The Polish buying process may be quite different from what you know at home. Here's how it usually works — and where the risks are.
1. Check your borrowing capacity. Before you start viewing properties, find out how much you can realistically borrow and which banks will work with your situation. This saves time and protects you from falling in love with a home you can't finance.
2. Find a property and check its documents. Before you sign anything, the property's legal status should be checked: the land and mortgage register (Księga Wieczysta), the owner, any existing mortgages or debts. Problems here can lead to a bank refusal later.
3. Sign a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna). This agreement sets the price and the deadline for the final purchase. You usually pay a deposit at this stage. Whether it's a zadatek or a zaliczka makes a big difference if the deal falls through. [Ссылка на статью о задатке]
4. Apply for the mortgage. You submit your documents to the bank. The bank also orders a valuation of the property (operat szacunkowy).
5. Receive the credit decision. If the decision is positive, you review the loan offer and terms.
6. Sign the mortgage agreement. Make sure you understand every condition before you sign — the contract is in Polish.
7. Sign the final purchase deed at the notary (akt notarialny). This is when you officially become the owner. The bank transfers the money to the seller. If you don't speak Polish, a sworn translator must be present.
8. Receive the keys. After the purchase, the bank's mortgage is entered in the Księga Wieczysta.
Buying from a developer?
The process is different: instead of a preliminary agreement, you sign a developer agreement (umowa deweloperska), and payments are often made in stages as construction progresses.
Where foreigners need the most support
Steps 2 and 3 are where most of the risk is: signing too early, with a deposit at stake, before the property and the financing are checked.
As a former real estate agent and mortgage advisor, I help you through both — so you know what you're signing at every step.