Buying property in Serbia: A guide for foreign buyers in 2025

Purchasing real estate in Serbia may seem complicated at first, especially if you are not familiar with local procedures. However, with the right support, the entire process is straightforward and can be completed quickly. Here are some tips from a leading Serbian real estate agency.

Steps in the buying process

1. Set your budget
   Decide how much you want to invest and in which location – Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Zlatibor, or another city.

2. Searching for and choosing the property
   You can find properties online, through agencies, or by recommendation. Buying through a licensed agency ensures verified documentation and security throughout the process. Check out the largest selection of online listings here.

3. Negotiating the price
   In Serbia, price negotiation is common. There is usually a difference between the listed and the final agreed price. Our agents can help achieve a fair deal for both parties, and their services are completely free of charge.

4. Verification of documents
   Before signing the contract, it is essential to check:

• ownership certificate (whether the seller is the legal owner)

• the legal basis of ownership (how the seller acquired the property)

• possible co-owners or encumbrances (e.g., disputes, mortgages)

• whether the property is registered in the cadastre and eligible for sale

If you are unfamiliar with this process, our agency will conduct this legal check on your behalf.

5. Signing the contract with a notary
   Once the price is agreed and all documents are checked and collected, a sales contract is prepared. It is signed and certified by a public notary.

6. Payment of the purchase price
   Payment is usually made by bank transfer to the seller's account. To do this, you must have an account with a Serbian bank. After receiving the funds, the seller provides a signed statement confirming full payment.

7. Registration in the Real Estate Cadastre
   After certification, the notary submits the contract directly to the Real Estate Cadastre, where the buyer is officially registered as the new owner.

Benefits of buying through an agency

• verified documentation 

• security that the property is legally transferable

• legal support in contract preparation

• our agency's services are completely free for people who buy and rent real estate, listed on City Expert

We hope this guide has given you a clear overview of the steps involved in purchasing property in Serbia. Owning real estate here is not only a valuable and secure investment, but it also comes with additional benefits – such as the possibility to apply for temporary residence, and eventually even citizenship.