There is always a risk of buying an apartment with debts on the secondary market – this is a feature of the segment. But if most of them are inextricably linked to the personality of the previous owner, then some can still be “inherited” by the new owner. And it’s good if we are talking about an amount of 2-3 thousand rubles. But what if it reaches hundreds of thousands? Let’s talk about who should pay the debts for the apartment and how to protect yourself from the risk of buying encumbered real estate.
Is it possible to buy an apartment with a debt for housing and communal services?
In 2023, the media reported that Russians' debt for housing and qatar mobile database communal services reached 900 billion rubles. According to experts, we are talking about approximately 2-3% of all apartments in the country. Accordingly, the risk of buying a home with debts is really present. Especially if the cost of the property is significantly lower than the market price.
At the same time, an apartment with debts for utility payments can be sold under general conditions. The only exceptions are seized real estate objects - usually transactions with them are impossible. But if there are no relevant restrictions, then nothing will interfere with the purchase and sale. Moreover, the owner can report the existence of debt and, for example, offer a discount proportional to their size.
Is it necessary to pay off the debts of the old owners of the apartment?
Depends on their type. If an apartment with utility debts is purchased, then the responsibility for their payment lies with the previous owner - this is stated in Article 153 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, according to which the new owner acquires obligations to pay for the residential premises and housing and communal services only after the right of ownership arises.