How to check a developer before buying an apartment in Batumi

Why due diligence matters 🏘️

Buying an apartment in Batumi is both an emotional and financial decision. Properly checking the developer reduces legal and construction risks and helps protect your investment.

1) Start with legal status and track record 📑

• Ask for the developer’s official registration details: company name, registration number, and registered address.
• Prefer companies with a consistent presence on the market and completed developments — longevity usually improves reliability.
• Check for ongoing litigation or insolvency records in public registries or with the help of an agent.

2) Assess completed projects and reputation 🧾

• Visit finished buildings and speak with residents about delivery timing, quality and after-sales service.
• Request a portfolio of completed projects with addresses and photos.
• Watch for repeating patterns in complaints — these are stronger signals than single negative reviews.

3) Confirm land rights and permits 🏷️

• Clarify the land status: full ownership, long-term lease, or contested status.
• Request copies of construction permits and approvals from local authorities.
• Have a lawyer review the key documents: land title, planning permission, and project declaration.

4) Understand financing and payment mechanisms 💳

• Ask how the project is financed: internal funds, bank loans or third-party investors.
• Be cautious with schemes that require large upfront payments without clear escrow or audit mechanisms.
• Prefer staged payments tied to construction milestones, and ask whether escrow accounts or bank guarantees are available.

5) Monitor schedule and build quality 🛠️

• Obtain a construction timeline with milestones and approximate delivery dates.
• Arrange periodic site visits or hire an independent inspector to monitor progress and material quality.
• Ask about the materials and quality standards, and request documentation where possible.

6) Scrutinize the sales contract 📜

• The contract should clearly describe the property (size, layout), completion date, payment terms and liability for delay.
• Check clauses for force majeure, penalties, warranty responsibilities and termination conditions.
• Always have a local real estate lawyer review the contract before signing.

7) Red flags to avoid 🚩

• Refusal to share land ownership or construction permits.
• Non-transparent payment requests or pressure to pay large sums quickly.
• No track record or many postponed projects in the portfolio.

Practical checklist before signing ✅

1. Get copies of company registration, land documents and permits.
2. Visit completed projects and the active construction site.
3. Check public records for legal disputes.
4. Understand the project financing and risk allocation.
5. Consult a lawyer and an independent construction expert.
6. Agree payment protection: escrow, bank guarantee or similar.

Example scenarios (illustrative) 🔍

• A developer offering staged payments tied to visible construction milestones is often safer than one asking for a full upfront payment.
• If permits are missing, consider postponing the transaction until the developer provides full documentation.

Need help? BuyHome can assist 🤝

Due diligence combines legal, technical and reputational checks. At BuyHome we guide buyers through document collection, technical inspections and legal review. If you'd like us to verify a developer or accompany your purchase, contact our team or start searching properties: https://buyhome.ge/en/search.