Transfer of utilities after buying an apartment: a guide for new owners

After signing the sales contract and taking over the keys, new owners often think that everything is resolved. However, one of the most important steps that follows is the transfer of utilities to their name.
This administrative detail may not be pleasing to anyone, but it is necessary to avoid misunderstandings, complications or additional unnecessary costs in the future. In this blog, we guide you step by step on how to transfer utilities to your name, explaining what needs to be transferred, what documents to prepare and how to speed up the process.

Why is the transfer of utilities important?

When you buy a property, all existing contracts for energy, water and other services remain with the previous owner until you officially transfer them. Therefore, if you don't do it on time, problems can arise such as:

• unreceived bills or disconnection of services,
• legal disputes (bills are still in the name of the old owner),
• difficulties in proving the actual user of the service.

The transfer of utilities guarantees that all future obligations and claims will be properly aligned with the new owner, which is especially important if you plan to rent or sell in the future.

What all needs to be transferred after buying an apartment?

The transfer applies to all utility and energy services that are active in the apartment.
This is most often about the following items:


1. Electricity (HEP ODS)


It is transferred to the new user via a form for transferring the user number.
Required documents: sales contract, ID card, OIB, meter reading and handover record.
The process takes 3–5 working days, and can also be done online via the HEP Moj HEP system.


2. Water supply and drainage


The transfer is carried out in the local utility company (e.g. Water supply and drainage Zagreb).
It is necessary to bring a copy of the contract, the water meter reading and proof of ownership (extract from the land registry).


3. Gas


The procedure differs depending on the city (e.g. Gradska plinara Zagreb, Plinara Rijeka).
In most cases, it is necessary to attach the handover record, ID card and sales contract.
The transfer can be done in person or via e-mail if the scanned documents are in order.


4. Cleanliness and communal fee


It is resolved in the local utility company. In Zagreb, for example, this is Zagrebački holding – Čistoća branch. It is necessary to present proof of ownership, OIB and the address of the apartment. The communal fee is transferred through the competent city office.


5. Internet, television and telephone


Operators (A1, Hrvatski Telekom, Telemach, Iskon, etc.) have simple procedures for changing the owner of the contract. In most cases, transferring the user account with a copy of the ID card and the contract is sufficient. If you are not continuing with the same operator, it is necessary to terminate the old contract and sign a new one.

What documents do you need to prepare?

To speed up the process, prepare the basic documents before starting the transfers:

• Sales contract (or gift contract)
• ID card and OIB
• Handover record (meter readings)
• Extract from the land registry
• Contact information (e-mail, phone)

How long does the transfer take and what are the costs?

Most transfers are completed within a few working days, depending on the provider. Administrative fees usually range from 10 to 30 euros per service, but in many cases they are free if it is a change of owner, and not a new application.

For example:
HEP does not charge a transfer if the meter is not changed.
Water supply and drainage charges a symbolic fee of 10–15 euros.
Internet operators charge only if technical transfer of the line is required.

How can you do everything digitally

The good news is that most utility and energy companies today allow online transfer. Via web forms, you can attach documents and proof of ownership and avoid going to the counter.
For example HEP ODS – online application for change of user, Water supply and drainage Zagreb – application for change of owner, Gradska plinara Zagreb – user transfer form, Zagrebački holding – Čistoća – new user application
Digitization of these procedures significantly facilitates moving in and enables new owners to fully take over the management of the property in just a few days.


The transfer of utilities may not be the most interesting part after buying an apartment, but it is one of the most important for a peaceful start of a new chapter. With an organized approach and the use of digital services, you can complete the entire process in just a few days, without standing in lines and unnecessary complications.


If you have just bought a property or are planning to buy one, our team at Regent Real Estate will help you through all the administrative and technical steps, from transferring utilities to full preparation for moving in.
Contact us and leave the details to experts who know every step in the real estate market.