Building a house
From the plot to moving in — the main steps, permits and costs of building your own house.
Building gives you exactly the house you want, but it takes time, patience and careful planning. Here are the main steps.
1. The plot
Before you buy, check in the urban plan what may be built on the plot: residential use, maximum height and footprint, distance to neighbours. Make sure there is road access and that water, sewage and electricity can be connected. Ask for the property certificate to confirm ownership and burdens.
2. Design and permits
- Hire a licensed architect to prepare the project for your plot and the plan.
- Get the required studies — for example a geotechnical report — and have the project reviewed (revision).
- Apply for the building permit. For family houses it is usually issued by the municipality; the application is filed electronically.
- Register the start of construction and keep a construction log on site.
3. Construction
Choose contractors with references and a written contract that lists the work, materials, price, deadlines and warranty. Pay in stages as work is completed, never everything up front. A supervising engineer protects you from mistakes that are expensive to fix later.
4. Completion
After the technical inspection you receive the certificate of use, connect the utilities and register the house with the Cadastre Agency. Only then is it fully yours on paper — which matters for loans and a later sale.
Budget
Plan for the plot, design and permits, utility connections, construction and finishing — and add a reserve of 10–15 % for the unexpected.
Last updated October 5, 2026