Buying a property in Luxembourg: Guide for foreigners

How difficult is the property purchase process in Luxembourg?

Foreigners can freely buy property in Luxembourg.

The first step to purchasing property in Luxembourg is to make an offer. Once the seller has accepted, a sales agreement is drawn up to make the terms of the transaction binding to both parties.

Luxembourg traditional stone cottageContracts do not need to be in written form; oral contracts are acceptable. However, real estate transfers need to be registered in order to be legally enforceable and to protect the property from third parties. Since only certified deeds will be registered, the sale must be recorded in a notarial deed. The notary public bears the responsibility of presenting the deed at the mortgage registry. You will then be liable to pay registration taxes and other necessary government duties.

What are the buying and selling costs like in Luxembourg?

Transaction Costs

Who Pays?
Registration tax 6% buyer
Notary fees 1.5% buyer
Real Estate Agent´s Fee 3% (+ 17% VAT) seller
Transcript tax 1% buyer
Costs paid by buyer 8.5%
Costs paid by seller 3.57%
ROUNDTRIP TRANSACTION COSTS 12.07%
See Footnotes
Source: Global Property Guide


Footnotes to Transaction Costs Table


The round trip transaction costs include all costs of buying and then re-selling a property - lawyers´ fees, notaries´ fees, registration fees, taxes, agents´ fees, etc.

Registration tax:
Registration tax is levied at 6%, with an additional 1% transcript tax.

Notary Fees:
Notary fees are generally 1.5% of the property value.

Agent´s commission:
Real estate agent´s commission is generally fixed at 3% (plus 17% VAT).