Cost of buying an apartment — what it includes

The cost of buying an apartment is not only the price in the contract. In practice, you also pay taxes, notarial and court fees, and—if financed—mortgage costs. The easiest way to estimate the total is the apartment purchase cost calculator. Below is a clear breakdown of real‑world cost elements.

What the total cost includes

The main components are: purchase price, tax (PCC or VAT), notarial fees, court fees, and possible mortgage costs. Additional transaction expenses may include appraisal, broker fees, and document preparation.

Primary vs secondary market

On the primary market, the price usually includes VAT, so PCC is generally not charged. On the secondary market, PCC applies and notarial and court fees are standard. The cost structure differs, so compare both options.

Taxes and mandatory fees

PCC is most common for secondary‑market purchases. Some exemptions may apply, so verify them before signing. See PCC for apartment purchases for details.

Notarial and court fees

These include the notarial fee, deed copies, and court fees (e.g., land register entry). This is a fixed part of the transaction. More in notarial costs for buying an apartment.

Mortgage financing costs

If you use a mortgage, add bank commission, property appraisal and required insurance. These elements increase the total cost even though they are not part of the property price.

How to reduce costs

• compare offers and negotiate the price,
• check eligibility for tax exemptions,
• avoid non‑mandatory services,
• prepare documents early to reduce delays and extra costs.

Transaction costs and agent fee

If you use a broker, the commission is a real cost item. The amount depends on the contract and market practice, so it should be included early in budgeting. Other transaction costs may include document preparation or certificates.

Bank fees for a mortgage

Mortgage financing usually adds costs such as bank commission, property appraisal, bridge insurance or required policies. Compare these with your loan offer to avoid underestimating the total cost.

Post‑purchase costs to plan for

After closing, you typically face expenses that are not part of the price but impact your budget: adaptation, moving, furnishing or administrative fees. Many buyers omit these in estimates.

Often overlooked costs

Commonly overlooked items include document fees, powers of attorney, extra deed copies or a mortgage entry fee. Together they can add up to a meaningful amount.

When the calculator is useful

The cost calculator helps compare scenarios: primary vs secondary market, cash purchase vs mortgage. This makes it easier to check whether your budget is realistic.

Documents and formalities that add costs

Some costs come from formalities: certificates, land‑register extracts or municipal documents. The better prepared the paperwork, the lower the risk of extra fees and delays.

Budget risks and safety buffer

In practice, it is wise to add a buffer for last‑minute costs (extra copies, document corrections, bank fees). This helps avoid surprises at signing.

Mortgage‑related purchase costs

When financing with a mortgage, additional costs appear: bank commission, property appraisal, mortgage entry fee and required insurance. These items materially increase the total cost compared to a cash purchase.

Transaction costs — checklist

Typical transaction costs include:

• PCC (if applicable),
• notarial fee and deed copies,
• court fees (land register and mortgage entry),
• broker commission,
• appraisal and insurance (with a mortgage).

Primary vs secondary market — cost differences

On the primary market PCC does not apply, but VAT is included in the price. On the secondary market PCC is standard, while notarial and court fees are similar. Tax differences can significantly affect the total cost.

See also

• Notarial costs for buying an apartment
• PCC for apartment purchases