Question 1

Can foreigners buy real estate in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreigners can buy residential property in Georgia in their own name — no permit, no quota, and no requirement to live in the country. Agricultural land is different: a restriction applies, so in practice agricultural land is held through a Georgian company. A valid passport plus a Georgian tax/ID number, generated during the registration process, are enough to complete a purchase. A Georgian LLC is not mandatory for apartments, but can make sense if you hold several properties or rent commercially. Being present in person is not required: the purchase can be completed via a notarised power of attorney.

Question 2

How does a property purchase in Georgia work?

Accepted Answer

The process is short: choose the property, check the documents, sign the sale contract, pay, and register title with the public registry (NAPR). For off-plan purchases, a reservation/sale agreement with the developer plus a payment plan replaces a direct purchase until handover. 1. Define your target profile and budget, 2. shortlist properties or projects, 3. viewing or video walkthrough, 4. legal due diligence, 5. contract, 6. payment, 7. registration, 8. handover and letting. For resale properties, title transfers directly at the registry; for new builds, registration happens after completion and acceptance. Plan for a 3–5 day buying trip so viewing, due diligence and signing can happen in a single visit.

Question 3

How long does title registration take in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Registration with the public registry (NAPR) can be completed the same day, within one business day, or, on the standard track, within four business days — the faster tiers cost a higher fee. For new builds, this clock only starts once the building is completed and accepted. You'll need a passport, the sale contract and the registration fee; translations are required for some documents. The title extract is available digitally and can be requested again at any time. Source: NAPR, Fees and Terms (Immovable Property Registration), as of 21 Sep 2026 — https://napr.gov.ge/en/page/fees-and-terms/immovable-property-registration-fee.

Question 4

What closing costs apply when buying property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are low: the registration fee, translations and notary usually total a low three-digit dollar amount. For an apartment, budget an additional 1–3% of the purchase price if you include legal due diligence, a power of attorney and any agent commission. There is no transfer tax like in Germany. NAPR registration fee: same-day, one-business-day and standard four-business-day tiers, faster processing costs more. Legal due diligence (recommended): a flat fee per property. For new builds, add utility connection fees plus furnishing and finishing — often the larger item, depending on the finish level.

Question 5

Do I need a notary or lawyer to buy property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

A notary isn't required in every case, but independent legal due diligence is strongly recommended. The sale contract can be signed directly at the registry; a notary is needed for powers of attorney and remote purchases. For off-plan purchases, the lawyer reviews the pre-sale agreement: payment schedule, completion date, delay consequences, area deviation, and cancellation rights. We work with independent law firms — the review should protect your interests, not the seller's.

Question 6

Which documents should I check before buying?

Accepted Answer

Before signing, review the title extract, construction and use permits, land status, and any liens or encumbrances. For new builds, also check the building permit for the specific floor count, the payment schedule, and the clauses covering delay and area deviation. Title extract: owner, area, encumbrances. Building permit and approved floor count — deviations are a warning sign. Powers of attorney, seller identity, and, for companies, authority to represent. For off-plan: the developer's track record, completed projects, and delivery reliability.

Question 7

Is a property in Tbilisi a good investment?

Accepted Answer

Tbilisi is the more stable of the two markets: demand from government, IT, education and tourism is present year-round, and long-term rentals are easier to plan than at the coast. Gross yield is typically lower than in Batumi, but occupancy is steadier. Typical gross yield on long-term rental: roughly 5–9% p.a. before tax, management and vacancy. Entry into new-build projects usually starts around USD 100,000, depending on location and finish level. Suits buyers who prioritise value stability and predictable rent over maximum seasonal yield.

Question 8

Which Tbilisi districts are interesting for property investors?

Accepted Answer

For investors, the key areas are Vake, Saburtalo, the Old Town/Sololaki, Krtsanisi, Isani and Didi Digomi. Vake and Saburtalo lead long-term rentals, the Old Town and Krtsanisi are more short-term-rental oriented, while Isani and Didi Digomi suit price-sensitive entry. Vake: established, high demand from expats, the city's highest price per square metre. Saburtalo: universities, clinics, metro access — a broad tenant base and plenty of new build. Old Town & Sololaki: character and tourism, but mixed building quality. Krtsanisi, Isani, Didi Digomi: more affordable entry, value growth more dependent on infrastructure.

Question 9

Vake or Saburtalo — which location suits which buyer?

Accepted Answer

Vake suits buyers seeking value stability and a well-off tenant base who accept a higher price per square metre. Saburtalo suits buyers who want a better gross yield and a wider choice of new build, and who can live with a broader, more variable tenant base. Vake: lower gross yield, lower vacancy risk, tends to hold resale value more steadily. Saburtalo: more new-build supply, often 1–2 percentage points higher gross yield, more dependent on the exact micro-location. In both cases, distance to the metro, schools, clinics and green space is decisive.

Question 10

What does a new-build apartment in Tbilisi cost per square metre?

Accepted Answer

New build in Tbilisi typically runs between about USD 900 and USD 2,200 per square metre, depending on location and finish level. Vake and premium projects sit at the top, Didi Digomi or Isani at the bottom. White-frame units are cheaper than turnkey because the interior fit-out is still missing. Always compare price per square metre at the same finish level — otherwise you're comparing two different products. Listing prices aren't transaction prices: discounts or added extras are common in negotiation, project by project.

Question 11

What rents are realistic in Tbilisi?

Accepted Answer

A well laid-out one- or two-bedroom apartment in a good location typically achieves around USD 400–900 per month on a long-term lease, more if furnished and in a premium area. Short-term rental can earn more but requires management, cleaning and occupancy handling. Example: USD 120,000 purchase price, USD 950 monthly rent ⇒ roughly 9.5% gross, closer to 7% net after costs and tax. Furnishing raises the rent but shortens the useful life of the furniture and creates replacement costs.

Question 12

What are the risks of new-build projects in Tbilisi?

Accepted Answer

The three most common risks are construction delays, quality falling short at handover, and a micro-location that's valued differently once construction finishes than it was at purchase. The remedy is developer due diligence, a contract with clear delay consequences, and a payment plan tied to construction progress. Delays of a few months are common in the market; what matters is what the contract says when that happens. Check the developer's completed projects in person or via video. Watch neighbouring plots: an open view today can be built up later.

Question 13

Is a property in Batumi a good investment?

Accepted Answer

Batumi offers higher gross yields but also greater swings: demand is driven by the summer season and international tourism. Batumi suits buyers focused on cashflow who are willing to run short-term rentals; for the most predictable rental income, Tbilisi is the better fit. Typical gross yield: roughly 8–12% p.a. with active short-term letting, before costs and tax. Entry into new build usually starts around USD 50,000 — making Batumi the most affordable way into the Georgian market. Without professional management, occupancy drops sharply outside the season.

Question 14

Which Batumi districts are interesting for property buyers?

Accepted Answer

The focus is on New Boulevard, Khimshiashvili, Old Batumi, the airport corridor, and Gonio and Kvariati. New Boulevard and Khimshiashvili are the core short-term rental areas, Old Batumi offers atmosphere, and Gonio/Kvariati offer quiet and a lower entry price. New Boulevard: close to the beach, dense new build, best summer letting performance. Khimshiashvili: near the boulevard, somewhat cheaper, plenty of new build. Old Batumi: character and year-round city demand, but mixed building quality. Gonio/Kvariati: lower price per square metre, more seasonal, car access matters.

Question 15

New Boulevard, Khimshiashvili or Old Batumi — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

New Boulevard is the most expensive and most tourist-driven location, right on the new beachfront stretch. Khimshiashvili sits one row back, is cheaper and dominated by new build. Old Batumi thrives on city atmosphere and year-round demand, but has the most mixed building stock. Short-term rental performance: New Boulevard > Khimshiashvili > Old Batumi. Price per square metre: highest at New Boulevard, mid-range at Khimshiashvili, and highly variable in Old Batumi depending on the building. Resale: sea proximity and sea view are the most stable price drivers.

Question 16

What does a new-build apartment in Batumi cost per square metre?

Accepted Answer

New build in Batumi typically runs between about USD 700 and USD 1,800 per square metre. Sea view and beach proximity at New Boulevard sit at the top, locations away from the boulevard and in Gonio at the bottom. As always, compare prices only at the same finish level. A genuine sea view regularly commands a double-digit percentage premium over the same project without one. Floor, orientation and balcony depth can change the price notably within the same building.

Question 17

What rents/yields are realistic in Batumi?

Accepted Answer

In summer, nightly rates of about USD 40–90 for a well-equipped apartment are common, much less outside the season. Over a full year, active letting typically produces 8–12% gross yield — after management, vacancy and tax, the net figure is lower. Budget 15–25% for management and platform fees on short-term rentals. Long-term rental in Batumi earns less than short-term, but is predictable and low-maintenance.

Question 18

How seasonal is the Batumi property market?

Accepted Answer

Seasonality is pronounced: most short-term rental income falls in June through September. Outside that window, occupancy and nightly rates drop sharply, which is why many owners switch to monthly rentals in winter. Mixed model: short-term in summer, monthly in winter — smooths out occupancy. Year-round demand exists mainly in the city centre, less so directly on the beachfront.

Question 19

How does buying an off-plan/new-build apartment in Georgia work?

Accepted Answer

With an off-plan purchase, you sign a pre-sale agreement with the developer and pay a deposit, usually 20–30%, with the balance in instalments through to completion. You're registered as owner after the building is accepted; until then the contract is your protection. The contract should specify the completion date, delay consequences, area tolerance, finish standard and cancellation rights. Payments should ideally be tied to construction progress rather than fixed calendar dates alone.

Question 20

How do interest-free developer instalment plans work?

Accepted Answer

Many developers in Georgia offer a 20–30% deposit followed by interest-free monthly instalments through to completion. It's not a loan: there's no credit check, but there's no interest saving on paper either — the cost is priced in. Cash buyers often get a discount instead. Typical structure: 20–30% deposit, remainder over 12–36 monthly instalments through to handover. After handover, follow-on financing through a Georgian bank is possible, usually with an equity requirement. Always compare the cash price with the instalment price — the gap is the real cost of the instalment plan.

Question 21

What do black frame, white frame, green frame and turnkey mean?

Accepted Answer

These terms describe the finish level at handover. Black frame is a bare shell with no interior finish, white frame has plastered walls and connections, green frame sits in between with screed and windows, and turnkey is move-in ready. Price per square metre is only comparable at the same finish level. Black frame: the cheapest entry, full interior fit-out done by the buyer. White frame: standard on many projects, budget roughly USD 250–450/sqm for fit-out. Turnkey: rentable immediately, higher purchase price, lower construction risk for the buyer.

Question 22

How do I check a developer in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Check the track record: completed projects, delivery reliability, handover quality, and the legal entity behind the project. Then check the contract: delay consequences, area tolerance, a payment schedule tied to construction progress, and warranties. A project with no proven completion history is a higher risk, regardless of marketing. Visit at least two completed projects from the same developer. Check the building permit and floor count against the sales plan. The payment recipient must be the company named in the contract.

Question 23

What happens if construction is delayed?

Accepted Answer

The contract is what matters: good contracts state a binding completion date, a tolerance period, and compensation or a right to cancel if that period is exceeded. Without these clauses you have little leverage, which is why these points should be negotiated before you sign. Tolerance periods of 3–6 months are common. Check whether instalment payments must continue during a delay.

Question 24

Can I resell an off-plan apartment before completion?

Accepted Answer

On many projects, transferring the pre-sale agreement before completion is possible, often for a fee and with the developer's consent. Whether it's allowed and on what terms is set out in the contract — clarify this before you buy if reselling before handover is part of your strategy. Some developers require a minimum share of the purchase price to have been paid. Reselling before completion depends on market conditions — noticeably harder in weaker phases.

Question 25

What gross rental yield is realistic for property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 5–9% gross is realistic in Tbilisi on long-term rental, and roughly 8–12% gross in Batumi with active short-term letting. Net, after management, vacancy, maintenance and 5% rental tax, expect typically 1.5–3 percentage points less. Be sceptical of any figure above 15%. Factor in vacancy deliberately: one month of vacancy costs about 8% of annual rent. Capital appreciation is a second potential source of return, but it's not guaranteed.

Question 26

Tbilisi or Batumi — which market suits my goal better?

Accepted Answer

Tbilisi suits predictable long-term rentals and value stability; Batumi suits higher cashflow with seasonal risk and a lower entry price. If you want minimal management effort, choose Tbilisi; if you want to actively let and accept swings, choose Batumi. Entry price: Batumi from around USD 50,000, Tbilisi from around USD 100,000. Occupancy: Tbilisi year-round, Batumi seasonal. Many buyers combine both to blend seasonal and market risk.

Question 27

How do I calculate rental yield on a property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Gross yield = annual rent ÷ total investment × 100. Net yield = (annual rent − management − vacancy − maintenance − tax) ÷ total investment × 100. The key is to include fit-out, furnishing and closing costs in your total investment, not just the purchase price. Example: USD 120,000 purchase price + USD 12,000 fit-out/furnishing = USD 132,000 investment; USD 950 rent ⇒ USD 11,400 annual rent ⇒ 8.6% gross. Deductions: 8% management, 8% vacancy, 5% rental tax, 1% maintenance ⇒ roughly 6.7% net.

Question 28

What costs should I budget for besides the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price, expect a registration fee, legal due diligence, interior fit-out depending on the finish level, furnishing, service charges and ongoing management. When renting out residential property as an individual, a 5% tax on gross rent can apply under Tax Code of Georgia Art. 81(2), with no cost deduction — always verify the current rules for your case — plus cleaning and platform fees for short-term rentals. Fit-out from white frame to turnkey: typically USD 250–450/sqm. Furnishing a two-bedroom apartment: usually USD 6,000–12,000. Service charge: varies by project, often USD 0.2–0.6/sqm per month.

Question 29

How is rental income taxed in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Under Tax Code of Georgia Art. 81(2), a flat 5% rate can apply to income individuals earn from renting out residential property for living purposes, with no cost deduction; this treatment does not automatically extend to other lettings, so verify the current rules for your case. Many countries, including Germany, have a double taxation treaty with Georgia; taxation in your country of residence follows its own rules. Different rates and obligations apply if you use a commercial structure or let short-term through a company. Registration and monthly filing are done through the Georgian tax portal. Source: Tax Code of Georgia, Art. 81(2), as of 21 Sep 2026 — https://new.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1043717.

Question 30

Can property ownership lead to a residence permit in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — owning non-agricultural property worth more than USD 100,000 (market value) can qualify you for a short-term residence permit. This is a separate route from the Investment Residence Permit, which the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) grants under different conditions, notably a USD 300,000 investment threshold. The relevant authority decides case by case, and requirements and valuation practice change, so verify the current position before you buy. The permit is initially temporary and renewable for as long as ownership continues. Family members can generally be included. A residence permit is not citizenship and does not by itself create tax residency. Source: SDA, Migration and Residence Permits, and Matsne, as of 21 Sep 2026 — https://sda.gov.ge/en/products/migration-residence-permits/.

Question 31

Can foreigners get mortgage financing in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Georgian banks do finance foreigners, but with a higher equity requirement, shorter terms and notably higher interest rates than in the EU. In practice, the most common path is a developer instalment plan through to handover followed by bank financing afterwards. Typical terms: 30–50% equity and loan terms of roughly 5–15 years. Required documents: proof of income, bank statements, sometimes a Georgian bank account. Terms vary widely by bank and borrower profile — compare offers.

Question 32

What should I know about USD, GEL and EUR exchange rates?

Accepted Answer

New-build purchase prices are usually negotiated in USD, rents are often collected in GEL, and your own costs may fall in EUR. That leaves you carrying exchange-rate exposure on two levels: at purchase and ongoing on rental income. Contracts should clearly state the currency and the conversion mechanism. Lease agreements can be indexed in USD and paid in GEL — set the exchange rate mechanism in the contract. For instalment plans: check which currency instalments are actually due in. Currency movements can materially change your yield measured in your home currency.

Buying & ownership