What Legal Support Includes
Legal analysis of a real estate transaction covers careful study of both the property itself and the accuracy of all related documents, including a check for encumbrances. Encumbrances fall into two categories: those reflected in the registry and those not reflected in the registry.
Full transaction support covers every stage:
- Evaluation of the property and verification of the seller.
- Drafting the purchase and sale agreement or reviewing an existing one.
- Signing documents and submitting them for registration.
- Registering the agreement and arranging payment to the seller.
Service Packages
Standard Package
- Consultation with a lawyer.
- Property evaluation and owner identification.
- Drafting documents or analysing existing ones.
Extended Package
- Consultation with a lawyer.
- Property evaluation and owner identification.
- Drafting documents or analysing existing ones.
- Registering the agreement.
- Arranging payment to the seller.
Property Search and Transaction Support
In addition to legal support, we provide a full property search service: apartments, houses, commercial properties, and land plots. We handle property selection, negotiations, contract drafting, and full legal support throughout the transaction.
Purchase / Sale
- Search and viewing of properties.
- Negotiations with the seller.
- Contract drafting.
- Full legal support.
Cost: 3% of the property value, paid by the seller.
Rental
- Search and viewing of properties.
- Negotiations with the landlord.
- Contract drafting.
- Full legal support.
Cost: for a 12-month contract — one month's rent, paid by the property owner; for a 6-month contract — 50% of one month's rent, paid by the property owner.
Legal Due Diligence
Before completing a transaction, we recommend a full legal review of the property. We work with independent real estate appraisal specialists who establish the actual market value of the property before the deal is concluded.
Details: Legal Due Diligence in Georgia
Public Registry fees
Rights in immovable property are registered by the National Agency of Public Registry. Its fees:
| Service | 4 working days | 1 working day | On the day of filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration of the origin, change and termination of a right to immovable property | GEL 150 | GEL 270 | GEL 350 |
| Registration of an obligation related to an ownership right, such as a mortgage | GEL 150 | GEL 270 | GEL 350 |
| Registry extract | 1 working day | On the day of filing |
|---|---|---|
| Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry | GEL 20 | GEL 75 |
| Electronic extract via the internet | GEL 13 | GEL 52 |
Source: NAPR immovable property registration fees. The buyer becomes the owner only once the right is registered with the Public Registry, so the registration term is worth choosing together with the payment arrangement with the seller.
What our guides cover
- What an extract shows and which encumbrances the registry does not reveal is covered in our guide to property due diligence before you buy.
- How to buy a flat with a mortgage or pledge on it and in what order to pay is explained in our article on buying encumbered property.
- Which taxes an owner pays and what is taxed on sale is described in our article on property taxes in Georgia.
- How to complete a deal from abroad is explained in our guide to buying or selling property in Georgia remotely.
FAQ
Is legal support necessary when buying property in Georgia?
The property registration process in Georgia may seem straightforward at first glance, but without professional verification and legal advice it can have serious consequences for the new owner. We recommend consulting specialists to ensure a clean and secure transaction.
Can I buy property remotely without being present in Georgia?
Yes. You can grant a representative in Georgia power of attorney to act on your behalf. We prepare all required documents and provide legal protection throughout the transaction.
Can I arrange an independent property valuation before purchasing?
Yes, and it is an essential step before completing any transaction. We cooperate with independent real estate appraisers who will establish the true market value of the property before the deal is finalised.
How much does registering a transfer of ownership cost?
The National Agency of Public Registry charges GEL 150 for registration within 4 working days, GEL 270 within 1 working day and GEL 350 on the day of filing. Registering a mortgage costs the same.
When does the buyer become the owner?
From the moment the right is registered with the National Agency of Public Registry. A signed contract without registration does not create ownership, so the final payment to the seller is tied to registration.
How much does a Public Registry extract cost?
GEL 20 for an extract within 1 working day and GEL 75 on the day of filing. An electronic extract via the internet costs GEL 13 within a working day and GEL 52 on the same day.