Why this matters
Signing a sale contract does not yet make you the owner. Under article 185 of the Civil Code, if a contract needs both notarial certification and state registration, ownership arises from the moment of registration. Under article 112, a transaction that does not keep the requirement of state registration is invalid. An unregistered object can be sold again to a third person.
The documents you need
- The document of title (sale, gift, certificate of inheritance, court decision).
- The cadastral documents.
- The identity documents of the parties.
- The payment receipt (if a payment is charged for the registration).
Check before you buy
- Is the seller the real owner? Under article 84 of the Civil Code, the registering body must give information on registered rights to any person.
- Is there an attachment or a pledge on the object?
- Is there any unauthorised construction or replanning?
- Are there persons who keep the right to use the housing after the sale? Under article 14 of the Housing Code, the list of those persons is an essential term of the contract.
If you are refused
Under article 84 of the Civil Code, a refusal of state registration, or a breach of the registration time limits, can be challenged in court.