How to buy a house?

It can be an investment for generations. We pass a house on to our children, and it often passes to grandchildren. It may happen, however, that we want to change our place of residence at least once or twice. So how do we buy a house so that it suits our needs and lifestyle? How do we invest in a property so that we don't regret it?

Common mistakes

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments in life. It comes with considerable emotions, but, paradoxically, it is worth keeping them in check. There are many important factors that can affect our quality of life in a newly bought house.

It is understandable that we may feel rushed when buying a house. However, it is worth giving ourselves as much time for this decision as we can. This will allow us to check the property more thoroughly and make a decision that is better for our future. It is good to visit as many houses as we can. Perhaps the right property is waiting for us in a place we would never have suspected?

We should also pay attention to the surroundings in which the property we are interested in is located. Sometimes the house we are considering may seem the ideal choice. However, we should check, for example, whether it is surrounded by the kind of natural setting we would like to live in. It is also good to take an interest in the local community – neighbours can be pleasant company every day or make everyday life a real misery.

We must also check whether the house is encumbered with debt. We don't want to take out a bank loan prematurely, only to find out afterwards that our expenses will significantly exceed earlier estimates.

We should also find out what the local zoning plan (miejscowy plan zagospodarowania) looks like. Perhaps at the time of purchase we see an oasis of calm, and before long a disruptive transport junction will be built there.

The price of the house matters, of course, but not only because of our financial capabilities. If we want the house to serve the family for generations, it really is worth investing. However, if we allow for the possibility that one day we will change our place of residence, the most expensive property in the area may be difficult to sell later.

Formalities and details

There are several places where we can find out the current situation of the property we are interested in. We can check the local zoning plan at the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture of the city office or the relevant municipal office. We should remember the Land and Mortgage Register Division of the District Court. If the seller does not show us the land and mortgage register (księga wieczysta) themselves, we can look through it there in person and find out whether the house is encumbered with a mortgage or debt. At the Department of Civic Affairs of the city or municipal office we will find information on who is registered as resident at the house we are interested in.

Before making the purchase, the seller should provide us with the relevant documents. These are all the documents concerning the construction of the house, such as the building permit or the construction log. They must not forget the contracts with the companies that supply utilities to our future home. Also important are all the bills confirming that the seller has no arrears, for example in paying property tax.

It is worth considering signing a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna). This will give us certainty that, while we are arranging a loan or a notary appointment, the owner will not sell the house to other buyers.

All these formalities and details can also become less burdensome if we decide to get the help of an estate agency.