On top of the purchase price, allow for about 5–7% in additional costs: real estate transfer tax (3%), the agency fee and official charges.
Real estate transfer tax – 3%
- Paid by the buyer, on the market value of the property at the time of acquisition.
- Not payable when VAT applies to the purchase: a new build sold by a VAT-registered seller before first occupation (or within two years of it), and building land from a VAT-registered seller. In that case 25% VAT is included in the price.
- The tax is paid within 15 days of receiving the Tax Administration's assessment.
Example: a €300,000 apartment (resale, private seller)
| Item | Amount (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment price | 300,000 | |
| Real estate transfer tax (3%) | 9,000 | assessed by the Tax Administration |
| Agency fee for the buyer (2%) | 6,000 | per our price list, only with a brokerage agreement with the buyer |
| VAT on the fee (25%) | 1,500 | the agency is VAT-registered |
| Notary and land registry entry | approx. €100–200 | signature certification, registration fee |
| Total on top of the price | 16,500 + notary | about 5.5% of the price |
Annual ownership costs. After the purchase you pay the municipal utility fee and running costs. For a property you do not live in permanently (holiday home, empty apartment, tourist rental), an annual property tax applies. In Novalja it is €5.00 per m² of usable area per year (City Council decision of 18 February 2025); for a 70 m² apartment that is €350. It is paid by the owner registered on 31 March and does not apply to a property where the owner has permanent residence and lives, or to a property under a long-term lease (at least 10 months a year, with a registered contract). The amount varies from one municipality to another.
This overview is for information only and does not replace advice from a tax adviser.