Guide: buying a flat in Świnoujście step by step
Buying an apartment is one of the most important decisions in life – whether you're looking for your first home, a holiday apartment, or a rental investment. Świnoujście, as a seaside city with growing popularity, attracts both private individuals and investors. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through the entire process of buying an apartment in Świnoujście – from idea to receiving the keys.
1. Define Your Needs and Budget
Before browsing listings:
Think about why you're buying the apartment – for personal use, rental, or as a capital investment.
Choose your preferred location – near the beach, in the city center, or in a quieter district?
Specify the size, number of rooms, floor level, balcony, parking space, etc.
Set your budget – don’t forget to include additional costs such as:
real estate agency commission (usually 2–3%)
notarial and court fees
PCC tax (2% – only on the secondary market)
any renovations or furnishings
2. Choose the Market – Primary or Secondary?
Primary Market (from a developer):
New buildings, often with modern standards
No PCC tax
Often the possibility to customize the interior
Secondary Market (from a private owner):
Possibility to move in immediately
Sometimes better location (e.g. city center)
Sometimes lower price per square meter
3. Use the Help of a Local Real Estate Agency
Working with an experienced agent in Świnoujście means:
Access to verified listings (including off-market offers),
Assistance with price and terms negotiations,
Document verification and transaction security,
Coordination with a notary, developer, or seller.
A good agency knows the local market, neighborhoods, and zoning plans – which can protect you from a poor decision.
4. Check the Legal Status of the Property
Before signing any agreement, make sure that:
the apartment has clear legal status (e.g., no debts or claims),
the seller has full rights to sell the property,
the property has a land and mortgage register (if possible).
For the primary market – check the developer in the KRS register, ask for an information prospectus, and inquire about the building permit.
5. Sign a Preliminary Agreement
You will usually sign one of the following:
A civil-law preliminary agreement – securing your intention to buy
Or a developer agreement – if you're buying from the primary market
The agreement should include:
parties’ details,
description of the property,
price and payment terms,
ownership transfer date.
6. Secure Financing (If You Need a Loan)
If you're using a mortgage loan:
Contact a mortgage advisor or your bank,
Prepare documents: proof of income, preliminary agreement, land register excerpt,
Submit your application and wait for the loan decision (usually 2–4 weeks).
7. Sign the Notarial Deed and Get the Keys
The final notarial deed is signed at the notary – this is when ownership is transferred. From that moment, you are the legal owner of the apartment.
After signing the deed:
submit a request to update the land and mortgage register,
transfer utilities (gas, electricity, water) to your name,
pay PCC tax (if buying on the secondary market),
collect the keys!
8. Congratulations – You Are Now a Property Owner in Świnoujście!
Now you can:
move into your new home,
start renting it to tourists,
or enjoy your own holiday apartment by the sea.
Summary – Buying an Apartment in Świnoujście Step by Step:
Define your needs and budget
Choose the type of market
Contact a local agent
Check the legal status of the property
Sign a preliminary agreement
Secure financing
Sign the notarial deed
Collect the keys and enjoy your purchase!