In short
- Compare the price with real deals, not with other listings.
- Check in the Land Register (Zemesgrāmata) that the seller owns the flat and there are no restrictions.
- Find out the building series, heating costs and any planned renovation.
- At the viewing, look for damp, cracks and old wiring.
Price: does it match the market
The asking price is set by the seller, and it is often higher than what the market pays. Compare it with deals for similar flats in the same building and neighbourhood, taking the floor, size and condition into account.
Owner and documents
The Land Register (Zemesgrāmata) shows who owns the flat and whether a mortgage or a ban on disposal is registered against it. An extract from the Land Register portal costs money, but it is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
On the cadastre portal kadastrs.lv you can see the flat's cadastral number for free; the floor area appears once you log in with online banking or eParaksts. Compare it with the listing: if the area differs, so does the price per m².
The building: series, heating and management
The building series tells you a lot about the walls, warmth and repair needs. A winter heating bill can differ several times over between similar flats in different buildings.
Ask the building manager about the building's debts, its savings fund and any planned renovation: after the purchase, you are the one paying for them.
The flat at the viewing
At the viewing, focus on the things that cost the most to fix.
- Signs of damp or mould in corners, behind furniture and around windows
- Cracks in walls and ceilings
- Condition of the windows and their seals
- Wiring: old cables and the fuse box
- Water pressure and drainage
- Radiators: do they heat up evenly
- Noise from the street and the neighbours
The neighbourhood
Come back in the evening and at the weekend. Check how far the bus stop, school, shop and park are, and whether any construction is planned next door.
Common questions
Is it worth hiring a building inspector?
In older buildings and before a large payment, often yes. An inspection usually costs little compared with the repairs it can help you foresee.
Where can I see a building's heating costs?
In the m²cena report and from the building manager: ask for the bills from the last heating season.
Do I need a Land Register extract?
It is not compulsory, but it is the only way to be sure about the owner and any encumbrances before you pay.
Sources
- Zemesgrāmatu portāls · Tiesu namu aģentūra
- Kadastra informācijas sistēma · Valsts zemes dienests
- PTAC ieteikumi, iegādājoties dzīvokli · LV portāls, 2025
This article is for information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. It may contain mistakes or be out of date, so check it against official sources or with a specialist before you decide. m²cena accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information in this article.