Georgia is experiencing rapid growth in its real estate market, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking to buy property in Georgia with affordable prices, flexible legal options, and an encouraging economic environment.
However, one of the most significant challenges facing buyers is how to ensure the validity of the property in Georgia before purchasing it, to avoid falling into real estate scams or buying properties with legal or structural problems.
In this detailed guide, we explain the steps to verify the legality of the property, methods for inspecting the property, ways to verify property ownership, along with understanding the conditions for foreigners to buy property in Georgia, and the most prominent real estate problems in Georgia.
Whether you're wondering how to check a property before buying it in Georgia, or looking for a guide to verify properties in Georgia, you'll find everything you need here to make a safe and informed purchase decision, with the help of a trusted company like Mbany Real Estate.
The Importance of Ensuring Property Validity in Georgia Before Purchase
Reducing Real Estate Investment Risks
Investors often rush into buying property in Georgia without sufficient verification, leading to problems related to property ownership or the subsequent issuance of building violations.
Therefore, checking the property registry in Georgia is an essential step to ensure that the property is not mortgaged or subject to any legal restrictions. Ignoring this step can lead to complex legal disputes or the loss of the entire investment.
Protection from Real Estate Fraud
Due to the openness of the real estate market, cases of real estate fraud have emerged in Georgia, where some people sell duplicate or unregistered properties.
Therefore, methods for ensuring the safety of the property in Georgia include reviewing all documents, visiting the real estate registry, and consulting with accredited real estate lawyers, in addition to dealing with reliable brokers such as Mbany Real Estate.
Steps to Ensure the Legality of Property in Georgia
Obtaining an Official Copy of the Title Deed
One of the most prominent steps in ensuring the legality of a property in Georgia is to verify that the seller is the actual owner of the property. A recent title deed issued by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) should be obtained, with matching the seller's personal information.
Checking the Property Registry in Georgia
You can access the electronic system of the official Real Estate Registry in Georgia (NAPR) to see if there are any legal notices, lawsuits, or mortgages on the property.
You can also verify the type of property (residential - commercial - agricultural) and its compatibility with the intended use.
Inspecting a Property in Georgia from an Engineering and Legal Perspective
Structural and Engineering Inspection of the Property
It is important to have the property in Georgia inspected from an engineering perspective before purchasing, especially if the building is old or newly constructed by unlicensed companies. This process includes checking the foundations, construction quality, electrical and water systems, and the property's compliance with approved building plans.
Verification of Licenses and Plans
In many cases, the building exists but without official licenses. This is where the danger lies.
You must ensure the existence of building permits, occupancy permits, and safety certificates, especially if the property is part of a new project.
This requires the assistance of a lawyer specializing in real estate in Georgia or through an accredited broker such as Mbany Real Estate.
How to Avoid Real Estate Scams in Georgia?
Dealing with Reliable Companies Like Mbany Real Estate
The best way to avoid real estate scams in Georgia is to deal only with well-known and licensed companies, such as Mbany Real Estate, which offers comprehensive services including property search, verification of its legality, and completion of registration procedures officially.
Using a Local Real Estate Lawyer
Having a real estate lawyer who is an expert in Georgian laws helps you review every clause of the contract and ensure that the property is free of legal problems. The lawyer is also a legal intermediary when transferring ownership and guarantees your rights as a foreign investor.
Conditions for Foreigners to Buy Property in Georgia
Full Ownership is Available to Foreigners
Georgian law allows foreigners to buy property in Georgia and register it in their personal name without the need for a local partner, which makes Georgia one of the few countries that facilitates real estate ownership for foreigners.
Restrictions on Agricultural Land
Georgian law does not allow foreigners to own agricultural land. Therefore, the type of property must be verified before purchasing through the official Real Estate Registry to avoid rejection of the application later.
Property Prices in Georgia: What You Need to Know
Prices According to Location and Features
Property prices in Georgia vary from city to city. For example, apartment prices in Tbilisi are considered the most expensive compared to Kutaisi or Batumi. Also, properties near the sea or city centers are more expensive.
Purchase, Transfer, and Registration Fees
When buying a property in Georgia, you will need to pay registration and transfer fees, which range from 0.1% to 1% of the property value. There are also fees for property appraisal and legal documentation.
How to Check the Property Before Buying it in Georgia?
Request All Legal Documents
It is necessary to request property documents, such as the building permit, occupancy certificate, proof of payment of property taxes, and the approved property plan. These documents are necessary to ensure the safety of the property.
Compare the Property with the Real Estate Market in Georgia
Compare the price of the property you want to buy with similar properties in the same neighborhood or city. This comparison will help you determine whether the price is appropriate or inflated, making it easier for you to make an informed decision about buying property in Georgia.
Real Estate Verification Guide in Georgia for Investors
To Verify the Seller's Identity
Request an original copy of the seller's passport or personal ID, and make sure it matches the title deed. This is necessary in all steps of buying property in Georgia.
Verifying the Use of the Property
Is the property residential? Commercial? Tourist? The use of the property must be consistent with the purpose you want as an investor. You may also need to check the municipal laws that regulate changes in property uses.
Additional Tips Before Buying Property in Georgia
Do Not Sign Any Contract Before Legal Review
The contract may contain unclear clauses or serve the interests of the seller. Do not sign any document unless it has been reviewed by a legal professional specializing in real estate in Georgia.
Keep All Documents and Details
It is advisable to document all stages of the purchase, from the initial contact to the registration of the property. Keep copies of receipts, contracts, and correspondence with the seller or the real estate company.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Ensure Property Validity in Georgia Before Purchase
+
How do I know if a property is legal in Georgia ?
By reviewing the official Real Estate Registry, checking the title deed, and examining the permits associated with the property.
+
Can foreigners buy property in Georgia easily ?
Yes, foreigners can easily buy property in Georgia, except for agricultural land, provided that the type of property is verified and registered in an official manner.
+
How do I verify property ownership ?
Request the original title deed, and review its data in the Real Estate Registry to ensure that the owner's name matches the seller.
+
What are the most common real estate problems in Georgia ?
These include selling the property to more than one person, the existence of legal reservations, the construction of the property without official permits, or the absence of occupancy certificates.
+
Is it advisable to buy through a real estate company ?
Yes, especially through trusted companies such as Mbany Real Estate, which provides legal guarantees and full supervision of the process.
Article Conclusion: How to Ensure Property Validity in Georgia Before Purchase
In the end, how to ensure the validity of the property in Georgia before purchasing it is the first step towards a successful and safe real estate investment.
Adhering to the steps to ensure the legality of the property, relying on reliable entities such as Mbany Real Estate, and using property ownership verification tools will enable you to buy property in Georgia with complete confidence.
Do not be satisfied with the appearance of the property, but check every document, seek the help of experts, and avoid real estate problems in Georgia by studying all the details. Make your real estate investment a successful start to a long-term financial journey.
06-02-2024 
