The cost of selling an apartment

The agent's commission

If you use an agent, the biggest cost is the commission, usually a percentage of the sale price and agreed in the contract. The fee should include pricing, marketing, viewings and negotiations.

Notary fee and state fee

The sale-purchase transaction is executed before a notary. The notary fee and the land register state fee depend on the transaction value and are regulated by law in Estonia. The notary fee is often split between buyer and seller — this is agreed.

Possible income tax

The sale of a home that was your own residence generally incurs no income tax. The sale of an investment property may create an income-tax liability on the gain. It is worth checking the exact situation.

Preparation costs

There may also be smaller costs to prepare the home for sale — cleaning, small repairs, an energy certificate or professional photos.

Example: how the costs add up

The biggest item is usually the agent's commission (a percentage of the sale price) — on a €150,000 flat, a 2% commission is €3,000. The notary fee and the land-register state fee are tied to the transaction value and modest next to the commission; the notary gives the exact figure. The seller usually pays no income tax (generally not on your own home).

Rule of thumb: budget the largest sum for the commission and a smaller one for executing the deal, and ask the notary for a cost estimate before the transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays the notary fee — buyer or seller?

It is agreed between the parties; the notary fee is often split in half. The state fee is usually paid by the buyer.

How large is the agent's commission?

The commission is agreed with the agent and is usually a percentage of the sale price. Ask several agents for a proposal and compare.