FAQ

1) Choose the property and check the documents (title deed from the cadastre, registration, encumbrances and mortgages). 2) Agree on the price and sign a preliminary contract with a deposit (usually 10%). 3) The main sale contract is certified by a public notary. 4) Payment and handover. 5) Registration of ownership in the cadastre (RGZ). Ivory Group handles the whole process — from document checks to the keys.

For resale properties there is a 2.5% transfer tax (by law the seller pays it, though contracts often agree otherwise). For the first sale of a new build, VAT applies instead and is included in the price. Add notary fees, cadastre registration and the agency commission, which is set in the brokerage agreement. First-time buyers may be exempt from the tax under conditions set by law.

Yes. Foreign citizens can buy an apartment or a house in Serbia on the basis of reciprocity — if Serbian citizens can buy property in their country. This applies, for example, to citizens of Russia, most European countries and many others. You need a passport and a tax identification number for individuals, issued by the Tax Administration. Agricultural land has special restrictions. An Ivory Group agent checks the conditions for your country and guides you through the process in English or Russian.

Ownership of real estate in Serbia is one of the legal grounds for granting a foreigner temporary residence. The application is submitted to the police (Ministry of Interior) with proof of ownership and other documents; the conditions are assessed case by case and may change, so we recommend checking with a lawyer. We are happy to connect you with a lawyer who works with foreigners.

It depends on the area: the most expensive are the central districts (Stari Grad, Vračar, Savski Venac and Belgrade Waterfront), while outer districts are more affordable. Current median asking prices per m² for every area, from owner listings we track daily, are published on the “Apartment prices — Belgrade” page, with a monthly overview on the blog.

Yes. Banks in Serbia offer mortgages, usually with a down payment (typically around 20% for Serbian residents; for foreigners banks often require more and additional conditions). The property must be registered in the cadastre for the mortgage to be recorded. We help with the bank valuation and the paperwork.

The commission is set in a written brokerage agreement before the first viewing and is paid only when the deal is closed — there are no upfront costs. The agent tells you the exact amount for your property at the start.

The most important thing is a realistic asking price: listings above the area median stay on the market longer and end up being reduced. Ivory Group gives a free valuation based on real prices in your area, prepares professional photos and offers the property to buyers in our database before it is published. You can see an estimate right away on the “What is my apartment worth?” page.

Usually: the title deed (proof of ownership from the cadastre), the contract or decision under which you acquired the apartment, an energy certificate for apartments, ID, and if needed proof that bills are paid. We check the documents before the first viewing so there are no surprises later.

Usually you pay the first month's rent and a deposit (most often equal to one month's rent), with a lease of at least 6–12 months. Before signing we check that the landlord is the owner and what is included in the price (utilities, parking). We also help foreigners — we explain the contract in English or Russian.

Our system tracks new owner listings on all major portals around the clock and alerts us within minutes — so our clients hear about good properties before others. We publish prices per m² for every area of Belgrade and Novi Sad openly. One agent guides you from the first call to the keys, and we work in Serbian, English and Russian.

Yes — the website, contracts and communication with the agent are available in Serbian, English and Russian. If you write to us in English or Russian, an agent will reply in that language.