Resale Properties in Tbilisi: Guide for Buyers from Russia and Georgia

Transparency of evaluation. The building is already in operation—you can see the condition of the entrance, functioning utilities, soundproofing, and lighting. In one visit, it's clear exactly what you're purchasing, without surprises at the acceptance stage.​

Quick processing. Documents are ready; registration with the Public Registry takes from one to four days. After receiving the ownership certificate, you immediately become the owner and can manage the property.​

Negotiation opportunities. Owners are often willing to discuss price, move-out dates, and furniture transfer. This provides room for optimizing terms to suit your situation.

Legislation allows citizens of any country to freely purchase residential and commercial real estate without approvals. The exception is agricultural land, available only to local citizens.

Documents for the Transaction

A valid international passport is sufficient. The contract is drafted in Georgian; if necessary, a sworn translator is involved.​

Russian citizens enjoy visa-free status for up to 360 days per year—no additional documents are required.

Obtaining Residence Permit

A purchase opens the opportunity to obtain a residence permit with a financial threshold starting at $100,000. From March 1, 2026, the threshold rises to $150,000.

Residential and commercial properties registered in your name qualify. The procedure includes submitting an application through the House of Justice or the my.gov.ge portal with an attachment of the property ownership extract.

Location choice depends on your goal: comfortable living, stable rental income, or capital preservation.

Vake: Prestige and Consistent Demand

Vake is valued for developed infrastructure, green spaces, and peaceful atmosphere. According to Galt & Taggart data for 2025, the average price was $3500/m².​

The resale housing stock consists of Soviet-era buildings with major renovations and buildings from the 2000s–2010s. Critical factors are entrance condition, working elevator, and parking. Liquidity is high—demand is stable for both purchase and long-term rental.

Saburtalo: Mass-Market Segment

Saburtalo attracts with transport accessibility and commercial infrastructure. An average price of $2200/m² makes it more affordable than premium locations.​
Formats vary: from studios to four-bedroom apartments. Stable rental demand is important for investors. Pay attention to the street and proximity to metro—this affects rental speed.

Chugureti: Central Energy

Chugureti is chosen for walking distance to the historic center, cafes, shops, and cultural venues. An average price of $2600/m² reflects the location premium.​

In the old housing stock, many buildings have worn-out utilities—detailed assessment is required. With the right choice, you get an excellent ratio of price to environmental quality.

Isani: Accessible Entry

Isani, with an average price of $1350/m², is suitable for limited budgets. Here, micro-location is important: proximity to transport and building condition significantly affect liquidity.

A successful purchase is built on checking parameters that affect comfort and future value.

Technical Building Assessment

Inspect the facade, entrances, roof, elevators, and utilities. A visually "tired" building will require additional investments or create problems when renting. A solid building with simple interior finishes is often preferable to expensive renovation in a problematic building.

Layout Functionality

Avoid complex geometry, long corridors, and lack of natural light. Such properties stay vacant longer between tenants and are harder to sell. Maximum demand is for apartments with logical layout, convenient kitchen, and good windows.

Legal Clarity

Before making a deposit, order an extract from the Public Registry—the document shows the owner, encumbrances, debts, and seizures. The system is transparent: anyone can obtain information online at napr.gov.ge.

Special attention to inherited apartments and properties with multiple owners: here there is a higher risk of hidden problems.

Registration proceeds through the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR). Parties sign the contract with a notary or at the House of Justice, then submit documents for registration.

The state fee varies: 150 lari for standard processing (four days), 270 lari for expedited (one day), 350 lari for same-day processing. Upon completion, the owner receives an electronic certificate.

An important advantage: there is no acquisition tax, which reduces transaction costs compared to many countries.​