Buy an Apartment in Estonia: 2025 Buyer’s Guide

Looking for a straightforward way to buy property in Estonia? Whether you’re hunting for a cozy studio in Tallinn or planning to relocate your family to Tartu, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—current prices, legal steps, taxes, and where to find the best deals. Use it alongside our live Estonia property listings to turn research into action.

Why Buy Property in Estonia in 2025?

• Steady capital growth. National house-price indices climbed ≈ 7.8 % YoY as of March 2025; Tallinn apartments alone rose 3–7 % in 2024 and are forecast to keep the same pace this year.

• Digital convenience. Estonia’s e-Governance lets buyers complete most paperwork online; over 30 % of deals are already fully digital.

• Foreign-investor friendly. Non-residents face no extra stamp duties, and e-Residency makes bank-account opening simpler.

• High rental demand. Tallinn’s vacancy rate remains low, and rents rose 5 %+ in 2024—a solid hedge if you plan to let your unit.

Best Places to Buy

City / District	Avg. price (€/m²)	Buyer profile	Quick link
Central Tallinn	~ 4 000	Professionals & expats	Tallinn Apartments
Tartu Centre	~ 2 800	Students, tech workers	Tartu Listings
Pärnu Beach Area	~ 2 500	Holiday-home seekers	Pärnu Homes
Loksa & Coastal Harju	< 1 800	Budget buyers, retirees	Northern Coast Homes

(Source: Investropa market snapshots, Q1 2025) 

Step-by-Step Buying Process

1. Set your budget. Banks finance up to 80 % LTV for residents, 60 - 70 % for foreigners.

2. Get mortgage pre-approval. Compare Swedbank, LHV, and Coop Pank rates; ask us for an English-speaking broker.

3. Short-list properties. Filter by district and price on our property hub. Use keywords like “korter ost Tallinna” to surface hidden Estonian-language gems.

4. Make a written offer (non-binding) and agree on a reservation fee (1 %-2 %).

5. Due-diligence & valuation. We liaise with a licensed valuer and verify land-registry data.

6. Notary session. Sign the purchase contract (both parties must attend in person or via Power of Attorney).

7. Land Registry entry (takes 5-10 days). You receive the official ownership code once the State Fee is paid.

8. Key hand-over & utility transfer.

Timeline: 4-6 weeks end-to-end; as little as 2 weeks for cash buyers.

Costs & Taxes (Example: €200 000 Tallinn Flat)

Item	Rate	Est. cost
Notary fee	0.1 %–0.4 % (sliding)	€400-€800
State fee	0.25 %	€500
Bank valuation	Fixed	€200-€400
Brokerage (buyer)	0 % with Bryan Estates	—
Mortgage setup	~ €100	€100
Annual property tax	0 % (only land is taxed)	€0

Tip: Tallinn’s land-tax share is often rolled into monthly building-association charges; budget €0.30-€0.50 / m².

Financing Options for Foreigners

• Local banks – LHV and Swedbank accept salaried EU applicants; proof of income & 30 %-40 % deposit needed.

• Cross-border mortgages – Insignia & Hypothekarbank (Switzerland) lend from €250 k+.

• Developer instalment plans – 10 % down now, balance on completion (common in new-builds).

• Cash purchase – enjoy faster closing and stronger negotiation leverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy property in Estonia without living there?

Yes. There are no residency requirements; many investors buy remotely using e-Notary sessions.

Are there restrictions on short-term rentals (Airbnb)?

Tallinn requires a permit for stays under 30 days in residential zones. Bryan Estates can handle the application for a fee.

Is it better to buy in euros or convert my home currency?

Most sellers price in euros. Lock in exchange rates early via a multi-currency account (Wise, Revolut) to avoid FX swings.

Next Steps

1. Browse our up-to-the-minute apartments for sale in Tallinn.

2. Book a free 15-minute call with our bilingual agents.

3. Join the “Estonia Property Pulse” newsletter for monthly price updates and new-listing alerts.

Ready to buy apartment Estonia? Bryan Estates has closed 150+ deals for locals and foreigners alike—let’s secure yours next.