Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Denmark Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Copenhagen's property market is included in our pack
Copenhagen has lower buyer "extras" than many countries because Denmark charges no classic transfer tax, just a land registry registration fee.
The biggest cost driver for foreign buyers in Copenhagen in 2026 is whether you finance with a Danish mortgage, which adds a separate registration fee on top of the deed fee.
We constantly update this blog post so you always have the freshest numbers on property costs in Copenhagen.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Copenhagen in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Copenhagen typically range from 1% to 3.5% of the purchase price (roughly DKK 50,000 to DKK 175,000, or $7,000 to $24,500 USD, or €6,500 to €22,750 EUR on a DKK 5 million property), depending mainly on whether you register a mortgage.
The minimum extra budget possible in Copenhagen is about 0.6% plus DKK 1,850 (around $260 USD or €240 EUR), which covers only the mandatory deed registration fee when you pay cash and skip all optional professional help.
The maximum extra budget buyers should realistically plan for in Copenhagen is around 4% of the purchase price (for example, DKK 200,000, or $28,000 USD, or €26,000 EUR on a DKK 5 million home), which accounts for mortgage registration, full legal support, translation services, and foreign buyer permission costs.
Your closing costs in Copenhagen fall at the low end if you buy with cash and handle documents yourself, but they climb toward the high end if you finance with a Danish mortgage, need translation or interpreter services, or require extra legal help for the foreign ownership permission process.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Copenhagen?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Copenhagen is around 2% to 3% for a typical foreign buyer financing with a mortgage, or closer to 1% for cash buyers.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard property transactions in Copenhagen is 0.8% at the bare minimum (cash, no extras) up to about 3.5% for a financed purchase with full professional support.
Of that total, government taxes and registration fees (deed and mortgage registration) account for roughly two-thirds of the cost, while the remaining third goes to professional services like lawyers, valuations, and translation.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Copenhagen are the deed registration fee of 0.6% plus DKK 1,850 (around $260 USD or €240 EUR), and if you finance, the mortgage registration fee of 1.25% plus DKK 1,825 (around $255 USD or €237 EUR) on the secured amount.
Optional but highly recommended costs for buyers in Copenhagen include an independent buyer lawyer (around DKK 6,000 to DKK 15,000, or $840 to $2,100 USD, or €780 to €1,950 EUR), a property valuation (around DKK 3,000 to DKK 6,000, or $420 to $840 USD, or €390 to €780 EUR), and translation or interpreter services if you are not comfortable signing documents in Danish.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Copenhagen in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, Copenhagen does not have a classic property transfer tax, but instead charges a deed registration fee (tinglysningsafgift) of 0.6% of the purchase price plus a fixed DKK 1,850 (around $260 USD or €240 EUR).
There are no extra transfer taxes specifically for foreigners buying property in Copenhagen, although foreigners without Danish domicile must obtain permission from Civilstyrelsen, which can increase legal and translation costs rather than adding a special tax.
Buyers generally do not pay VAT on residential property purchases in Copenhagen when buying a normal resale home from a private seller, but VAT at 25% can apply when purchasing certain new-build properties or building plots from a VAT-registered developer.
Stamp duty in Copenhagen is essentially the deed registration fee described above, which you pay when the ownership transfer is registered at the land registry, and it is calculated as 0.6% of the transaction value plus the fixed DKK 1,850 fee.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen and Denmark generally do not offer a broad tax exemption or reduced deed registration fee rate for first-time buyers, so first-time purchasers pay the same 0.6% plus DKK 1,850 as everyone else.
If you buy property through a company instead of as an individual in Copenhagen, the registration fee mechanics still apply, but ongoing tax treatment, deductibility, and potentially VAT positioning change, which is why company purchases often justify paid tax advice.
There is no deed registration fee difference between buying a new-build property versus a resale property in Copenhagen, but VAT is more likely to be relevant in some new-build or developer scenarios than in a standard resale transaction.
Since Denmark does not have a first-time buyer exemption program for registration fees, there are no special documentation or conditions required to qualify for such exemptions in Copenhagen.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Denmark versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Copenhagen in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, a conveyancing lawyer (boligadvokat) in Copenhagen typically costs between DKK 6,000 and DKK 15,000 (around $840 to $2,100 USD, or €780 to €1,950 EUR) for a standard buyer package, though complex cross-border or permission-heavy cases can reach DKK 25,000 or more (around $3,500 USD or €3,250 EUR).
Lawyer fees in Copenhagen are typically charged as a flat rate for a defined service package rather than as a percentage of the property price, with the rate increasing based on complexity, language requirements, and whether the lawyer handles everything end-to-end.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers in Copenhagen cost roughly DKK 400 to DKK 700 per hour (around $55 to $100 USD, or €50 to €90 EUR), based on official Danish public-sector tariffs, though private providers may charge more for rare languages or urgent work.
Most buyers purchasing a straightforward home in their own name do not need a dedicated tax advisor in Copenhagen, but if you buy via a company, plan to rent it out, or have multi-country tax residency questions, a tax advisor typically costs between DKK 2,500 and DKK 10,000 (around $350 to $1,400 USD, or €325 to €1,300 EUR).
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Copenhagen.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent fee in Copenhagen ranges from 1% to 3% of the sale price, but this fee is paid by the seller, not the buyer, since the agent works for the seller in Danish transactions.
Buyers in Copenhagen do not pay the listing agent's fee because the seller hires and compensates the agent to market the property and negotiate the best price on the seller's behalf.
If you choose to hire an independent buyer advisor or buyer's agent in Copenhagen, that is a separate buyer-paid service, typically charged as a flat fee ranging from DKK 5,000 to DKK 15,000 (around $700 to $2,100 USD, or €650 to €1,950 EUR) depending on the scope of assistance.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Copenhagen?
Legal checks including title search, liens verification, easements, and permits review in Copenhagen are typically bundled into the buyer lawyer package, so they generally cost between DKK 6,000 and DKK 15,000 total (around $840 to $2,100 USD, or €780 to €1,950 EUR), with surcharges if unusual issues are found.
The property valuation fee in Copenhagen typically costs between DKK 3,000 and DKK 6,000 (around $420 to $840 USD, or €390 to €780 EUR), and lenders usually require this valuation if you are financing your purchase.
The most critical legal check that should never be skipped in Copenhagen is the review of the purchase agreement (købsaftale) and registry extracts for easements and servitudes, because these can significantly affect your property rights and use.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Copenhagen.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Copenhagen right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Copenhagen?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Copenhagen include the refusion settlement at takeover (reimbursing the seller for prepaid items like heating and maintenance accounts), owner association special assessments for planned renovations, municipal charges that appear after takeover, and the mortgage registration fee that foreign buyers often forget to budget separately from the deed fee.
In Copenhagen, unpaid property taxes or debts are typically handled through the refusion settlement statement, but you should always have your lawyer verify there are no unusual arrears being pushed into the settlement before closing.
Scams with fake listings or fake fees can happen in Copenhagen, especially targeting foreigners, and the warning signs are usually requests for money before proper documentation or outside the secure transaction process, so using an established agent and a buyer lawyer sharply reduces this risk.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront in Copenhagen include the mortgage registration fee (if financing), translation and interpretation costs, refusion cashflow at takeover, and potential special assessments planned by the owner association for apartment buildings.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Copenhagen, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Copenhagen?
Extra fees when buying a tenanted property in Copenhagen typically come in the form of higher legal review costs, roughly DKK 5,000 to DKK 10,000 more (around $700 to $1,400 USD, or €650 to €1,300 EUR), because assessing the lease terms and Danish tenancy rules requires additional lawyer time.
When purchasing a tenanted property in Copenhagen, the buyer inherits the existing lease and all legal obligations that come with it, including proper handling of the tenant's deposit and any prepaid rent.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase is generally not possible in Copenhagen due to Denmark's strong tenant protection laws, which means you must honor the lease terms unless specific legal grounds for termination apply.
A sitting tenant in Copenhagen typically affects the property's market value negatively and can strengthen your negotiating position as a buyer, because the property is less attractive to owner-occupiers and the buyer takes on landlord obligations.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Copenhagen.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Denmark. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Copenhagen?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Copenhagen right now?
Negotiable closing costs in Copenhagen include the buyer lawyer package price, valuation fees, and sometimes how certain administrative items are split between buyer and seller in the purchase agreement.
Closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated in Copenhagen are the deed registration fee (0.6% plus DKK 1,850) and the mortgage registration fee (1.25% plus DKK 1,825), which are set by Skatteministeriet and apply uniformly to all transactions.
Buyers in Copenhagen can typically achieve a 10% to 20% discount on negotiable professional fees like lawyer packages by comparing quotes from multiple firms, especially for straightforward transactions.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Copenhagen?
The likelihood that a seller will agree to cover some closing costs in Copenhagen is relatively low in hot market segments but increases when properties have been listed longer, need work, or have awkward layouts.
Sellers in Copenhagen are most commonly willing to cover or contribute to minor administrative items or agree to price adjustments that effectively offset some buyer costs, rather than directly paying registration fees.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering closing costs in Copenhagen when supply is higher in their specific neighborhood, when the property has been on the market for several months, or when market conditions favor buyers over sellers.
Is price bargaining common in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining exists in Copenhagen but is limited in the most in-demand neighborhoods like Indre By, Østerbro, and Frederiksberg, where supply is historically low and competition among buyers remains high.
Buyers in Copenhagen typically negotiate around 0% to 3% below asking price for hot, well-priced listings, or 3% to 8% below asking (for example, DKK 150,000 to DKK 400,000, or $21,000 to $56,000 USD, or €19,500 to €52,000 EUR on a DKK 5 million property) for homes that have been sitting longer or need work.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Copenhagen?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Copenhagen right now?
The realistic monthly owner budget in Copenhagen (excluding mortgage payments) ranges from DKK 3,000 to DKK 7,000 for apartments (around $420 to $980 USD, or €390 to €910 EUR) and DKK 4,000 to DKK 10,000 for houses (around $560 to $1,400 USD, or €520 to €1,300 EUR).
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget in Copenhagen are property taxes (ejendomsværdiskat and grundskyld), owner association fees (for apartments), building insurance, utilities, and maintenance reserves.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Copenhagen depends heavily on property type, with newer apartments in well-managed buildings at the lower end and older buildings with planned major renovations at the higher end.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Copenhagen is the owner association fee, because it can jump significantly if the building plans a major renovation like a new roof, facade work, or elevator replacement.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Copenhagen here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax in Copenhagen consists of two main components: ejendomsværdiskat (property value tax) at 0.51% of the taxable base up to DKK 9,007,000 (around $1.26 million USD or €1.17 million EUR) and 1.4% above that threshold, plus grundskyld (land tax) based on Copenhagen's municipal rate applied to the land-tax base.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property taxes in Copenhagen depends on your property's official valuation, with a typical apartment valued at DKK 4 million paying roughly DKK 20,000 to DKK 30,000 per year (around $2,800 to $4,200 USD, or €2,600 to €3,900 EUR) when combining both tax types.
Property tax in Copenhagen is calculated based on official government valuations (ejendomsvurdering), not market price, with the property value tax applied to the dwelling value and the land tax applied separately to the land value at Copenhagen's specific municipal promille rate.
Certain exemptions or reductions may be available for property owners in Copenhagen, such as age-related deferrals for seniors, but there is no general exemption for first-time buyers or foreigners.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Denmark. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Copenhagen in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Copenhagen is taxed as personal income and added to your other income, with marginal tax rates potentially reaching 37% to 52% depending on your total taxable income, though effective rates are often lower due to available deductions and allowances.
Landlords in Copenhagen can deduct eligible expenses from rental income taxes, including maintenance costs, insurance, property taxes, and depreciation, or they can opt for a simplified standard allowance (bundfradrag) method depending on the rental type.
The realistic effective tax rate range after deductions for typical landlords in Copenhagen is often 20% to 40% of net rental income, depending on which deduction method you choose and your overall income level.
Foreign property owners in Copenhagen are generally taxed on Danish rental income at similar rates as residents, though tax treaties between Denmark and your home country may affect your overall tax situation and you should consult a tax advisor.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental income in Copenhagen is taxable, but owners who rent out their own home through reporting platforms may qualify for a higher standard allowance (bundfradrag), making the effective tax burden potentially lower than long-term rentals depending on total rental days and income.
Short-term rental income is taxed similarly to long-term rental income in Copenhagen, but the allowance amounts differ based on whether you rent through a platform that reports to Skat, how many days you rent, and whether you rent rooms or the entire property.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Copenhagen.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Copenhagen in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Copenhagen typically ranges from 1.5% to 4% of the sale price, depending on the agent commission and marketing package you choose.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs in Copenhagen is about 1% for a minimal sale approach up to 4% or more for a full-service agent with premium marketing.
The specific cost categories that make up selling expenses in Copenhagen typically include the seller's agent commission (1% to 3%), marketing and photography costs, legal or administrative support, and any early mortgage repayment fees if applicable.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Copenhagen is usually the real estate agent commission, which the seller pays to market the property and handle the sale process.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, capital gains tax when selling property in Copenhagen is often zero because Denmark's parcelhusreglen (parcel house rule) exempts gains from tax if the home served as your primary residence and meets certain land-size conditions.
The main exemption to capital gains tax in Copenhagen is the parcelhusreglen, which applies when you have lived in the property as your own home and the land area does not exceed certain thresholds, allowing you to sell tax-free regardless of how much profit you make.
Foreigners do not pay a special extra capital gains tax rate when selling property in Copenhagen, but whether you qualify for the parcelhusreglen exemption depends on meeting the residency and use conditions, not your nationality.
Capital gain in Copenhagen is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price and documented improvement costs, but if you qualify for the parcelhusreglen exemption, this calculation becomes irrelevant because no tax is owed.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Denmark compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Copenhagen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Skatteministeriet (Danish Ministry of Taxation) | Official government page publishing legally applicable registration fee rates. | We used it to confirm the exact 2026 deed and mortgage registration fee rates. We built our closing cost ranges around these fixed legal costs. |
| Vurderingsportalen (Property Valuation Portal) | Official Danish portal for property valuations and housing tax information. | We used it for the 2026 property value tax rates and progression threshold. We estimated annual owner tax costs in Copenhagen using these figures. |
| Vurderingsportalen (Municipal Land Tax Rates) | Official centrally maintained list of municipal land tax rates by kommune. | We used it to identify Copenhagen's specific grundskyld promille. We kept our guidance Copenhagen-specific rather than general Denmark figures. |
| Skat.dk (Danish Tax Agency) | Official tax authority guidance for individuals on rental income rules. | We used it for the 2026 standard allowances for renting out your home. We explained the rental taxation section based on these official figures. |
| Skat Legal Guidance (Parcelhusreglen) | Official legal guidance interpreting tax law, used by practitioners and courts. | We used it to explain when a home sale can be tax-free. We framed the capital gains section around this key exemption. |
| Civilstyrelsen (Department of Civil Affairs) | Competent authority for foreigner property permission decisions in Denmark. | We used it to validate who needs permission and the process. We highlighted that extra costs are professional help, not a special tax. |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark | Official government source describing foreign buyer permission requirements. | We used it to confirm the foreign ownership permission rule. We explained why foreigners often pay more for legal support. |
| Life in Denmark (Borger.dk) | Official cross-government guide for residents and newcomers to Denmark. | We used it as a cross-check on the buying process and permission requirements. We kept the article beginner-friendly using this source. |
| Københavns Kommune (Copenhagen Municipality) | Official municipality site for owner charges billed by the City of Copenhagen. | We used it to flag Copenhagen-specific municipal charges. We warned about line-items that may change after property takeover. |
| Danish Police (Politi.dk) Interpreter Tariffs | Official public-sector tariff schedule used for interpreting and translation. | We used it to ground translation cost estimates in official benchmarks. We proposed realistic hourly ranges foreigners might face. |
| DLA Piper REALWORLD | Widely used cross-border legal reference from a global law firm. | We used it to triangulate who pays registration costs in practice. We validated fee application alongside Ministry rates. |
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