Buying property abroad is not necessarily the same as buying in the UK, there is other essential information you need to be aware of both before and during your property purchase.

• It is advisable to organise your mortgage finance before agreeing to purchase a property.

• It is of paramount importance to seek independent advice from an overseas solicitor.

• A Polish bank account will be required with the lender.

• You need to ensure that you will have full title to the property on completion and that you have the appropriate documents available for the lender, which will include a copy of the power of attorney if applicable.

• Non-Polish Nationals must obtain the permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Poland in order to buy a property.  This is a relatively simple process but needs to be carried out by a specialist solicitor.  This approval is usually valid for 6 months.  If this permission is not obtained in advance of the purchase the transaction will be void and all deposits will be lost.

• There are a number of areas where the buying of property by Foreign nationals is prohibited.  It is important that your independent legal representative carries out checks to make sure the property you are buying is not in one of the restricted zones.

• Legal fees and transfer taxes will amount to around 8% of the purchase price;however you chould check with the estate agent and your lawyer so that you are aware of all the costs charged by leagal and Government authorities.  The lender will also charge legal fees for assigning the loan.  The cost of this is normally confirmed when they issue the mortgage offer.

• The completion of a Polish mortgage takes place in front of an appointed Notary and all parties to the mortgage, the vendor, lawyers and a representative of the lender need to be present. However it may be possible for a power of attorney may be used to sign on your behalf for the mortgage and title deeds.
  
  
• The Notary will log the change of title at the property registry; however this registration can take up to 3 months.

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