Buying your first apartment is one of the biggest decisions in life. It's exciting, a bit stressful, and full of questions — where do I start, what should I check, how much will the entire process cost me? Whether you're a young couple just starting your shared story, a single person who wants their own space, or a family that has finally decided to take the step forward — this guide is for you.

At Hommex, we believe that buying an apartment should be simple and transparent. That's why we've prepared a detailed overview of the entire process — from the first check to keys in hand.

Step 1: Research and Property Verification

Before you sign anything, do a thorough check. Request a property deed from the Real Estate Cadastre Agency (AREC) — the document that shows you who the owner is, whether there are mortgages, encumbrances, or notes on the property. The property deed can be obtained electronically through the Cadastre portal in just one working day.

Check whether the apartment has proper building and occupancy permits — especially with new builds. If the apartment is in an older building, ask about the condition of the common areas, roof, and installations. On Hommex, every listing contains detailed information about the property, and with Hommex Chat you can directly contact the seller and ask questions before scheduling a viewing.

Step 2: Hire a Lawyer

This is not optional — it's mandatory. According to Macedonian law, the real estate purchase agreement must be prepared by a lawyer if the value exceeds €10,000. The lawyer will draft the agreement, verify the legal aspects, and protect you from unforeseen risks. Legal fees typically range from €500 to €1,000, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

Step 3: Preliminary Agreement and 10% Deposit

Once you agree on the price, a preliminary agreement is usually concluded with a deposit of approximately 10% of the total price. The preliminary agreement defines the terms, payment deadlines, and obligations of both parties. It gives you security that the apartment is "reserved" while the remaining formalities are completed.

Step 4: Tax Payment and Notary Certification

Before notary certification, the real estate transfer tax must be paid. For resale properties, it amounts to 2–4% of market value, depending on the municipality. For new builds, instead of transfer tax, 5% VAT is paid — a preferential rate that the Parliament extended until the end of 2028. Without this benefit, the rate would be 18%.

Then follows solemnization (notary certification) — both parties appear before a notary, who verifies identities, documents, and the legality of the agreement.

Step 5: Registration in the Cadastre — the Apartment Is Yours

The final step is the most important. The notary submits the application for registration of ownership with AREC. The right of ownership arises only upon registration in the Cadastre — without it, the purchase is not legally complete. This process takes from a few days to two weeks. In total, the entire procedure — from preliminary agreement to keys — realistically takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Mortgage Loan: What You Need to Know

Most first-time apartment buyers finance part of the purchase through a mortgage loan. In 2026, interest rates on housing loans in North Macedonia range around 3.5–4.5% annually — thanks to reductions by the National Bank, whose base rate as of December 2025 is 4.00%.

Banks typically require a down payment of 20 to 30% of the apartment's value. The repayment period is up to 30 years, and the monthly installment should not exceed 30–40% of your net income. Compare offers from multiple banks — Komercijalna banka, Stopanska banka, NLB Banka, Halkbank, and Sparkasse are among the most active.

Additional Costs You Must Not Forget

The apartment price is not the only cost. Plan a budget for transfer tax or VAT (2–5%), legal fees (€500–1,000), notary fee, Cadastre registration fee (around 0.1%), and agency commission (around 2%, usually paid by the seller). Total additional costs typically amount to 5–10% of the purchase price.

Advice from Hommex: Prepare Smartly

Make a priority list — location, square meters, floor, parking. Use Hommex's Smart Geolocation to search for apartments by exact location on the map and see nearby schools, parks, and shops. Enable Personalized Notifications to be the first to know when an apartment that matches your criteria appears.

Buying your first apartment doesn't have to be complicated. With the right preparation and the right platform, the entire process can be simple, clear, and even enjoyable.

Start your search on Hommex — because everyone deserves a home that matches their dreams. Buy and rent simply.