Additional Costs When Buying Property: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

The process of buying or selling a property involves much more than just agreeing on the price. While it may seem that the main challenge lies in finding the right property or an interested buyer, the reality is that numerous additional obligations and costs can complicate the entire procedure—especially for those going through it for the first time.

From taxes and notary fees to document translations and hidden expenses no one mentions at the beginning—without timely preparation, it’s easy to lose control over your budget. Many buyers and sellers face unpleasant surprises only once they’re deep into the process, which often leads to delays, frustration, or unexpected costs.

This article highlights the most common additional costs when buying property, as well as those that sellers must cover. Whether you’re planning to buy an apartment, sell a house, or invest in real estate, this guide will help you see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.

1. Property Transfer Tax

One of the main costs that comes with property transactions in Serbia is the property transfer tax, which amounts to 2.5% of the agreed purchase price.

Who pays it?
In practice, this tax is usually paid by the buyer, unless otherwise agreed in the contract.

Example: If you’re buying a property worth €100,000, you’ll need to budget an additional €2,500 for tax.

Note: If you’re purchasing a new build directly from the developer, this tax does not apply because VAT is already included in the price. Learn more in our blog post: New Build or Old Property – Which One to Choose?

2. Notary Fees and Land Registry Costs

Notarization of the sales contract is legally required, and the cost depends on the property’s value. These fees typically range from €100 to €300.

Registration in the land registry (cadastre) is also essential—without it, the buyer does not become the official owner. Fees usually range from 5,000 to 20,000 RSD, depending on the municipality and property value.

3. Energy Performance Certificate (For Sellers)

The Energy Performance Certificate is a document that shows the energy efficiency of a property and is legally required for all properties being sold.

Cost: Between €40 and €100, depending on the size and type of the property.

Who issues it? Licensed engineers or authorized firms. You can find more information on the official website of the Ministry of Construction.

4. Agency Commission

If you’re using the services of a real estate agency, you’ll need to factor in an agency commission, usually ranging between 2–3% of the property value.

How is it paid?

• Sometimes it’s paid only by the buyer
• Sometimes it’s split 50:50 between the buyer and seller
• Often, it’s defined upfront in the agreement with the agency

For a transparent and professional experience, learn more about our services on our About Us page.

5. Court Interpreter and Translation (For Foreign Buyers/Sellers)

If either the buyer or seller is a foreign national, Serbian law requires the presence of a court interpreter during the notarization and signing of documents.

Cost: Around €40 to €80 per document, depending on the language and length.

6. Bank Fees (For Buyers Using a Mortgage)

If you’re buying with a mortgage loan, expect additional costs such as:

• Loan processing fee (0.5–1% of the loan amount)
• Property valuation (approx. €100–200)
• Insurance of the property and/or loan user
• Credit Bureau and CRB reports

7. Utility Transfer and Administrative Fees

After the purchase, the buyer must transfer utility bills (electricity, water, waste collection, etc.) to their name.

In some cases, especially when buying a house, there can be additional charges for meter reinstallation, connections, or one-time building fees imposed by the building manager or tenants’ association.

8. Additional Seller Costs

Apart from issuing the energy certificate, sellers may also need to cover:

• Attorney fees (if using independent legal counsel)
• Documentation cleanup (e.g., legalization, inheritance documentation)
• Minor renovations or home staging for sale
• Closing of debts or existing mortgages prior to sale

9. Hidden Costs and Mistakes from Poor Planning

It’s not uncommon for buyers and sellers to start the transaction process without prior consultation with an agency or legal advisor. This often leads to:

• Delays in ownership registration
• Duplicate costs for translations or notarization
• Tax issues
• Unpleasant surprises at the final stage of the transaction

10. Maintenance of Common Building Areas

Buyers often forget that by purchasing an apartment, they also become co-owners of shared spaces like hallways, roofs, elevators, and yards.

In many buildings, a professional building manager handles maintenance, which comes with monthly fees of 500 to 2,000 RSD.

In newer residential complexes, these fees can be significantly higher due to added services like security, concierge, and landscaping.

Tips:

• Check whether the building has regular maintenance and what the monthly costs are.
• Ask if the previous owner has any outstanding debt towards the building fund or utilities—you might inherit it.

11. Costs Related to Property with Existing Mortgages

If the buyer is purchasing a property with an active mortgage, there will be additional steps and costs:

• Mortgage closure fees
• Land registry mortgage deletion fee
• Notary fees and declarations

For sellers, this means being completely transparent with the agent and potential buyers about any encumbrances. Failing to disclose this can delay or jeopardize the sale.

📌 Final Thoughts

Additional costs when buying property don’t have to come as a surprise if you’re well-prepared. It’s always wise to create a detailed financial plan and consult with professionals.

If you’re a buyer, make sure you understand every tax and fee involved. If you’re a seller, gather your documents early and take care of legal obligations in advance.

📞 Need Expert Support?

Our team can help you go through the process of buying or selling real estate without stress or hidden costs. Contact us for a free consultation at +381 65 825 82 02.