behalf of another party, a proper power of attorney is required — a signed document that allows that person to act on behalf of the owner.

At the Municipal Cadastral Office

To register the transfer of ownership, the application form is submitted together with the notarised contract and its supporting documents. Proof that property tax has been settled and proof of payment of the registration fee are also required.

The application must identify the property exactly by its identification number. An address described in words is not enough — if the unit is not properly identified, that alone is a reason for refusal.

Special cases

When the property comes from an inheritance, the basis for registration is the inheritance decision. When there has been a dispute, the basis is the court decision. When the property is encumbered by a mortgage, its removal requires a document proving that the debt has been paid.

For buyers who are not citizens of Kosovo, a copy of the passport is required instead of the personal identification number.

Practical advice

Collect the documents before you agree on the signing date, not after. The property certificate must be recent — an old copy does not show encumbrances registered in the meantime. And don't settle for the promise that "the documents are in order"; ask to see them.