What to do after buying a flat or house in Poland
Checklist for foreigners: from the notarial deed to meldunek, taxes and utilities
After purchase
After purchase
After the notarial deed: PCC within 14 days, land register entry, meldunek, utilities and czynsz. Practical steps for buyers in Poznań.
The notarial deed is not the end of the process
After signing the akt notarialny you receive keys, but you still need the entry in the land register (księga wieczysta, KW), PCC tax within 14 days, utility contracts and meldunek. Missing a step leads to fines, debts left in the seller’s name or problems with banks. Below is the order we follow with clients in Poznań after every sale.
Support after completion
Some steps are handled by the notary and court (wpis do KW), others by you (tax office, gmina office, energy providers). I track deadlines, check that old encumbrances are removed from the KW and explain where to go with translated documents. More on taxes: taxes and fees; documents before the deal: documents.
Timeline checklist
First weeks after the deed: action order
Deadlines are indicative; with a mortgage the bank runs some steps in parallel with the notary. Confirm dates in the handover protocol and contract.
Deed day: keys and handover protocol
Bring passport and PESEL if you have one. Sign the protokół przekazania with meter readings and key list. Photo the meters — you need them to transfer utilities. If a deposit stayed on a trust account, the notary pays the seller after ownership is registered.
01
PCC — 14 calendar days
On the secondary market the buyer pays PCC (civil law transaction tax) — 2% of the price in the deed. File form PCC-3 at the tax office for the property location or via e-Urząd Skarbowy. Late payment accrues interest. First-home exemption may apply — see the Taxes section (/dlya-inostrantsev/nalogi/).
02
Entry in the land register (KW)
The notary files for wpis własności at the district court — usually 2–6 weeks. Until then the seller may still appear as owner. Order an aktualny odpis KW on ekw.gov.pl — banks and the building manager need it. With a mortgage the bank registers the hipoteka at the same time.
03
Meldunek — address registration
Owners register meldunek na stałe at the gmina office (in Poznań — district office). You need passport, notarial deed and the application; PESEL helps. Required for residence card renewal, schools and some banking services. It is not the same as the KW entry.
04
Utilities and czynsz
Transfer electricity, gas and water contracts to your name. In a wspólnota or spółdzielnia submit a copy of the deed to the manager — they will bill czynsz to you. Ask in writing whether the previous owner had arrears.
05
Insurance and property tax
Home insurance is advisable; lenders often require it. Annual podatek od nieruchomości is assessed by the gmina once you appear as owner. Update your address at the bank and provide the KW excerpt to release mortgage tranches if applicable.
06
Have questions?
Get answers from a real estate expert in Poznan
Checks after the sale
Land register and ownership
The KW is public: owner, mortgage, easements. After purchase we verify the entry matches the deed.
Current KW excerpt
Download on ekw.gov.pl. Section II should list you. If the seller still appears a month after the deed, ask the notary about the application status.
Encumbrances and mortgage
Section IV shows the bank’s hipoteka. The seller’s old mortgage must be deleted before or during your purchase — we double-check after registration.
Cooperative ownership rights
Older blocks may show spółdzielcowe prawo instead of full ownership — legal regularisation may be needed; keep cooperative documents.
Copies for bank and offices
Keep PDF excerpts for the lender, insurer and your files — usually sufficient.
Buyer responsibilities
Taxes and payments after purchase
Summary only — not tax advice. Details on the taxes page.
PCC 2% — priority in the first two weeks
Based on the deed price; paid by the buyer. Keep the transfer confirmation. VAT applies only when buying from a developer, not on the resale market.
Annual property tax
The gmina sends a decision yearly. The first bill may arrive the year after purchase; you can report the acquisition at the office.
Notary and court fees
Usually paid at or right after the deed. Keep invoices — they count in your acquisition cost.
Czynsz and utilities
Monthly building charge plus energy and water by meter — budget roughly PLN 800–1500+ for a typical studio in Poznań depending on size and heating season.
Practical steps
Daily life: meldunek, media, building
After formalities — living in the property: address, bills, contact with the building manager.
Permanent vs temporary meldunek
Owners use meldunek na stałe. Tenants need your written consent for meldunek czasowy. Without registration, residence renewal and school enrolment are harder.
Power, gas, internet
Use meter numbers from the handover protocol. The seller should close old contracts. Check fibre availability with local providers.
Wspólnota and renovations
You vote on the renovation fund at owners’ meetings. The handover protocol limits claims for pre-sale defects.
Garage and storage
If bought separately — separate KW entry or use agreement. Confirm whether parking is included in czynsz.
What to avoid
Common mistakes after purchase
Frequent issues with foreign buyers in Poznań (2019–2025).
Missing the PCC deadline
Set a reminder on deed day — 14 days pass quickly if you travel.
Not transferring utilities
You pay for the flat but bills stay on the seller — disputes and disconnections follow. Call providers right after handover.
Ignoring wspólnota arrears
Ask for a certificate of no debt before the deed; check the first three invoices after purchase.
Confusing meldunek and ownership
KW proves ownership; meldunek is your registered address — you need both.
00+
Years of experience
About us
More about us
Helping you achieve your goals
Transparency, legal safety and guaranteed results for every client.
Transparency
Experienced consultant
Team of experts
Call
+48 732 533 481
Trust and guarantees
Realtor activity is insured
Languages spoken:
- English
- Italian
- Polish
- Belarusian
- Ukrainian
- Russian
Licensed realtor (No. 31933)
00+
5+ years of experience
About the agent
About Marina Buguk
Legal safety
I work with a team of real estate lawyers and a notary. We guarantee legal safety.
Efficiency and speed
I work proactively and stay fully focused - this saves you time and delivers results without delays.
Professional support
I easily build rapport with both sellers and buyers. Negotiations are calm and effective.
Responsibility for results
I handle the entire process: from preparation to key handover. I lead the transaction to a safe and beneficial result.
Mobility and convenience
I organize viewings quickly at a time convenient for you. I can pick you up - no need to worry about routes or logistics.
What our clients say
Client reviews
We couldn't find an apartment on our own. Marina is our fairy rescuer! I have never seen such efficiency. She considered all our wishes, and the communication was always pleasant. The apartment is amazing and at a great price. FOR BUYING A HOME - ONLY WITH YOU!
Maria
Property buyer, Poznan
The issue was solved quickly! Marina found an apartment exactly to my requests and criteria - just what I needed. The deal was handled correctly. The best impressions from communicating with such a charming person. I will recommend!
Oksana
Property buyer, Poznan
A very pleasant, communicative specialist. She found us a good apartment with a little garden. In Poland it is very hard to find a suitable apartment now, but Marina handled this task 100%. We are very satisfied!
Maria
Property buyer, Poznan
From the first minute you can see - a professional! She is focused on the client finding the right apartment. She clarifies all details and immediately sends a full catalog to choose from. Helps with the contract, organizes the meeting and signing. I will recommend to everyone!
Alexey
Property buyer, Poznan
My son entered university, but there was no dorm. Thanks to Marina, we avoided a fake contract and found a great studio with IKEA furniture. Marina showed patience and integrity at every stage.
Elena
Tenant, Poznan
Everything was done quickly and on schedule. Marina is a professional and a very pleasant woman. I will definitely recommend!
Vlad
Tenant, Poznan
In a short time we found and moved into a three-room apartment in a great district, with all wishes considered. All processes were transparent, and we felt constant support. We will definitely recommend to friends and family!
Svetlana
Tenant, Poznan
It was my first time renting, but thanks to Marina I quickly found the housing I needed. Quality service and full dedication. This will not be our last cooperation!
Dmitry
Tenant, Poznan
By the third day after we started searching, we already knew which apartment we would live in! Marina is always in touch, answers all questions and gives useful advice. She considered all wishes about interior and location.
Dmitry
Tenant, Poznan
Within 5 days after the request I already got the keys, including the notary! Everything was very fast. You dive into all nuances, help with documents and provide good offers at affordable prices. I recommend to everyone!
Yaroslav
Property buyer, Poznan
Patience and attention to every question. Working with Marina, you can be sure you will find housing. A wide selection for every taste. I will recommend to friends and acquaintances!
Vlad
Tenant, Poznan
High professionalism and excellent service. Everything was clear and fast. She found an apartment in a great location with good conditions. I confidently recommend!
Oksana
Tenant, Poznan
We found exactly what we wanted! Thank you for going with us to all apartment viewings, for the tips and professional work. Sincere thanks!
Olga
Tenant, Poznan
Every step was under control, as fast and easy as possible. Now my student is happy. Thanks to you, my mother's heart is calm.
Anna
Tenant, Poznan
Marina is not just a realtor. She is someone who hears, understands and finds solutions where it seems like a dead end. In three months she found the perfect house: cozy, with a garden and a green light for the cat. Her work is sincere involvement.
Darina
Property buyer, Poznan
FAQ
Questions about buying property
- 1. Passport or other identity document.
- 2. PESEL number (if you have one).
- 3. Residential address (for the contract).
- 4. Spouse consent if the property is bought in marriage (wspolnota majatkowa).
- 5. Mortgage documents (if buying with a loan):
- income statements,
- employment contract/umowa o prace or B2B,
- bank statements,
- credit history.
- 6. Bank account number from which payment will be made.
Yes, a foreigner can buy property in Poland, but the rules depend on citizenship and property type.
Short and clear:
Short and clear:
- 1. EU citizens
Can buy freely - apartments, houses, land, commercial. No permit required. - 2. Non-EU citizens (including Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Asia, etc.)
- Can buy without a permit:
- apartment (lokal mieszkalny) - always;
- garage if purchased together with an apartment.
- A permit from the Ministry of Interior (zezwolenie MSWiA) is required if a foreigner wants to buy:
- a house (dom jednorodzinny),
- a land plot,
- agricultural land,
- commercial property.
- Can buy without a permit:
PCC tax (Podatek od Czynnosci Cywilnoprawnych) - 2%. There are exceptions.
A notary is a mandatory participant in a property sale in Poland. The notary checks documents and certifies the contract.
Yes, many Polish banks provide mortgages to foreigners who have a residence permit and stable income.
We recommend working with a mortgage specialist from our company who works with foreigners, knows all nuances, and is focused on helping our clients obtain a loan.
We recommend working with a mortgage specialist from our company who works with foreigners, knows all nuances, and is focused on helping our clients obtain a loan.
Ksiega wieczysta is the land and mortgage register in Poland. It is the main document confirming ownership.
Typically from 2 weeks to 3 months: property search, document checks, mortgage process (if needed), and notary signing.
A preliminary purchase agreement that reserves the property and defines the terms of the main deal.
Property insurance is not mandatory, but recommended. Mortgage insurance is required if you take a loan.
Renovation is improving the condition of the property. Usually the buyer pays after purchase, but it can be negotiated with the seller.
After purchase
Recommended
Have questions?
