How to sell a flat: a complete guide

Preparing the flat for sale

First impressions matter enormously. Before you publish the listing, it pays to take care of tidiness, small repairs and a neutral interior. Cleaned-up, well-lit rooms and the removal of excess personal items help potential buyers imagine their own life in the space.

It is not about a costly renovation, but about inexpensive actions that raise perceived value: freshening up the walls, fixing a dripping tap, or tidying the balcony. Such details often decide whether an offer stands out from the competition.

Valuation and setting the asking price

Too high a price extends the sale, while too low means a loss. It pays to base the valuation on an analysis of prices of similar flats in the area, taking into account floor area, standard, floor and location. The real market value is the starting point for talks with buyers.

Asking price versus transaction price

The price in the listing usually differs from the final transaction amount, because buyers often negotiate. When setting the asking price, it pays to leave reasonable room for talks, while not deterring interested parties with an inflated starting amount.

Essential documents for the sale

Complete documentation speeds up the transaction and builds the buyer's trust. The basis is a document confirming legal title to the unit and the land and mortgage register number. The notary usually also requires certificates concerning the absence of arrears in charges and information on registered residents.

What to prepare in advance

It pays to gather in advance the basis of acquisition of the flat, a certificate from the cooperative or housing community, and in some cases a certificate from the office confirming certain tax matters. The sooner the documents are ready, the faster the sale can be finalised.

Publishing the listing and viewings

A good listing means a clear description, reliable information and attractive, bright photos showing the flat's real condition. It pays to state the floor area, number of rooms, floor, running costs and the most important advantages of the location. Transparency at this stage saves time at later viewings.

During showings, be flexible about timing and prepare the flat so it presents as well as possible. Answer questions to the point and keep at hand the documents that confirm the property's legal and technical condition.

Negotiations and the preliminary contract

When an interested buyer appears, negotiations over price and terms begin. It pays to know in advance your minimum acceptable amount and which elements - for example the handover date or leaving the furniture - are subject to agreement.

Once the terms are agreed, the parties often conclude a preliminary contract, especially when the buyer finances the purchase with a loan. This document sets out the price, deadlines and any deposit, securing both parties until the proper deed is signed.

Tax matters when selling

Selling a property may involve a tax obligation on the income from the paid disposal, if the sale takes place before a certain period from acquisition has elapsed. The rules do, however, provide for reliefs, for example tied to using the funds for one's own housing purposes.

Since situations vary, it pays to look into your obligations towards the tax office in advance or consult them with an adviser. Awareness of the tax consequences lets you avoid surprises after the transaction is completed.

Finalising at the notary

The final stage is signing the contract of sale in the form of a notarial deed. It is this document that transfers ownership to the buyer and forms the basis for entering the new owner into the land and mortgage register. The notary reads out the content of the deed, and after its acceptance the parties sign.

After signing, what remains is handing over the keys and settling any utilities and charges. It pays to draw up a handover protocol with the meter readings, to avoid disputes over obligations arising before and after the sale.

Summary: a smooth and safe flat sale

A successful flat sale is the result of good preparation at every stage - from taking care of the property's appearance and gathering documents, through a realistic valuation and effective promotion, to conscious negotiations and a safe finalisation at the notary. A seller who understands the successive steps and organises the formalities and tax matters in advance gains an advantage: they find a buyer faster and carry out the transaction calmly and on favourable terms.