Moldova's Real Estate Market 2026: An Era of Transparency or a Crisis?
In 2026, the real estate market of the Republic of Moldova faced an unprecedented situation. According to expert data, at the end of 2025, the number of transactions in Chisinau fell by a record 80%. This is not just a temporary lull, but the result of a deep structural transformation: the state has decided to finally bring the market out of the shadows.
Today, buying a home is not only about choosing a neighborhood and a layout but also a serious legal quest. The main barriers have been new limits on cash settlements and strict control over the origin of money. Let's find out how a buyer should act so that the deal does not fall through at the stage of notarization.
Cash Limits: Law No. 34 in Action
On April 1, 2025, key provisions of Law No. 34 "On Cash Money Settlements" came into force. If previously large sums in euros were handed over in "bags" directly at the notary's office, now the rules dictate the following:
- Cash settlements for real estate between individuals are allowed only if the value of the property does not exceed 100 projected average monthly salaries in the economy (in 2026, this is approximately 1.7 million lei or about 85,000 euros).
- If the price of the apartment is above this threshold, the entire payment must be made exclusively via bank transfer.
- Using cash in excess of the limit carries the risk of the transaction being declared null and void, along with the imposition of serious fines.
"Where is the money from?": Proving the Source of Funds
Even if you stay within the cash limit or make a transfer, the notary is obliged to check the legality of your savings according to Law No. 308 on preventing and combating money laundering. Simply saying "I saved it up" is no longer a valid argument.
For a transaction to be successful, the buyer must provide one of the following documents:
- Certificates of salary (including official income from abroad);
- Documents on the sale of other property (a car or an apartment);
- Notarized gift agreements;
- Statements on the receipt of dividends or income from entrepreneurial activity;
- Documents confirming the receipt of money transfers through official banking systems.
It is important to remember: if the bank or the notary considers your evidence insufficient, the account may be blocked until the circumstances are clarified, and the transaction will be suspended.
"Prima Casă Plus" Mortgage as a Legal Tool
Against the backdrop of the decline in cash transactions, the government launched the "Prima Casă Plus" program. This allowed some buyers to legalize their purchases. Major banks, such as maib and Victoriabank, offer rates around 8-9% per annum. For many, this has become the only way to buy a home without the risk of falling under financial monitoring, as the bank takes on the responsibility of verifying the transaction's integrity.
Attorney's Advice: How to Minimize Risks
If you are planning to purchase real estate in 2026, we recommend adhering to the following algorithm:
1. Prepare a "paper trail" in advance. Collect all bank statements and property sale agreements from the last few years. If the money was kept "under the mattress" for a long time, deposit it into the account gradually with documentary confirmation of the source.
2. Use non-cash settlements. Even if the transaction amount allows for the use of cash, a bank transfer is your primary protection in court if the transaction is ever challenged.
3. Check the seller's status. In crisis conditions, cases of selling objects with encumbrances have become more frequent. Make sure that the apartment is not under arrest due to the debts of the developer or the previous owner.
Remember that transparency today is security tomorrow. The Moldovan market has stopped forgiving legal negligence. Consulting with a lawyer before signing a preliminary agreement will help preserve your peace of mind and your capital.