Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Property taxes in Montenegro: what home buyers need to know

Montenegro is one of the most affordable countries in Europe in terms of real estate prices and one of the easiest in terms of legal formalities for foreigners. In recent years, it has become particularly popular among citizens of the CIS and EU countries due to its mild climate, sea, prospects for price growth, and loyal tax policy. However, when buying an apartment or house, it is important to understand what taxes and fees you will have to pay.

Main taxes when buying real estate in Montenegro

  1. Property transfer tax (Porez na promet nepokretnosti)
  2. This is the main tax paid by buyers of real estate on the secondary market.

Rate: 3% of the market value of the property as determined by the tax authorities (not always the same as the price in the contract).

The tax is paid once, within 15 days after the conclusion of the agreement and submission of documents to the tax office.

  1. VAT (PDV, porez na dodatu vrijednost) — when buying from a developer
  2. If you buy a new building from a developer, VAT applies:

Rate: 21%, already included in the contract price.

In this case, the property transfer tax (3%) is not levied.

Property ownership tax

  1. Annual property tax (Porez na nepokretnosti)
  2. This tax is paid by the owner of the property, regardless of citizenship and place of residence.

The rate is set by municipalities and usually ranges from 0.1% to 1% of the cadastral value (depending on the location, type, and condition of the property).

For example:

Apartment in Budva or Kotor — approximately 0.25–0.5%

Properties on the coast and in tourist areas are taxed at a higher rate

The tax is paid once a year, usually by the end of March.

Important: a penalty is charged for late payment.

Additional costs

  1. Notary
  2. The cost of notary services is approximately 0.5–1% of the transaction amount, but may be negotiated separately.
  3. Cadastral and registration services
  4. State fees for registration in the cadastre and transfer of rights — from €20 to €100, depending on the municipality.
  5. Legal support
  6. Lawyer services (not mandatory, but recommended) — from €500 to €1,500 depending on the complexity of the transaction.

Renting real estate: taxes for the owner

If the property is rented out, the owner is obliged to:

Obtain a short-term rental permit from the municipality.

Keep a register of guests and pay tax:

Fixed tax on rental income — 9%.

Plus tourist tax per guest — approximately €1 per night.

From 2024, compliance with these requirements will be actively monitored (introduction of electronic accounting systems).

Example

Apartment in Budva for €150,000, purchased from a private individual:

Property transfer tax: 3% = €4,500

Annual property tax (0.4%): €600

Notary + registration fees: ~€1,000

In case of rental: income tax — 9% of profit

Montenegro offers a relatively simple and predictable tax system for real estate. One-time tax on purchase — 3% or 21% (for new construction), annual tax — low. Rental income is taxed at a moderate rate but requires compliance with formalities.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/property-taxes-in-montenegro-what-buyers-need-to-know/

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Real estate taxes in Netherlands: overview from Relocation

The Netherlands is one of the most stable and attractive countries in Europe for real estate investments. Transparent legislation, developed market, high demand for rentals make this country interesting for both private owners and investors. However, before buying an apartment or house, it is important to understand what taxes you will have to face – both when buying and during further ownership.
The main taxes when buying real estate in the Netherlands
1. Transfer Tax (Overdrachtsbelasting)
This is the main one-time tax when buying a property on the secondary market.
Standard rate: 10.4% of the purchase price (effective January 1, 2023).
For homes purchased for own residence: 2% rate.
For buyers under the age of 35 (first-time buyers of a home up to €510,000): the rate can be 0% (exemption if all conditions are met).
Please note: if you buy a property to rent out, even as a private individual, the 10.4% rate applies.
2. VAT (BTW).
VAT only applies when you buy a new property from a property developer.
Rate: 21% of the value of the property.
In case of purchase with VAT, no transfer tax (Overdrachtsbelasting) is charged.
Annual property taxes
1. Municipal property tax (Onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB)
This tax is paid by all property owners (both natural and legal persons).
It is based on the assessed value of the property (WOZ-waarde), which is determined annually by the municipality.
The rate varies depending on the city, usually from 0.035% to 0.12%.
For example, if the WOZ-value of a house is €400,000, the tax could be between €140 and €480 per year.
2- Waterschapsbelasting – tax on water management
The Netherlands is a country with an active water infrastructure, so there is a special tax:
It is paid by all property owners.
The amount depends on the region and the type of property, but is usually between €100 and €400 per year.
3- Local charges: garbage, sewage, etc.
The property owner also pays a number of local fees that vary by municipality:
Waste disposal (afvalstoffenheffing)
Sewerage fee (rioolheffing)
Charges for public services
Together these can amount to €300-€700 per year.
Taxes on rental property
In the Netherlands, rental income is taxed according to a tax ‘box’:
In most cases, unless you are a professional landlord, the property falls into Box 3 (capital tax).
Income is not directly taxed, but the condition of the assets (including the market value of the property) is taxed.
The effective rate is between 1.2% and 1.71% of net worth (after deducting debts).
Example
Purchase of an apartment in Amsterdam for €450,000 for own residence:
Property transfer tax (2%): €9,000
Municipal tax (approx. 0.1% of WOZ): approx. €450 per year
Garbage and sewerage fees: €500 per year
Waterschapsbelasting: €200 per year
Total annual taxes and fees: about €1,150
Buying property in the Netherlands requires a good understanding of the tax system. The main one-off tax is 2% or 10.4%, depending on the purpose of the purchase. This is followed by annual local and water charges, as well as taxation in the case of renting. To properly evaluate an investment, it is important to consider not only the purchase price but also the long-term fiscal obligations. In case of doubt, it is advisable to consult a local tax advisor or notary.

 

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Real estate taxes in Croatia in 2025 – analysis by Relocation

Croatia is a popular country for investing in real estate on the Adriatic coast. However, before buying an apartment or a house, you should consider not only the cost of the property itself, but also purchase taxes, registration fees, and annual maintenance.

Real estate purchase tax

Rate: 3% of the appraised value determined by the local tax authority.

Who pays: the buyer.

When it is paid: within 30 days after receiving the tax notice.

If the purchase is made from a construction company (new construction with VAT), the tax is not paid, and instead, the price includes 25% VAT.

Example: Buying a second-hand apartment for €200,000 → tax = €6,000.

Registration costs

Notary: €200-800 depending on the complexity of the transaction.

Lawyer (optional): 0.5-1.5 % of the property value.

Registration in the land cadastre (Ured za katastar): €40-60.

Translation of documents (if non-resident): €50-150.

Annual real estate tax (from 2025)

Starting from January 1, 2025, a new tax on residential real estate is in force in Croatia, replacing the “resort tax”.

Who has to pay?

Owners of second properties, vacant housing, or properties that are rented out for short-term (less than 10 months).

Does not apply to housing that:

is the primary place of residence;

is rented out for a long-term lease (10+ months per year);

is used for agricultural purposes, or is recognized as unfit for human habitation.

The rate is determined by the municipality:

from €0.60 to €8/m² per year.

In the absence of a decision, the minimum rate of €0.60/m² is automatically applied.

Example: 70 m² apartment in Split → €2/m² → €140/year

Utility costs

Utility fee (kommunalna naknada):

~ €0.3-0.6/m²/month;

Depends on the city, district, type of facility.

Garbage collection fee:

€10-25/month.

Water + sewerage:

€1,5-2,5/м³.

Electricity:

The average bill for an apartment is €40-60/month (in the off-season).

Internet, TV:

€25-35/month.

Tax on rental income

If the property is rented out:

Fixed tax + tourist tax (~€300-500/year).

Additionally: annual registration of the property as a tourist facility (categorization).

It may be necessary to register as an individual entrepreneur (mandatory for incomes above €40,000/year).

Capital gains tax (on sale)

If you sell the property less than 2 years after purchase → 10% tax on the profit.

After 2 years – tax exemption (provided that it is not a commercial activity).

Real estate in Croatia remains attractive to investors and buyers from the EU, Ukraine and other countries. But since 2025, maintenance has become more expensive due to a new annual tax. When buying, it is worth considering both the initial costs (up to 4-5% in addition to the price) and the annual costs (from €500+ depending on the area and use).

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/podatki-na-neruhomist-u-horvatiyi-u-2025-rotsi-analiz-vid-relocation/

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Property taxes in Italy – analysis by Relocation

Italy is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for buying real estate. Its favorable climate, rich history, developed infrastructure, and high standard of living attract both investors and those looking for a second home on the coast or in a picturesque village. But before buying, it is important to understand the tax system: in Italy, property taxes depend on many factors, from the location of the property to the status of the owner.

Main property taxes in Italy

The Italian tax system for real estate includes both one-time taxes on purchase and annual taxes on ownership.

IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica) — municipal property tax

  1. This is the main annual tax for owners of second homes and for foreigners who are not registered as permanent residents. If the property is the only home in which the owner permanently resides, IMU is not levied.

The IMU rate is set by local authorities and ranges from 0.46% to 1.06% of the cadastral value of the property.

The basis for calculation is the cadastral value (rendita catastale) multiplied by an adjustment coefficient (usually 160 or 168), after which the rate is applied.

  1. TARI (Tassa sui Rifiuti) — garbage collection tax
  2. This tax is paid by the person who actually lives in the property, regardless of ownership. The amount depends on the size of the property and the number of residents. On average, it ranges from €200 to €500 per year.
  3. TASI (Tributo per i Servizi Indivisibili) — abolished in 2020
  4. Previously supplemented the IMU tax and was used to pay for local services such as lighting and roads. Since 2020, its functions have been included in the IMU.
  5. Taxes when buying real estate
  6. The amount of tax depends on the seller (individual or legal entity) and whether the property will be the main place of residence:

When buying from a private individual:

2% of the cadastral value — if it is the primary residence for a resident buyer.

9% — if it is a secondary or investment property.

When buying from a developer:

10% VAT, plus fixed registration fees (€200 each).

Cadastral and mortgage fees are also payable — €50 each.

Special features for non-residents

Foreigners are free to buy real estate in Italy. However, there are several important nuances:

If you are not registered as a resident, IMU tax is levied even on a single property.

Property status is determined not by citizenship, but by registration with the municipality (residenza anagrafica).

If the property is rented out, the rental income is subject to mandatory declaration and taxation:

under the simplified cedolare secca scheme — 21%,

or at a progressive income tax rate: from 23% to 43%.

Calculation examples

An apartment in Rome purchased by a German citizen for vacation purposes:

Cadastral value: €80,000

IMU at a rate of 1%: approximately €1,280 per year

House in Tuscany, rented out:

IMU + TARI: from €1,500 to €2,000 per year

Plus tax on rental income: 21% or according to the scale.

Conclusion

The Italian tax system for real estate requires attention and calculations. The main annual expenses are IMU and TARI, and when purchasing, there are significant one-time fees. In the case of rental or resale, there are additional taxes on income. Therefore, before signing a contract, it is recommended to consult with an Italian lawyer or accountant to avoid surprises and fines.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/property-taxes-in-italy-analysis-by-relocation/

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Property taxes in Serbia: what homeowners need to know

Buying real estate in Serbia is not only a profitable investment, but also an obligation to pay annual property tax. All property owners, both Serbian citizens and foreigners, must pay this tax, regardless of whether the property is used or not.

Payment schedule

Property tax in Serbia is paid quarterly:

  • I quarter – by February 14
  • II quarter – by May 15
  • III quarter – by August 14
  • IV quarter – by November 14

Important: in case of late payment, a penalty of 16.5% per annum is charged, and in case of systematic evasion, penalties are possible.

How to pay tax for the first time?

For non-residents of Serbia, the procedure begins with a personal visit to the tax office. Notifications are not sent to foreigners automatically.

You must provide:

  • Purchase agreement
  • Residence permit (if available)
  • Foreigners’ registration number (Ev. broj)

If there are several owners

Documents must be submitted simultaneously by all co-owners. The tax is calculated based on the shares:

  • If the shares are specified in the agreement, the tax is divided proportionally.

If the shares are not specified, the amount is divided equally.

Property tax rates in Serbia (2025)

The tax is calculated based on the estimated value of the property and is divided into several categories:

  • Up to 10 million dinars (~€85,000) – rate of 0.4%.
  • From 10 to 25 million dinars – 40,000 dinars + 0.6% on the amount exceeding 10 million.
  • From 25 to 50 million dinars – 130,000 dinars + 1% on the amount exceeding 25 million dinars.
  • Over 50 million dinars – 380,000 dinars + 2% on the amount exceeding 50 million dinars

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1036

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Real estate market review in May 2025: data from DIM.RIA

The DIM.RIA marketplace for verified real estate analyzed

the situation on the primary, secondary, and rental housing markets in Ukraine in May

2025. The report presents the dynamics of prices, supply, and demand compared

to April 2025 and May last year.

Primary market

Supply

In May, the share of operating sales departments for new buildings

remained unchanged at 77%. During the month, four new buildings

(5 sections) were commissioned during the month: two in the Lviv region, one in the Kyiv region, and one in the Zakarpattia region.

The highest share of completed projects among all new buildings was recorded in the Rivne

(62%), Zaporizhzhia (56%), and Odesa (54%) regions.

Prices

Prices in the primary market in most regions are showing

growth. The highest price increases were recorded in the Chernihiv (+8%),

Zhytomyr (+8%), and Kyiv (+6%) regions. Only Kirovohrad showed

a decrease, averaging 5%. Kyiv remains the most expensive city, with an average

price of $1,409/m². The cheapest new buildings are in the frontline regions: Zaporizhzhia,

Sumy, and Mykolaiv.

Demand

The most noticeable growth in interest in new buildings

was observed in the Ternopil region (+22% compared to April). At the same time,

a significant decrease in demand was recorded in the Sumy (-25%) and Dnipropetrovsk

(-17%) regions.

Secondary market

Supply

The largest number of advertisements for the sale of secondary housing in

in May came from the Volyn, Rivne, and Mykolaiv regions.

Prices

According to the DIM.RIA marketplace, during May, the average

cost of one-room apartments continued to grow in most regions of Ukraine.

The largest increase was recorded in the Kherson region (+16%), although it remains

the cheapest for this type of housing.

The most expensive housing is in the capital: the cost of a one-room

apartment in Kyiv reaches $92,400. In terms of districts, Pechersky remains

the most expensive (almost $132,000), and Desniansky is the most affordable ($45,000).

Demand

In May, users were most actively searching for secondary

real estate in the Khmelnytskyi, Odesa, and Volyn regions.

The ratio of the number of purchase listings to the number of

responses to them in May in Kyiv was 1:3, with only the Odesa region having a lower ratio —

1:2. In the Vinnytsia region, it was 1:18, in the Ternopil region — 1:16, and

in the Mykolaiv region — 1:15.

Rental market

Supply

According to DIM.RIA analysts, the rental market was

unstable in May. The largest number of new listings appeared in the Chernivtsi (+35%) and

Zakarpattia (+29%) regions. In contrast, in Kirovohrad, the number of

offers decreased by 40%. In Kyiv, the decline was 22% compared to April.

Prices

Kyiv remains the most expensive city for rent:

the average cost in May was 18,200 UAH, which is 4% more than in

April. The most expensive apartments are in the Pecherskyi district — 26,300 UAH, and the cheapest are

in the Desnianskyi district (10,900 UAH).

In most regions, rental prices changed by

a few percent, with the exceptions of Zakarpattia and Ternopil regions (an increase of

11%), Cherkasy (-11%) and Chernihiv (-15%).

Demand

In May, users were actively looking for rental housing:

according to data from the DIM.RIA analytical center, interest was observed in almost

in all regions of Ukraine. The ratio of rental ads to

responses in May in Kyiv was 1:6, while in most

regions these figures differed several times over.

The full analytical

report and high-quality images are available at the link!

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