How to buy a property in Montenegro (Live in Montenegro)

We bought a Stone House in Montenegro after living a nomadic life for nearly 7 years. The sale was finalized and the title is in our name since November 2019. It was an adventure looking for the perfect house and location, but we did it! So will you, too! Read the steps below.

1. Look for a Property

The first step in how to buy a property in Montenegro is looking for one. You can check this article about 6 Popular Cities to Live for Expats so that you know where the best place is for you. Each city has its own charms; like Kotor has the Old Town and the Kotor Bay, Herceg Novi is near Croatia, Podgorica is the capital, Budva and Bar have amazing beaches.

You can find properties through a real estate agent or do it online. Here are also some websites you can check out:

• Patuljak.me
• – this is where locals posts directly but you need to translate this first
• Realitica – it’s quite easy to filter and choose properties
• Tender Oglasi– It’s not in English though, you need to translate this first
• Indomnio – A local website with many properties for sale by owner. English version available.
• Hercegnovi Nekretnine – Serbian language website with many local properties for sale.
• Re/Max – this is much more user-friendly

or you can use our website to find cheap properties that are usually below 100,000 Euro, details here.
After finding a property/ies you like, you can contact the seller or the property agent and view it. If you like one the best and feel that’s it’s the right one for you, proceed to the next step. Don’t do it if you have doubts, who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect place after 10 viewings!

2. Negotiate and Reserve the Property

Negotiate a final purchase price and the terms of payment for your seller and buyer, sometimes the Real Estate Agent will help you both. You should also know that you will be paying fees (notarial/lawyer, accountant) aside from the contract price so include this in your budget. You could also check the validity of the owner’s title and papers, there is an online database of land registry in Montenegro.

After that, you can place a deposit to have it reserved for you and off the market.

3. Find the right people to process your documents

You have already a real estate agent for your property; however, you also need a lawyer for the contract (especially if you are a foreigner), a certified translator (someone who knows Montenegrin and your language), and an accountant for taxes. There is a 3% purchase tax to be paid, Annual Property Taxes, and more; let your accountant handle it. The lawyer can check the property’s documents and title – if it’s clean, without complicated records, and etc.

For foreigners, there are some restrictions to buying a property in Montenegro. Most can buy through a registered company if there’s land involved, for apartments you can outright own it. You can do it on your own, but it’s a bit of a headache, so you can contact us for a team to help you.

4. Sign the Contract

A Sales and Purchase agreement is made by the lawyer or agents of each party. The buyer and seller signs both and this should be notarized. Notarial fees will depend on the amount of the property. A 3% to 6% title transfer tax should be paid 15 days after the contract has been signed.

5. Pay the Balance and the Taxes

Fully pay the remaining balance or according to the terms of your contract. If the seller already has the full payment, then your lawyer can register the transaction and processes the transfer of title.

6. Have the Title

Congratulations! You are now a proud owner of a property in Montenegro! This is just one step in getting a residence in this lovely country. You can also have your own company or migrate here with your family.

To buy a property in Montenegro is easy, especially if you have trustworthy people with you. The most complicated part is the first step in finding the perfect one for you. We have our dream house – the #StoneHowes which we will turn in to a Luxury Home Villa. Hopefully, you could do it too! If you are interested in buying one, please feel free to contact me as I will help you!