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Property in Estonia is about to soar according to some market watchers.

The procedure for buying property is relatively simple; however, a reputable real estate agent and an experienced property lawyer should be consulted.

The buying process begins with the selection of a particular property. If the buyer decides to proceed with the sale, a reservation agreement is usually drawn up between the buyer and the developer, which amounts to a preliminary contract, formally documenting the intended purchase and explaining the deposit amount and the final price payable on completion.

Compensation clauses should be included in the reservation agreement and the deposit amount, which is usually between 20% and 30% of the final purchase price, is payable once the agreement is signed. The reservation agreement, furthermore, does not need to be notarized and can be signed without any need for the buyer to visit Estonia.

When the property is complete or available, the buyer has a certain time period in which to inspect the property and notify the developer or seller of any outstanding problems.

If all standards are met, the final balance of the purchase price is transferable, payable to the notary, in time for the agreed completion or closing date. However, the buyer must attend the notary on the completion date to sign the purchase contact, and this contract is normally in Estonian. Translations can be arranged for a small fee.

After the completion of the purchase, the buyer must pay a stamp duty charge to the local authority before the purchase agreement is released to them. There are ongoing maintenance charges to be considered, but in the case of apartments, these are levied via the property management company responsible for the maintenance of the overall apartment block.

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