Köpebrev

What the köpebrev is

The köpebrev (deed of purchase) is a short document that confirms you have bought the home. Both the seller and you as the buyer sign it once the full purchase price has been paid, usually on the day you take possession. Think of it as a receipt showing that the deal is done and the home is now yours.

The köpebrev complements the köpekontrakt (the main purchase contract), which is the principal agreement holding all the terms and which you sign earlier, at the point of sale. When you and the seller have agreed that a köpebrev is to be drawn up, the purchase counts as complete only once the price is paid. That is when the köpebrev is signed. Both the köpebrev and the köpekontrakt count as a köpehandling (purchase document), and for a purchase to be valid the document must be in writing, signed by both parties, and state the purchase price along with the seller’s declaration that the home is transferred to you.

What you need to do

Keep the original of the köpebrev. You send it to Lantmäteriet (the land registry authority) when you apply for lagfart, the registration that records you as the new owner. The application must be made within three months of the acquisition. If the köpebrev refers to terms in the köpekontrakt, send the contract in as well.