Buying and selling real estate in Serbia
In Serbia a property sale contract must be certified by a public notary, and ownership passes on registration in the real estate cadastre. Before you pay, a lawyer should check the title, encumbrances and the status of the building.
Checking the property before you buy
We check the extract from the real estate cadastre, the owner, mortgages and other encumbrances, and any notes on disputes. We also check whether the building has a use permit and whether the property is properly registered.
- Ownership and share of ownership
- Mortgages, liens and easements
- Notes on court disputes or enforcement
- Building and use permits
- Unpaid utility bills and taxes
Contract, payment and registration
The sale contract is certified by a public notary. The notary then sends it to the cadastre, which registers the buyer as owner.
Payment is usually made through bank accounts, often in instalments tied to the release of a mortgage or handover of the property.
Can foreigners buy property in Serbia?
Foreign individuals and companies can acquire apartments, houses and commercial premises in Serbia on the basis of reciprocity with their country. Special restrictions apply to agricultural land.
A foreign company that registers a Serbian DOO buys property as a Serbian legal entity.
Taxes and costs
Depending on the property, the transfer is subject either to the tax on transfer of absolute rights or to VAT. The new owner also pays annual property tax. We explain who pays what before you sign.
How we handle it
- Title checkWe obtain the cadastre extract and other records and report any risks.
- ContractWe draft or review the pre-contract and the sale contract.
- NotaryWe attend the certification at the public notary, in person or for you under a power of attorney.
- Payment and handoverWe follow the payment schedule and the handover of the property and keys.
- Registration and taxesWe follow the registration in the cadastre and the tax filing.
What to send us
- Passport or ID of the buyer or seller
- Cadastre extract or address of the property
- Previous ownership documents (contract, inheritance decision)
- Building and use permits, if available
- Power of attorney certified by a notary or consulate, if you are not present
- Serbian tax ID for foreigners (we can obtain it)
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Serbia?
Yes, if there is reciprocity between Serbia and the buyer's country. Most citizens of EU countries, the UK, the USA and many others can buy residential property. Agricultural land is subject to special rules.
Does the sale contract have to be signed before a notary?
Yes. A contract on the sale of real estate in Serbia must be certified by a public notary, otherwise it is not valid.
When do I become the owner?
Ownership passes when you are registered in the real estate cadastre. The notary sends the contract to the cadastre after certification.
Can I buy property in Serbia without coming in person?
Yes. You can give a power of attorney certified by a notary in your country with an apostille, or at a Serbian consulate. We then sign and complete the purchase on your behalf.
Who pays the tax when buying property in Serbia?
For resale property the tax on transfer of absolute rights applies, and the parties agree in the contract who pays it. For new builds bought from a developer, VAT is usually included in the price. We check which applies before you sign.
What should I check before paying a deposit?
Check who the registered owner is and whether there are mortgages, disputes or enforcement notes. A deposit should be paid under a written pre-contract that says what happens if the deal fails.
How are your fees set?
Fees follow the Serbian Attorney Tariff. You receive a written offer before work starts. Notary fees and taxes are paid separately.
Talk to a lawyer
Describe your case in a few sentences. We reply within 24 hours on working days and tell you whether and how we can help.
- srdjan@bogiceviclaw.com
- +381 65 678 4991
- Viber
- +381 63 104 9891