Seller Due Diligence: Minimal Document Pack

Why you must check the seller 📝🔍

Buying property is both an emotional and financial decision. Verifying the seller and their paperwork reduces risks such as disputed ownership, liens, hidden debts, or invalid powers of attorney. A careful review protects your investment and peace of mind.

Minimum document checklist to request ✅

• Seller's ID (passport or national ID) and, where relevant, proof of address.
• Proof of ownership for the property (registry extract or ownership certificate).
• Land documents and technical plans if you buy a house or land plot.
• Documents about previous transfers (sale, gift, inheritance) that explain how the seller acquired the property.
• Confirmation of no encumbrances or an extract showing existing encumbrances and restrictions.
• Original power of attorney if a representative acts on behalf of the seller, notarised.
• Receipts for utilities or property taxes, when you need to confirm absence of debts.

How to use the checklist

The aim is not to collect every possible paper, but to confirm that the seller has the right to sell and there are no legal obstacles. Request originals or notarised copies. Photos are useful for a first view but do not replace original documents.

Key red flags to watch for ⚠️

• Discrepancies between the seller's ID and the registry documents.
• A power of attorney with unclear scope or recent notarisation — verify carefully.
• Encumbrances such as mortgages, arrests, or ongoing court disputes.
• Multiple recent transfers or gifts — these can lead to future challenges.
• Differences in the stated size or address across documents.

If you find inconsistencies, pause the transaction and seek clarification from the seller or a lawyer.

Practical verification steps — a simple routine 🛠️

• Ask the seller for the minimum document package and make copies.
• Check the public registry extract to confirm owner details and any encumbrances.
• Cross-check ID details against ownership documents.
• If a representative is involved, inspect the original power of attorney and its notarisation.
• Request evidence of cleared utilities and tax payments where relevant.
• Consult a lawyer when uncertain or when a red flag appears.

Common warning scenarios 🚩

• Seller refuses to show originals or claims documents are "lost".
• Registry records show other parties with rights over the property.
• A recently issued power of attorney grants very broad authority.
• Pressure to speed up the deal without proper document checks.

If something looks wrong — steps to take

• Do not sign any preliminary agreement or transfer money.
• Ask a notary or lawyer to verify document authenticity.
• Request the seller to clear encumbrances or provide written guarantees.
• Consider walking away — safety is more important than a rushed deal.

How BuyHome helps 🤝

We assist in collecting and verifying the seller’s document package, identify risks, and support the transaction through official registration. If you prefer, we can perform the verification for you and advise the safest way to proceed.

Start your property search with us: https://buyhome.ge/en/search or browse apartments at https://buyhome.ge/en/apartments

📞 Contact us — we’ll gently guide you through choosing and securing the right property in Georgia.