“Where to start?” That’s the most common question we hear. The apartment buying process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. That’s why we created this guide based on thousands of transactions we’ve conducted.
STEP 1: Determine your possibilities (2-4 weeks)
Before you start viewing apartments, you need to know what you can afford. Recently we helped a family that spent 3 months viewing apartments for 800,000 PLN, only to discover the bank would give them maximum 500,000 PLN loan. Frustration and wasted time. Go to a bank or credit advisor. Check creditworthiness. Add savings. That’s your real budget. Remember additional costs: notary (2%), PCC tax (2%), agency commission, moving. That’s another 5-7% of apartment price.
STEP 2: Specify what you’re looking for (1 week)
List of “must have” versus “nice to have”. Example of our recent clients:
- Must have: 2 rooms, balcony, up to 600k, good communication.
- Nice to have: parking space, elevator, basement.
Thanks to this we focused on 30 offers instead of 300. Time savings priceless.
STEP 3: Viewing apartments (2-8 weeks)
On average our clients view 8-12 apartments before decision. Advice: take photos, note impressions. After 5th apartment everything blurs together. Look not just at apartment but area. Visit at different times. That charming place near Kazimierz might be nightmare on Friday night.
STEP 4: Negotiations and preliminary agreement (1-2 weeks)
Found dream apartment? Time to negotiate. In June 2025 market favors buyers. On average we get clients 3-5% discount. Record? 12% on apartment that was on market 8 months. Preliminary agreement is security. You pay usually 10% of price. Check legal status, land registry, utility arrears. Here our help invaluable – we know what to look for.
STEP 5: Loan and valuation (3-6 weeks)
Bank will send appraiser. Pray they value apartment at transaction amount. If not – problem. You must add difference or renegotiate price. Documents for bank are separate story. Certificates, statements, tax returns… Prepare for bureaucracy.
STEP 6: Final agreement (1 day)
Big day! Notary, signatures, keys in hand. Emotions like at wedding. Remember cash for notary fee – paid cash or transfer day before.
STEP 7: Formalities after purchase (2-4 weeks)
PCC tax within 30 days. Meter transfers. Registration with administration. Insurance. List long but doable.
Typical mistakes we avoid for our clients:
Emotional decisions. “Love this view!” – great, but let’s check installation condition too.
No due diligence. Psycho neighbor? Planned construction under window? Can check earlier.
Time pressure. “Someone else viewing too!” – maybe yes, maybe no. Don’t get carried away.
Whole process? 2-4 months average. Record is 3 weeks (cash, express action). Longest? 8 months (complicated legal situation).
In our agency we guide client through entire process. From first meeting to keys. Because buying apartment isn’t transaction, it’s beginning of new chapter in life.
Eternel – Estate Agency
Address: al. Jana Pawła II 58, unit 2.1, Kraków
Phone: +48 577 707 032 (WhatsApp, Telegram)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://eternel.agency
📲 Telegram: @Eterneladmin