What Does the Apartment Sale Process Look Like, Step by Step?
For many owners, selling an apartment is a process they go through only once every few years, or sometimes once every decade or more. It's no wonder it raises questions and uncertainty — how long it will take, what needs to be prepared, and at what stage the paperwork comes into play. Below, we show step by step what the entire journey looks like in practice, from the decision to sell to the new owner receiving the keys.
1. Free Property Valuation
The process begins with determining the real value of the apartment based on current transaction prices in the given area of Szczecin. A reliable valuation is the foundation of a well-prepared listing — too high a price scares buyers away, while too low a price means a loss for the seller.
2. Preparing the Apartment and Documentation
Alongside the valuation, it's worth gathering the documents needed for the sale — the land and mortgage register extract, certificates, and, if applicable, consent from co-owners — as well as tidying up the apartment itself before the photo session.
3. Preparing the Listing and Publishing the Ad
At this stage, a professional photo session and listing description are created, and the ad is published on the leading real estate portals as well as sent to our database of interested buyers. The wider and faster the distribution, the greater the chance of receiving the first inquiries within the very first week.
4. Viewings and Buyer Screening
The next stage involves organizing apartment viewings and an initial verification of interested parties — including their creditworthiness and genuine readiness to buy — which helps avoid visitors with no real purchasing plans.
5. Negotiations and Agreeing on Transaction Terms
Once a specific purchase offer appears, the stage of negotiating the price and sale terms begins — such as the handover date of the property and the settlement method. Well-conducted negotiations have a direct impact on the final amount the seller receives.
6. Preliminary Agreement
Once the terms are agreed, both parties sign a preliminary agreement, which specifies the price, the deadline for finalizing the transaction, and any deposit. This is the moment when both parties formally confirm their intent to complete the transaction.
7. Notarial Deed and Property Handover
The final stage is signing the notarial deed transferring ownership of the property and handing over the apartment to the new owner, along with meter readings and a handover protocol.
Why It's Worth Going Through This Process With Our Agency
We handle each of these seven stages comprehensively for our clients — from a free valuation within 48 hours, through screening buyers from our database, to full formal support all the way to the notarial deed. Thanks to 18 years of experience in the Szczecin market, we know at which stage delays most often occur, and we make sure the entire process runs smoothly. Until the end of the year, we offer sales with a transparent 2% commission, payable only after the transaction is finalized.
Summary
The apartment sale process — from valuation to the notarial deed — usually takes anywhere from a few to several weeks and consists of several clearly defined stages. Knowing this path helps you avoid unnecessary stress and better plan the entire process. Contact us to find out what the first step looks like in your case.