Buying as a foreigner
Foreigners can freely buy apartments and houses. Restrictions apply only to agricultural land.
- Basis
- Georgian law
- Applies to
- Apartments and houses
Buying an apartment in Batumi. Process, costs and areas.
In short
Foreigners can buy apartments in Batumi without restriction. Most buy a new build directly from the developer and pay in instalments until handover. The apartment is then entered in the public registry in your name. There is no property transfer tax.
How buying worksLocation, handover condition and payment plan matter more than the price per square metre.
See projects in BatumiAt a glance
What to know before you buy.
The key points for international buyers. Each statement shows where it comes from.
Registration
Ownership is entered in the public registry at the Public Service Hall, in person or by power of attorney.
- Authority
- National Agency of Public Registry
- Duration
- 4 working days (standard)
Taxes on purchase
There is no property transfer tax. Only fees for registration and advice apply.
- Transfer tax
- none
- Fees
- registration from GEL 150
New-build projects in Batumi
AcrossEstate currently lists 6 published projects in Batumi. Prices start at $69,500.
- Source
- published project information
- Status
- updated continuously
Buying process
From project to registered title.
This is how buying a new build in Batumi usually works. The details are set by each project's contract.
- 1
Choose a project
Compare location, developer, completion date and documents.
- 2
Reserve the unit
A reservation holds the apartment for you for a fixed period.
- 3
Check the contract
Have the sales contract and payment plan checked by an independent lawyer.
- 4
Pay and register
Pay in full or in instalments, then register the title.
Buying without travelling
With a notarised power of attorney, a representative can sign and register for you. The document is translated and certified.
After handover
Depending on the condition, interior finishing follows. Then you use the apartment yourself or rent it out, often through a local manager.
Areas
Which area fits which goal.
Batumi is compact, but its districts differ a lot. What matters is whether you will live there or rent it out.
New Boulevard
High-rises by the sea and many new builds. In demand for holiday rentals, very busy in summer.
Old Town
Historic streets, cafés and short distances. Smaller projects and renovations, lively all year.
Makhinjauri
Part of Batumi since 2011, about 5 kilometres north of the centre on green slopes. Quieter, many apartments with sea views.
Gonio
About 15 kilometres south, with a long pebble beach and the Roman fortress. Often cheaper than the centre, more dependent on summer.
Handover condition
Black, white or green frame.
New-build apartments in Georgia are usually handed over in one of three conditions. It decides how much finishing work follows.
Black frame
The shell.
- Included
- Structural walls, slabs, facade
- Missing
- Utilities, screed, windows, inner walls
- Suits
- buyers who plan everything themselves
White frame
Ready for finishing.
- Included
- Plastered walls, screed, windows, front door
- Missing
- Floors, bathroom, kitchen, paint
- Suits
- most buyers
Green frame
Almost ready.
- Included
- Skimmed walls, utilities, prepared floors
- Missing
- Floor covering, fittings, final paint
- Suits
- quick move-in or rental
The agreed condition is stated in the sales contract and the project documents.
Comparison
Batumi or Tbilisi?
Both cities are Georgia's main markets, but they attract different buyers.
The comparison describes typical differences, not a promise for individual projects.
Setting and demand
- Batumi
- Coast
Black Sea, tourism, strongest in summer
- Tbilisi
- Capital
Work, study and business, all year
Holiday-rental buyers tend to look at Batumi. Long-term landlords tend to look at Tbilisi.
Rental
- Batumi
- Short-term
Holiday flats, seasonal occupancy
- Tbilisi
- Long-term
Tenants for months or years
Short-term rental takes more effort. A local manager handles it for a fee.
Climate and daily life
- Batumi
- Subtropical
Mild, humid, rainy autumns
- Tbilisi
- Continental
Hot summers, cool winters
For owner-occupiers, climate often matters more than yield.
You can compare projects in both cities side by side.
Compare projectsProjects in Batumi
Published new-build projects.
These projects are published on AcrossEstate. Open a project for documents, payment plan and costs.
See all projects
Discover more locations and projects in search.
Go to project search
Frequently asked questions
Questions about buying in Batumi.
Law, travel, residence, safety and running costs in Batumi.
Can foreigners buy an apartment in Georgia?
Yes. Foreigners can freely buy apartments and houses. Restrictions apply only to agricultural land.
Do I have to travel to Georgia to buy?
No. With a notarised power of attorney, a representative can sign and register for you.
Does buying give me a residence permit?
Yes, if the apartment's market value is above USD 150,000, proven by a valuation. The residence guide has the details.
How safe is buying directly from a developer?
It depends on the developer. Check the building permit, past projects and payment plan. On AcrossEstate you see which details of each project have been checked.
What running costs should I expect?
Typically a monthly service charge for the building, utilities and, if you rent out, a management fee. The figures are shown on each project page.
Last reviewed on November 1, 2026. Sources: National Agency of Public Registry (Georgia), Tax Code of Georgia, Published project information on AcrossEstate. This guide is not legal or tax advice.
Read next
More on buying in Georgia.
The capital compared, buying costs in detail and the route to a residence permit.
Find the right project in Batumi.
Every published project in Batumi, by area, price and completion.