Cemetery space – how to buy and what are the costs?

Anyone wishing to provide a dignified resting place for a loved one has to reckon with the costs involved in buying and maintaining a cemetery site. Prices may vary significantly depending on the location and type of necropolis. It is worth finding out what the formalities are and what to pay attention to when choosing a place.

Legal aspects of buying a cemetery site

According to the Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead Act, the right to a place in a cemetery is granted for a minimum period of 20 years, after which it must be renewed to avoid the removal of the grave. This process is done on the basis of a contract concluded with the cemetery manager. If, after 20 years, the fee is not paid again, the space may be allocated to more people and the existing headstone may be removed.

Differences between communal and denominational cemeteries

There are two main types of cemeteries in Poland: communal cemeteries and denominational (parish) cemeteries. Communal cemeteries belong to the municipality and are open to all, regardless of religion. Religious cemeteries are managed by religious associations, which can set the rules for burials, although if there is no municipal cemetery in a particular locality, atheists and people of other faiths may also be buried there.

How do I buy a place in a cemetery?

To buy a place in a cemetery, contact the cemetery administration – in the case of a parish cemetery this will be the parish office and in the case of a municipal cemetery it will be the relevant municipal unit. The cemetery administration will provide you with details of the terms and conditions of the purchase and you will be able to sign the relevant contract. A reservation fee must be paid at the same time.

How much does a cemetery space cost?

The cost of buying a cemetery space depends on a number of factors, such as:

• Type of cemetery – municipal cemeteries often have more standardised prices, while parish cemeteries can vary depending on local arrangements.
• Location – in larger cities, prices can be several times higher than in small towns.
• Location of the grave – sites along the main aisles are more expensive than those located on the outskirts of the cemetery.
• Grave size – the cost for a single site will be less than for a double or family grave.

The average cost of buying a space for 20 years is between £500 and £600, but in large cities it can exceed £1,000. This price may increase if the grave is in a more representative location or is for several people.

Possibility of buying a seat during one’s lifetime

Some cemeteries allow you to buy a place while you are still alive. In this case, prices are higher and can range from a few to even tens of thousands of zlotys, depending on the prestige of the necropolis. However, this is a way of ensuring peace of mind and certainty about your burial place in the future.

Grave maintenance costs

In addition to the one-off charge for the cemetery space, the costs of maintaining the grave must also be taken into account, which include:

• Place renewal fees every 20 years,
• Costs for the construction of the headstone and its eventual restoration,
• Charges for cleaning and care of the grave if external companies are used.

The purchase of a cemetery site is a decision that should be well thought out, taking into account both the costs and the future maintenance obligations of the grave.