---
title: "Acquisition costs when buying property: What's included and what does it cost?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-01T07:15:04.293Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-01T07:15:04.315Z"
description: "Acquisition costs when buying property cover estate agent fees, registration fees, mortgage deed fees and legal review. Together 2–4 % of purchase price."
keywords: ["acquisition costs property purchase", "what is included in acquisition costs", "cost of buying property", "estate agent fees registration mortgage", "legal review purchase deed", "property inspection cost"]
categories: ["Guides", "Landlord"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/acquisition-costs-when-buying-property-what-s-included-and-what-does-it"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/b36b3fdf12b48dc7b459d3e60da7479cca0b199a.webp"
---

# Acquisition costs when buying property: What's included and what does it cost?

Acquisition costs when buying property consist of several items in addition to the purchase price. The most important are estate agent fees, registration fees (lagfart), mortgage deed fees (pantbrev), review of the purchase deed and any property inspection. Together these costs can amount to 2–4 per cent of the purchase price, depending on the type of property and the services you choose.

## What is included in acquisition costs when buying property?

Acquisition costs when buying property cover all expenses that arise when you purchase a property, but which are not part of the purchase price itself. The largest items are estate agent fees (typically 1–2 per cent), registration fees (lagfart, approximately 1.5 per cent of the purchase price), mortgage deed fees (pantbrev, approximately 0.5 per cent) and legal review of the purchase deed.

In addition to these, costs often include property inspection, buildings insurance, address change and any renovations or work identified during inspection. Many buyers also forget to budget for removal costs and possible renovations.

## Estate agent fees and intermediary charges

The estate agent typically charges 1–2 per cent of the purchase price as their fee. This is a negotiable cost — you can often discuss the percentage, particularly for larger properties. Some agents also offer package prices or reduced fees when buying and selling at the same time.

If you buy without an agent you save this cost entirely, but you must then handle marketing, viewings and negotiations yourself.

## Registration fees and mortgage deed fees — legal charges

Registration (lagfart) is the cost that arises when the property is registered in your name at Lantmäteriet (the Swedish Land Survey). The fee is approximately 1.5 per cent of the purchase price and is mandatory — you cannot avoid this expense.

A mortgage deed (pantbrev) is security for your lender and costs approximately 0.5 per cent of the loan amount. This fee goes to Lantmäteriet and is also mandatory if you finance the purchase with a loan.

## Review of purchase deed and legal advice

Most buyers engage a solicitor or legal consultant to review the purchase deed before signing. This service typically costs 3,000–8,000 kronor and is strongly recommended — a solicitor can identify hidden obligations or errors that could cost you significantly later.

As a buyer you should also have any easements, ground lease agreements or other entries in the property register reviewed.

## Property inspection and surveys

A professional property inspection of the house or flat costs between 3,000 and 10,000 kronor depending on the property's size and age. The inspection often reveals hidden damage or repair needs that can affect the price or your future expenses.

For older properties a separate inspection of electrics, plumbing and roof is often recommended.

## Insurance and other costs

Buildings insurance or tenant-owned flat insurance (bostadsrätt) is mandatory for most lenders and costs between 2,000 and 6,000 kronor per year depending on value and location. This cost begins before you move in.

Address change, setting up new contracts for electricity and water, and any renovations or work identified during inspection are also added to the acquisition costs.

## Comparison of typical acquisition costs

| Cost | Approximate share of purchase price | Example at 2 million kr | Note |
|------|-------------------------------------|------------------------|------|
| Estate agent fees | 1–2 % | 20,000–40,000 kr | Negotiable |
| Registration (lagfart) | 1.5 % | 30,000 kr | Mandatory |
| Mortgage deed (pantbrev) | 0.5 % | 10,000 kr | Mandatory if borrowing |
| Legal review | Fixed fee | 5,000 kr | Recommended |
| Property inspection | Fixed fee | 6,000 kr | Strongly recommended |
| Insurance (annual) | Variable | 3,000–5,000 kr | Mandatory |
| **Total** | **4–5 %** | **74,000–96,000 kr** | **First year** |

## Checklist for calculating your acquisition costs

1. **Get estate agent fees in writing** — ask the agent if the percentage is negotiable.
2. **Calculate registration fees** — approximately 1.5 per cent of the purchase price; contact Lantmäteriet for the exact amount.
3. **Calculate mortgage deed fees** — approximately 0.5 per cent of the loan amount.
4. **Book legal review** — engage a solicitor or legal consultant to review the purchase deed.
5. **Plan for inspection** — book an independent surveyor before the purchase is completed.
6. **Compare insurance options** — get quotes from at least two insurance companies.
7. **Count other expenses** — address change, electricity and water contracts, any repairs.
8. **Add a buffer** — budget an extra 10–15 per cent for unexpected costs.
9. **Check lender requirements** — some lenders require specific insurance or inspections.
10. **Draw up a budget** — add up all items and compare with your savings.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I negotiate estate agent fees?**
Yes, estate agent fees are negotiable. You can often get a discount, particularly for larger properties or if you use the same agent for both buying and selling. Always ask before signing any agreement.

**Is property inspection mandatory?**
Property inspection is not legally mandatory, but most lenders require it and it is strongly recommended to avoid hidden damage. An inspection can save you many thousands of kronor later.

**What happens if the inspection reveals damage?**
If the inspection reveals significant damage you can often renegotiate the purchase price or require the seller to remedy the damage before completion. You can also choose to withdraw from the purchase if the damage is extensive.

**Can I save on acquisition costs?**
You can save on estate agent fees by buying without an agent, but you must then handle marketing and negotiations yourself. You can also compare insurance and legal services to find better prices. Registration fees and mortgage deed fees cannot be avoided.

## Related articles

Read more about housing costs in [Cost of living in Stockholm 2026](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/navigate-housing-costs-stockholm-sweden) and [What does a one-bedroom flat cost in Gothenburg 2026](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-a-one-bedroom-flat-cost-in-gothenburg-in-2026). If you already own a property you can also read about [How are rental income from a house taxed](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/how-rental-income-from-a-villa-is-taxed) and [What is a reasonable return on a rental property](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-is-a-reasonable-return-on-a-rental-property).

*This text is general information and does not replace legal or financial advice. Always consult a solicitor or financial adviser before completing a property purchase.*