Who pays the agency — buyer or seller?

The commission is paid by the party that signed the brokerage agreement with the agency. When mediating for the seller, the seller most often pays, while the buyer may pay if they engaged the agency to find a property or if otherwise agreed.

Is tax paid on the full price?

Tax is most often calculated on the agreed price, but the tax authority may use market value if it assesses the agreed price is below market. If the transaction is subject to VAT, transfer tax on absolute rights is not paid.

How much does appraisal for a loan cost?

It depends on the bank, appraiser, property type, and location. The exact amount should be checked with the bank before submitting a loan application.

Are there hidden costs?

There may be costs the buyer does not plan in advance: building community debts, utility obligations, repairs, moving, furnishing, utility account transfers, bank, mortgage, insurance costs, or additional documentation. Before signing, check the apartment, building, documentation, and all agreed costs.

Does a first-time buyer get benefits?

A first-time buyer may be entitled to tax exemption for transfer tax or VAT refund for new construction if they meet the prescribed conditions. Before purchase, check the conditions, area eligible for the benefit, and required documentation.

Costs of Buying an Apartment in Serbia

Buying4 min read

Last updated: 12 June 2026

A complete overview of costs the buyer should plan when purchasing an apartment in Serbia — tax, VAT, notary, agency, bank, loan, mortgage, and additional expenses.

In short

Besides the apartment price, a buyer in Serbia should plan for notary costs, possible transfer tax on absolute rights or VAT, agency commission if agreed, bank costs if buying with a loan, property appraisal, insurance, mortgage, and moving or minor repair costs. Total additional costs depend on type of purchase, payment method, contract, and tax treatment.

Most common buyer costs

Purchase costs do not end with the sale price. Depending on whether you buy resale, new construction, from a developer, from an individual, or with a loan, additional costs may include tax, VAT, notary, bank, appraisal, mortgage, insurance, and agency commission if agreed.

Notary fees for solemnization of the sales contract
Transfer tax on absolute rights — 2.5% when the transaction is not subject to VAT and no exemption applies
VAT when buying new construction from a developer, if applicable
Agency commission if the buyer signed a brokerage agreement or it is otherwise agreed
Registration and related procedure costs, depending on the case
Translation or court interpreter costs if the buyer is a foreigner

Transfer tax or VAT

When buying resale or from an individual, transfer tax on absolute rights is most often relevant. When buying new construction from a developer, VAT is often relevant. If the transaction is subject to VAT, transfer tax on absolute rights is not paid. A first-time buyer may be entitled to tax exemption or VAT refund if they meet the prescribed conditions.

Who bears transfer tax

The seller is legally liable for transfer tax on absolute rights, but in practice the contract often provides that the buyer bears this cost. The sales contract should clearly state who pays the tax, by what deadline, and what happens if a tax exemption applies.

Costs when buying with a loan

If you buy with a housing loan, plan for bank costs, property appraisal, loan processing if the bank charges it, insurance, mortgage costs, pledge statement, and any additional notary actions. Exact costs depend on the bank, loan type, down payment, property status, and conditions the bank applies.

Additional costs after purchase

The buyer should also plan for moving, furnishing, minor repairs, utility account transfers, building maintenance, possible repainting, furniture, and initial investments. For older apartments it is useful to check installations, heating, windows, moisture, and building condition before purchase.

Buyer budget — what to plan for

Check whether transfer tax or VAT applies
Check eligibility for first-apartment exemption or VAT refund if applicable
Check approximate notary certification costs with the notary
Check whether you pay agency commission and what is included
If buying with a loan, ask the bank for a full list of costs
Plan for appraisal, mortgage, insurance, and possible bank fees
Plan deposit/earnest money and payment method to the seller
Set aside reserve for moving, repairs, and furnishing

Frequently asked questions

LIVION Tim

Real estate agency, Serbia

Related guides

Plan your purchase without surprises

LIVION helps buyers understand the price, tax, notary, bank, and all additional costs before signing the contract.

Buyer consultation