A deal where the money and the keys change hands together
The riskiest moment of a deal isn't the signing, it's the payment. You handed over cash before signing, and the seller changed their mind. You signed, but the money hasn't arrived yet. That's why I work out the payment scheme together with the contract.
Taxes are a separate question. Who pays them, how much, whether you can legally pay less. You need to know the answers before you name a price.
What's included
- Checking the flat and the seller.
- Deposit and preliminary agreement, if needed.
- Reviewing the draft contract from the notary.
- Payment scheme: safe deposit box, letter of credit, notary's deposit account.
- Attending the deal at the notary.
- Following the registration of ownership in your name.
Stages of the deal
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Flat, seller, risks |
| Agreements | Price, deadline, who pays what |
| Deposit | Preliminary agreement at the notary |
| The deal | Sale agreement, payment |
| Registration | Ownership registered in your name |
Buying with a mortgage or as a foreigner
With a mortgage, the bank dictates some of the terms and its own payment scheme. I check that it doesn't contradict what you've agreed with the seller. A foreigner needs a Ukrainian tax number and an interpreter at the notary. If the purchase is tied to a move, see the immigration services.
How it works
Your part: the property you've chosen and your budget. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Civil Code of Ukraine: Chapter 54 (sale), Art. 657 (notarial form of real estate contracts); Law of Ukraine “On State Registration of Property Rights to Real Estate and Their Encumbrances”; Tax Code of Ukraine (taxation of real estate sales).
Frequently asked questions about support with buying a flat
How much does legal support with buying a flat cost?
From €150. Taxes, the notary and valuation are paid separately.
Do I need a lawyer if there's a notary?
A notary certifies the deal and doesn't represent your interests. A lawyer works for you: checks, negotiates, protects your money.
Who pays taxes when a flat is sold?
The seller pays income tax; the buyer usually pays the purchase levy. Who pays what exactly depends on the situation; we calculate it in advance.
Do you also support sellers?
Yes. A seller also needs the money to arrive and the deal not to be challenged.
A new build, a nice area, a fair price, the money ready. Before paying, we checked the land under the building: there were court disputes over the plot. The client didn't pay for a problem property.
How a land check protected a buyer →If you're buying in a new build, start with new-build due diligence. On the secondary market, start with checking the flat.