Buy an apartment in Batumi without intermediaries

Buy an apartment in Batumi without intermediaries — practical guide 🏝️

Buying directly from an owner can cut costs and speed up the process, but it requires careful preparation. This guide outlines how to search, verify documents, arrange safe payments, and protect your interests — especially for buyers coming from abroad.

1. Define your goal and choose the right area

Decide whether the apartment is for living, short-term or long-term rental, or pure investment. Each goal suggests different priorities: proximity to the sea, infrastructure, transport links, or year-round demand.

Create a short list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to filter listings efficiently.

2. Searching and initial contact with the owner

Look for listings on local portals and social groups. When you contact the owner, ask who legally owns the property, whether there are encumbrances, and why the property is being sold. Request clear photos of documents: title deed, registry extract, and technical plan.

A good first message: "Hello, I'm interested in your apartment. Could you share the title document and a registry extract, please?"

3. Documents to request and verify ✅

• Title deed proving ownership.
• Official extract from the Public Registry confirming rights.
• Utility payment receipts or statements showing no outstanding debts.
• Technical passport and floor plan.
• Spousal consent if applicable.

Do not proceed without an up-to-date registry extract and identity verification of the owner.

4. Inspections and independent valuation

Visit the apartment in person or with a trusted local contact. Check plumbing, electrical systems, signs of damp or structural issues, and the general condition. If the property will be rented or resold, consider an independent valuation to confirm market price.

5. Legal steps: contract, notary, registration

Draft a clear sales contract detailing the property, price, payment terms, and responsibilities. Even when buying directly, a legal review helps avoid hidden clauses. The transaction is notarized and must be registered in the Public Registry to transfer ownership officially.

6. Safe payment methods

Avoid large cash transactions. Prefer bank transfers, escrow arrangements, or other traceable methods. Include payment deadlines and mechanisms for handing over keys in the contract. If needed, arrange funds to pass through an escrow service or use a notarized acknowledgment of receipt.

7. Common pitfalls and how to avoid them ⚠️

• Relying only on verbal agreements — obtain and keep written evidence.
• Not checking for mortgages, liens, or legal disputes.
• Ignoring outstanding utility debts that can complicate transfer.

8. Advice for foreign buyers

Understand the procedures for registering property and any tax obligations. If you do not speak the local language, bring a translator or use a trusted representative during document checks and notarization. Also, consider how you will access banking services and transfers beforehand.

9. Pre-signing checklist

• Registry extract and owner's identity verified.
• No visible legal encumbrances or unresolved disputes.
• All payment terms and handover conditions agreed in writing.
• Utilities and building fees checked.

10. When to ask for agency support

Even if the aim is a direct purchase, agencies offer valuable services: document checks, verifying seller identity, arranging safe transfers, and coordinating notarial steps. If you prefer professional backup while keeping the contact direct, an agency can act as advisor rather than intermediary.

You can start your search on our site or ask us to review documents and support the closing: https://buyhome.ge/en/search

Contact us — we'll help you prepare and complete a safe purchase. 📩