Buying Property in Montenegro: Title, Due Diligence and Costs Step by Step (2026)

Buying property in Montenegro as a foreigner is transparent and safe when done in the right order. Foreigners can own apartments, houses and villas outright (freehold); agricultural/rural land may require buying via a DOO company. Steps: 1) choose region and property; 2) legal due diligence on the title (list nepokretnosti) — ownership, liens, permits and the occupancy certificate (the most critical step); 3) reservation and preliminary contract; 4) tax number (and company if used); 5) sale contract before a notary with bank payment; 6) title registration in the cadastre; 7) handover and residence application. Typical costs: 3% transfer tax on resales (or 21% VAT included on new builds), notary fees, legal ~1-2%, and agency commission. See our tax guide and Montenegro guide.