{"id":5893,"date":"2026-08-11T09:30:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T07:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.athome.lu\/blog\/services\/conseils\/?p=5893"},"modified":"2026-08-12T11:09:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T09:09:26","slug":"first-time-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.athome.lu\/blog\/en\/acheter\/guide-du-premier-achat-immobilier\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying your first property in Luxembourg: a guide to planning your project effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buying your first property in Luxembourg starts with three priorities: setting your budget, securing your financing and clarifying your needs. In 2026, the market is stabilising. However, prices remain high. Lending conditions also continue to weigh on households\u2019 purchasing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first quarter of 2026, house prices rose by 1.7 % year-on-year. The\u2019Housing Observatory<\/a> also recorded 968 sales of existing flats and 650 sales of houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How should you prepare for your first property purchase in Luxembourg?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to prepare is to set your priorities before you start viewing properties. The ideal home isn\u2019t necessarily the one that ticks all the boxes. Above all, it needs to suit your budget, your daily life and your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by deciding what type of property you\u2019re looking for. Also, decide on the required floor area and the areas you\u2019re considering. Finally, identify the criteria where you\u2019re willing to compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also bear in mind what your situation might be like in five or ten years\u2019 time. Working from home, children, moving house or the need for an extra room could change your priorities. The prospect of selling the property in the future may also influence your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will help you filter through the adverts more effectively. To find out more, take a look at our comprehensive guide <\/a>to buy a property in Luxembourg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much should you set aside for your first property purchase?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your budget needs to cover more than just the cost of the property. You also need to factor in purchase costs, financing and any renovation work. Make sure you leave a margin for unforeseen expenses as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit June 2026<\/a>, the average rate for new variable-rate mortgages was 2,9 %<\/strong>. For an initial term of between one and five years, it stood at 3,5 %<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fixed rates for longer-term mortgages generally ranged from around 3.8 % to 4 %. However, these figures are market averages. Your rate will depend on your application, the term, your deposit and the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, simply knowing the maximum price of the property is not enough. Above all, you need to know what monthly repayment your budget can sustain in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you start making lots of visits, you can simulate <\/a>Your mortgage with atHomeFinance. You\u2019ll receive an initial estimate of your borrowing capacity and your monthly repayments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also need to factor in the costs associated with the purchase. Registration and transcription fees normally amount to 7 %<\/strong>. These comprise 6 % in registration fees and 1 % in transcription fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The B\u00ebllegen Akt can, however, reduce this burden. To draw up a comprehensive budget, see our guide on purchase costs <\/a>Property in Luxembourg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where should you buy your first home in Luxembourg?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The right location strikes a balance between cost, journey time and quality of life. A cheaper town may seem attractive. However, longer journeys can reduce the real benefit of the savings made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility to Luxembourg City still has a significant impact on prices. Generally speaking, prices tend to fall as journey times to the capital increase. So, don\u2019t just look at the price per square metre. Also compare transport links, shops, schools and healthcare services. Bear in mind parking too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If possible, try out your future commute at your usual times. This will give you a more realistic picture of your daily routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method can sometimes help you broaden your search area. You can then find a larger property without compromising on your key criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it better to buy a new-build, an older property or a property in need of renovation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best choice depends on your budget, your timeframe and your tolerance for building work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The secondary market remains the most active segment of the Luxembourg property market today. In the first quarter of 2026, sales of existing flats rose by 9.4 % year-on-year<\/strong>. House sales rose by 11,5 %<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By contrast, only 207 sales of flats under construction were recorded during the quarter. This represents a fall of 18.2 % year-on-year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an existing property, you can usually see exactly what you\u2019re buying. It can also mean you can move in more quickly. However, its structural and energy efficiency must be checked carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A property in need of renovation can offer greater potential. It also allows for a higher degree of personalisation. However, the cost of the renovation work must be factored into the financing from the outset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, new-build properties offer modern fittings and often better energy efficiency. However, the financing arrangements and handover schedule are different. Certain tax rules may also vary depending on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: <\/strong>Housing Observatory \u2013 Residential property market in the first quarter of 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should you check during visits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A viewing should look beyond the d\u00e9cor and your first impressions. The aim is to understand the property\u2019s actual condition. You should also bear in mind any potential expenses following the purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, please check the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n