Where Should You Start?

The first document you should carefully review after leaving the notary's office is the title deed (notarial deed transferring ownership). It contains all the details regarding the transfer of ownership and serves as the foundation for the remaining legal procedures. Keep this document in a safe place.

Your next step is to verify that the notary has submitted the application to register your ownership in the Land and Mortgage Register. In most cases, this is done automatically during the signing of the notarial deed, but it's worth confirming and keeping proof that the application was filed.

The registration process itself usually takes anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the workload of the relevant Land and Mortgage Register division.

If you financed your purchase with a mortgage, your bank will require additional documents once the mortgage has been officially registered. Contact your mortgage advisor to ensure that all requirements related to securing the loan have been completed in accordance with your mortgage agreement.

Formalities with the Local Authority and Tax Office

Your tax obligations depend on whether you purchased the apartment on the primary or secondary market.

For new-build apartments purchased from a developer, the purchase price already includes VAT, so you do not need to submit a PCC tax declaration.

When buying an apartment on the secondary market, you must submit a PCC-3 tax declaration to the tax office and pay Property Transfer Tax (PCC) equal to 2% of the property's value.

This must be done within 14 days of signing the purchase agreement.

In practice, the notary often collects the PCC tax and remits it on your behalf, but it's worth confirming whether this was done in your case.

Regardless of which market you purchased from, you must also submit the IN-1 property information form to your local city or municipal office to register the property for real estate tax purposes.

This form must also be submitted within 14 days of signing the notarial deed.

Detailed information about where to register your apartment purchase can be found on your local authority's website or by contacting its customer service office.

What Should You Do After Buying a New Apartment from a Developer?

Buying directly from a developer involves a slightly different process.

Before collecting your keys, you should carry out a technical inspection of the apartment and prepare a handover report.

Any defects or deficiencies should be recorded in the report, which officially initiates the developer's defect rectification procedure.

By purchasing an apartment from J.W. Construction, you benefit from a partnership approach—our specialists will guide you through every stage of the technical inspection and help ensure that all formalities are completed smoothly.

It's also worth checking which additional costs may arise after completing the purchase. For newly built apartments, these can include contributions to the building's maintenance fund or the initial costs of connecting and commissioning utilities.

After purchasing an apartment from a developer, you should also notify the homeowners' association or property management company.

You'll need to provide your details as the new owner and arrange the billing of maintenance and service charges.

Failing to do so may result in payment allocation issues.

Utility Transfers and Address Change

Transferring utility accounts into your name is one of the first tasks after collecting your keys.

If you've purchased a secondary market apartment, contact the electricity, gas, and water suppliers to transfer or sign new utility contracts.

For new-build apartments, you'll usually need to arrange entirely new utility contracts, as the property has not previously been occupied.

Before signing the handover report, record all utility meter readings, as these will form the basis of your first bills.

Changing your residential address also means updating your details with several institutions.

You should notify:

• Your municipal or city office (if registering your residence).
• Your bank and other financial institutions.
• Your employer and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
• The tax office.
• The National Health Fund (NFZ) and healthcare providers.
• Utility and service providers (internet, television, telephone).

Registering your residence at your new address is not legally mandatory, but it is recommended. It simplifies communication with public authorities and may be required when applying for certain public services or benefits.

The registration process is straightforward, free of charge, and can be completed either in person or online using a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany).

Insuring and Securing Your Apartment

Property insurance is mandatory if your apartment purchase was financed with a mortgage.

In all other cases, a bank cannot require you to purchase insurance, but doing so is strongly recommended.

A comprehensive policy protects your property against:

• Flooding.
• Fire.
• Burglary.
• Other unforeseen events.

The annual premium is typically modest compared with the value of the property.

If you've purchased an apartment on the secondary market, consider replacing the locks or lock cylinders.

You can never be certain how many copies of the keys were held by previous owners or tenants.

Replacing the locks is an inexpensive way to improve security and enjoy greater peace of mind from day one.

Key Post-Purchase Formalities in 2026

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after buying an apartment?

After purchasing an apartment, you should submit the IN-1 property information form, notify the homeowners' association or housing cooperative, transfer utility accounts into your name, and ensure your ownership is registered in the Land and Mortgage Register. If you purchased on the secondary market, you must also submit the PCC-3 tax declaration within 14 days of signing the notarial deed.

Do I need to report the purchase to the tax office?

Yes—but only if you purchased an apartment on the secondary market. In that case, you must submit the PCC-3 declaration and pay Property Transfer Tax amounting to 2% of the property's value. Purchases from developers on the primary market are exempt because VAT is already included in the purchase price.

Do I have to register my residence after buying an apartment?

Registering your residence is not legally required, but it is recommended. It makes dealing with public authorities easier and may be necessary for certain administrative procedures. You can register your residence in person at your local municipal office or online using your Trusted Profile.