When people compare apartments in Kyiv, most look only at the asking price. In reality there are more costs at three stages: buying, getting the place ready, and holding it. Know them up front and you can plan properly.
Costs when you buy
| Cost | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| TerraX service fee | ₪25,000 + VAT | A flat fee, not a percentage of the price |
| Local lawyer & paperwork | $1,650 | Fixed per deal. Covers the power of attorney, notary and apostille, translations, a Ukrainian tax number, a Ukrainian bank account with a card delivered to Israel, and a SIM card |
| Ukrainian duties, fees and closing costs | Itemised up front | Depends on the deal, including the pension-fund levy where it applies, notary and registration. Exemptions are checked case by case |
The 1% you’ll sometimes hear about is usually the state pension-fund levy on property purchases. It isn’t a full equivalent of a purchase tax, and it doesn’t necessarily cover all the closing costs.
Note the difference between a flat fee and a percentage. With a percentage, the pricier the apartment, the more you pay for the same service. With a flat fee, you know the number in advance.
Getting the apartment ready
Most new-builds need finishing works and furniture before they can be let. The cost depends on the size of the unit and the finish level you choose.
Running costs
| Cost | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rental management | 10% of the rent | Paid to the management company, out of the rent |
| Insurance | Per policy, quoted in your offer | Basis, insurer, excess and exclusions. War damage only if a policy explicitly covers it |
| Local property tax & service charges | Per building, quoted in your offer | Varies by city and project |
| Tax on rental income in Ukraine | Checked against current law | Rental income is taxed in Ukraine; rates, levies and how they’re paid depend on the law in force and the owner’s status |
| Accountant at home | Agreed directly | If you want your filings handled |
The cost people forget: months without a tenant
Every month the apartment sits empty costs money, because property tax, service charges and insurance keep running. Build that into your plan.
The bottom line
Before you commit, ask anyone selling you an apartment for a written list of every cost: what their fee covers and what it doesn’t. Our service and fees
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice.