Buying real estate should start with a legal check, not just a viewing. A proper review reduces the risk of invalid ownership, encumbrances or disputes that can surface after the deal is signed.
Verify ownership documents. Review the documents that confirm ownership: purchase, gift, exchange or inheritance contracts; court decisions; certificates from privatization bodies; notarial certificates from auctions; lease with buyout; division agreements and other legally valid title documents.
Check state registration. Any transaction for registered property requires proof of state registration of rights. Information is available via the State Register of Rights in real time. Paper extracts can be obtained from registrars or notaries, while electronic extracts are available through the Diia portal.
Review encumbrances and restrictions. Make sure there are no court bans on registration actions and no owner statements that restrict registration. Check for mortgages, arrests and other burdens that can affect the deal.
Inspect the physical status. Confirm that any redevelopment or changes to structural walls are properly legalized and reflected in the technical passport.
Confirm utility debts. Check for unpaid utility services to avoid inheriting debts.
Screen legal risks. Verify the property and the seller in the Unified Register of Court Decisions, the Debtors Register and the Sanctions Register. This helps avoid transactions with high legal exposure.
Completing this checklist before signing will protect the buyer and reduce the chance of delays or cancellations during registration.
