In depth · Property
Buying property in Reykjavík: the first steps
The official first steps for buying a home in Reykjavík. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
The kennitala
Registers Iceland, at Borgartún 21, issues the kennitala to people moving to Iceland; you need it for almost every official step.
The property register
Property registration and valuation are now handled by HMS, the Housing and Construction Authority, as Registers Iceland records.
Who may buy
The rules on property ownership differ for buyers from inside and outside the European Economic Area. Take advice from an Icelandic lawyer before you make an offer.
Where people live
See our property guide for the old centre, the harbour and Hafnartorg, Vesturbær and Hlíðar, and the towns of Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes and Hafnarfjörður. We don’t publish prices or yields.
Questions and answers
What is a kennitala?
The Icelandic ID number, issued by Registers Iceland.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with an Icelandic lawyer.