Slovakia — Property: Buying Process

Key facts

• The purchase contract must be in writing and identify the property, price and both parties; the page recommends a lawyer to draft it, or a notary can draw up a notarial record.
• Ownership passes only on registration in the Real Estate Cadastre, filed with the Cadastral department of the District Office where the property is located.
• The standard registration decision takes 30 days, 20 days for a lawyer-authorised or notarised contract consistent with cadastre records, and 15 days for the expedited procedure.
• The fee is EUR 66 (EUR 33 filed electronically) regardless of price; the expedited procedure costs EUR 266 (EUR 133 electronically) and fees are not refunded if the application is rejected.
• A rejected application can be appealed to the same District Office within 30 days of delivery.
• Non-EU citizens also need their signature authenticated on the contract.

Steps

1. Step 1: Find a Property — Identify the property you wish to purchase through real estate agents or online platforms.
2. Step 2: Contract and Inspection — Sign a purchase contract and conduct a thorough inspection of the property.
3. Step 3: Payment — Arrange for the payment of the purchase price, which can be done through bank transfer.
4. Step 4: Notarization — Have the purchase contract notarized by a notary public.
5. Step 5: Register Property — Submit all required documents to the land registry office to register the property in your name.