How to check the Księga wieczysta online before buying an apartment or house in Poland

How to check the Księga wieczysta online before buying an apartment or house in Poland

Checking the Księga wieczysta online is one of the most important and practical steps before buying real estate in Poland.

Even if you already like the apartment or house, it is the land and mortgage register that allows you to understand:
whether the transaction is safe, whether there are risks, and whether the seller actually has the legal right to sell the property.

If you are just starting to explore this topic, we recommend first reading:
what the Księga wieczysta is and why it must be checked

Where to check the Księga wieczysta online

The check is carried out through the official government system Elektroniczne Księgi Wieczyste.

To access it, you need the KW number.
If the number is known — the check is completely free.

Important:
if the seller refuses to provide the KW number without a clear reason, this is already a serious warning sign.

What a KW number looks like

Example:
WA1M/00012345/7

It consists of three parts:
• the code of the court maintaining the register
• the unique register number
• the control digit

For the buyer, it is important to make sure that exactly the register corresponding to the property is being checked.

How to check the Księga wieczysta step by step

Step 1. Make sure this is the correct property

Section I-O:
• address
• area
• property description
• plot number

If the data does not match — this is a serious risk.

Step 2. Check the owner

Section II:
• the seller must match the registered owner
• check all co-owners
• make sure no one is “missing” from the transaction

Step 3. Review rights and restrictions

Section III — the most important and the most risky.

Check:
• restrictions
• claims
• third-party rights
• legal disputes
• prohibitions

If you find it difficult to understand the entries, be sure to read:
how the Księga wieczysta is structured and what Section III means

Step 4. Check the mortgage

Section IV:
• whether there is a mortgage
• the secured amount
• which bank is the beneficiary
• how it will be repaid

A mortgage is not always a problem, but it is important to understand how it will be settled.

Step 5. Always check for wzmianka

A wzmianka is a note about a submitted application.

It means that:
the data in the register may change soon.

Ignoring a wzmianka is one of the most common mistakes buyers make.

Red flags when checking the KW

Pay special attention to:

• seller ≠ owner
• multiple owners but not all participate in the transaction
• enforcement proceedings
• property seizure
• lifetime residence right
• personal easement of residence
• warning about inconsistency of legal status
• unclear wzmianka

For a detailed explanation, see:
dangerous entries in the Księga wieczysta

What does not always mean a problem

Not every entry is a risk.

Normal situations include:
• a bank mortgage
• a share in common parts of the building
• technical easements

The key is to understand the consequences, not just read the wording.

Typical buyer mistakes

• checking only the owner
• ignoring Section III
• not understanding wzmianka
• not comparing the property with the KW
• trusting the seller without verification

When a self-check is not enough

It is better to involve a specialist if:

• the property comes from inheritance
• there are multiple owners
• there are complex entries in Section III
• there is a wzmianka
• you are buying a house or land
• the price is significantly below market
• the seller is rushing the deal

It is also important to understand:
what exactly the notary checks and what they are not responsible for

What must be done before signing the agreement

Buyer’s checklist:

• obtain the KW number
• open the register
• compare the property details
• verify the owner
• read Section III
• check the mortgage
• check for wzmianka
• request documents if in doubt

Conclusion

Checking the Księga wieczysta online is not a formality, but a key element of transaction safety.

This step most often distinguishes a safe purchase from a problematic one.

Why the Księga wieczysta is the key to a safe purchase

If you want to better understand the role of the KW, read:
why the Księga wieczysta is the main safety document for a buyer

How we help verify property

If you want to avoid mistakes and risks:

• we will check the Księga wieczysta
• explain every entry
• identify hidden risks
• support you throughout the transaction

Phone: +48 574 672 833
E-mail: [email protected]

Read also

• Księga wieczysta in Poland: how to check property and not lose money
• Why the Księga wieczysta is the key to a safe apartment or house purchase
• How the Księga wieczysta is structured and how to read it
• Dangerous entries in the Księga wieczysta
• What a notary checks when buying property