Additional Costs When Buying or Selling Property

Buying or selling an apartment often comes with many hidden costs that can surprise inexperienced buyers.

1. Transfer Tax (Tax on Absolute Rights Transfer)
The transfer tax amounts to 2.5% of the property’s value. This is a mandatory cost that must be paid when ownership is transferred and should be included in your overall budget when planning a purchase or sale.

2. Notary Fees and Land Registry Registration
The purchase agreement must be notarized, which involves an additional cost. You should also account for the fee for registering the property in the cadastre, a necessary step for officially transferring ownership.

3. Energy Performance Certificate
Sellers are required to obtain an energy performance certificate, a document that assesses the energy efficiency of the property. This certificate also comes with a cost that needs to be factored into the total selling expenses.

4. Agency Fees and Court Interpreters
Real estate agency commissions typically amount to 2–3% of the property value, an extra cost buyers or sellers need to consider. Additionally, if either party is not a Serbian citizen, a certified court interpreter may be required for translations of official documents.

Being aware of all these costs can help you plan your budget more accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises.