Types of Apartments – What Should You Know Before Buying?

Buying an apartment is one of the most important decisions in life, so it's worth understanding the differences between the various types of property ownership. In Poland, we most often encounter three main forms: full ownership, cooperative tenancy rights, and cooperative ownership rights. Each comes with different rights, responsibilities, and formalities during the purchase process.

Full Ownership Apartment (Freehold)

This is a form in which the owner has full legal and physical ownership of the unit. Their name is entered in the land and mortgage register as the owner, and the apartment includes a share in the land and common parts of the building (e.g., staircase, elevator).

The purchase is made by a notarial deed and is relatively straightforward. It is essential to check the land and mortgage register, legal status of the property, and any mortgage encumbrances.

Cooperative Ownership Right to an Apartment

This is a popular form of ownership, especially in older buildings. The holder is not the legal owner in the civil law sense but has the right to use the property, and this right can be transferred, inherited, or used as mortgage collateral.

The purchase of such an apartment is also done before a notary. However, in many cases, there may not be a land and mortgage register, which means one must be established (especially when buying with a mortgage). A certificate from the housing cooperative is also required.

Cooperative Tenancy Right to an Apartment

This is a form of tenancy in which the unit cannot be sold, and the right to use it belongs only to a member of the cooperative. The tenant is not the owner of the apartment and cannot sell it – it is only possible to convert the tenancy right into an ownership right or full ownership, which involves additional formalities and costs.

What Does the Apartment Purchase Process Look Like?

Regardless of the type of property right, each transaction requires:

verification of the legal status of the property,

review of documents (land and mortgage register, certificates from the housing cooperative or homeowner association),

preparation and signing of appropriate agreements before a notary,

notification of the transaction to relevant authorities and institutions (e.g., tax office, land and mortgage court).

Our Real Estate Office – Your Support at Every Stage

At our real estate office, we specialize in handling all types of apartments – both freehold and cooperative. We have experience in conducting complex transactions such as:

purchase of cooperative apartments without a land and mortgage register,

conversion of tenancy rights into ownership rights,

transactions involving banks and mortgage loans,

sale of apartments with debt or mortgage encumbrances.

We ensure legal safety, document accuracy, and customer comfort at every stage – from choosing an apartment to handing over the keys.

Contact us – we know the process and are happy to help!