Property Registration in Georgia: Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers

Registering Property in Georgia: A Buyer's Step-by-Step Guide

Buying property is exciting, but registration is the step that secures your legal ownership. This guide explains the typical steps buyers in Georgia should follow, with practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid. 🏡

1. Prepare and pre-check documents

• Gather your ID documents and any residency proofs you have. If you already signed a preliminary agreement, keep it ready.
• Ask the seller for an extract from the national registry and copies of the title documents well before closing.
• Check the property history: encumbrances, mortgages, disputes, or shared ownership. If unsure, hire a legal specialist to help.

Tip: request original documents and compare them with registry data rather than relying on verbal assurances.

2. Purchase agreement and terms

• Use a preliminary agreement to fix the terms: price, deadlines, responsibilities, and penalties for non-performance.
• Agree on how deposits are handled: escrow, bank guarantee, or deposit with a notary or agency reduces risk.

Example: include in the agreement that final registration only occurs after full payment and presentation of original documents.

3. Notarisation and signing the main contract

• In Georgia, a notarised contract is usually needed for registration. The notary verifies parties’ identities and the title documents.
• Attend signing with originals, copies, and proof of payments.

Practical note: check the notary's required document list in advance to avoid delays on signing day.

4. Submission to the National Registry

• After signing, documents are submitted to the registry (often handled by the notary) for entry of the ownership right.
• The registry verifies formal compliance: correct identification, signatures, and attachments.

Why it matters: registration makes ownership public and legally enforceable.

5. Fees, taxes and payments

• Account for state fees and any taxes related to the transaction. The notary or registry office will advise on payment methods.
• Clarify fees for intermediaries (agents, lawyers) and confirm who pays what before signing.

Keep all receipts and confirmations — they are essential if questions arise later.

6. Certificate, verification and record-keeping

• Once entered into the registry, you'll receive confirmation and documents proving your ownership.
• Verify all registry details: owner name, property address, area, and any encumbrances.

If there’s an error, contact the notary or registry promptly to correct it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them ✅

• Insufficient title checks. Solution: obtain a full registry extract and legal review.
• Informal handling of deposits. Solution: use escrow or a notarial deposit.
• Missed deadlines or lost confirmations. Solution: document timelines and keep copies of all communications.

Advice for foreign buyers 🌍

• Understand identification requirements and tax implications for non-residents.
• Work with English-speaking or local agents who regularly handle international transactions.

Final thoughts

Registering property in Georgia is manageable with careful preparation and the right support. Plan each step, verify documents, and use notarised processes to protect your investment.

If you want help checking documents or guiding the registration, contact us — we can assist with property search and transaction support. See listings: https://buyhome.ge/en/search or https://buyhome.ge/en/apartments

Contact BuyHome for friendly, professional assistance in choosing and registering your property in Georgia. 📩