How to transfer money safely when buying a flat

The most common method for cash. The buyer places the money in the box in the presence of bank staff. The seller obtains access only after producing the registered sale contract. The box rental is symbolic in cost compared to the deal.

The cashless equivalent of a safety-deposit box. The buyer puts the money into a special account; the bank releases it to the seller only when the conditions are met (production of the registered contract). Safer and faster than a box, but it requires both parties to use the bank's services.

For new builds from a developer this is mandatory by law in most countries. The buyer's money is frozen in an escrow account at the bank until the building is handed over. If the developer goes bankrupt, the bank returns the money. Never pay the developer 'directly'.

Acceptable only for small sums (deposit, earnest money, rent). The receipt is hand-written by the seller and contains the amount in words, the date, the basis, passport details and a signature. Ideally with a witness. For a flat purchase — strongly not recommended.

Especially cards in another country. Any 'personal request' to transfer money to 'a friend's card' is fraud. After the transfer the money is practically unrecoverable.

A real-estate deal in crypto requires a lawyer and a notary. If someone offers to do it 'via USDT, faster', it is always fraud.

Never hand over a large sum one-to-one in the seller's flat or in a café. Only at the bank, at a notary's, or in a lawyer's office.

After any handover of money — even if you used a letter of credit — take a receipt or an act of full payment from the seller. Without it, the formal possibility of a 'money not received' claim remains open.

The transfer of title is fixed only by state registration of the contract in the register. Until then you do not legally own the flat, even if the money has already been handed over. Do not pay the final sum until you have confirmation of registration.