Foreign investors can purchase most types of real‑estate in Georgia on the same terms as Georgian citizens. The only category that remains restricted is agricultural land, which has been off‑limits to non‑residents since May 2017 except in cases of inheritance.
What can be bought
- Residential property – houses, apartments, condos. No extra requirements or taxes for foreigners.
- Commercial property – hotels, shops, restaurants, offices. Same rules as for residents.
- Agricultural land – generally prohibited for foreign ownership. Zoning can be applied to parcels that appear in town or village settings, making it difficult to re‑zone. Inheritance is the primary exception.
Popular locations
- Hotel or restaurant projects – major cities (e.g., Tbilisi) are typically preferred.
- Summer getaway homes – areas such as Sagurama (unclear spelling) are mentioned.
- Quiet rural retreats – villages like Lisi are cited as options.
Finding a property
- Online portals such as
myhome.geandplace.gelist residential and commercial listings. - For land parcels, a local real‑estate agent is advisable. Typical agency commissions are around 3 % of the transaction value, usually paid by the seller, but the rate is negotiable.
Transaction steps
- Price negotiation – most listings are open to bargaining.
- Pre‑purchase legal review – engage a Georgian‑qualified attorney to conduct due diligence on title, zoning, and any encumbrances.
- Draft and sign a purchase agreement – the lawyer prepares the contract and registers the pre‑purchase agreement.
- Deposit payment – usually a percentage of the price is paid at this stage.
- Final registration – the remaining balance is paid and the transfer is recorded in the Public Registry.
- Power of attorney (if buying remotely) – a foreign buyer without a Georgian residency card can issue a notarized POA in their home country, have it legalized and apostilled, then send it to a trusted representative in Georgia who will translate and notarize it locally.
Costs and pricing examples
- Lisi: approximately USD 120 per m².
- Sioni/Glory (unclear spelling): as low as USD 5 per m².
- Prices are advertised in USD, but the official transaction currency is the Georgian lari (GEL).
Financing options
- Mortgage loans are available from major Georgian banks, notably TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia.
- Loans are offered to both domestic and foreign borrowers, though interest rates tend to be higher than in many Western markets.
Construction permits
If the purchased land requires a building permit:
- Obtain a construction design from a licensed architectural firm.
- Pass an on‑site inspection by Georgian authorities.
- Secure connection to municipal utilities (water, electricity, etc.).
- Register the completed building in the National Public Registry.
Risks and caveats
- Agricultural zoning can be applied unexpectedly, limiting development potential. Rezoning is a lengthy, uncertain process.
- Currency risk: while prices are quoted in USD, payments and registration are in GEL, exposing buyers to exchange‑rate fluctuations.
- Legal compliance: failure to conduct thorough due diligence may result in title disputes or hidden liabilities.
- Financing costs: high interest rates can affect the overall profitability of an investment.
By following the outlined due‑diligence procedures, securing appropriate legal representation, and understanding the local zoning and financing landscape, foreign buyers can navigate Georgia’s real‑estate market with confidence.
