How to Buy Property in Batumi, Georgia: The Detailed Guide

Batumi stands out for digital nomads, investors, and expats thanks to year-long visa-free status for many nationalities, affordable living, modern amenities, and a surging, foreigner-friendly property market. Here’s the full, up-to-date guide covering every step and nuance of buying real estate in Batumi as a foreigner.

1. Why Batumi?

Key advantages:

• Visa-free for 90+ countries, with 1-year renewable stays

• Low cost of living

• Efficient infrastructure and fast internet

• Seaside location, year-round mild climate

• Simple, welcoming property laws for foreigners

  
  

2. Property Market and Price Ranges

Price per Square Meter:

• New developments: $1,130–$1,185/m² on average

• Old flats: $1,100–$1,169/m²

• Boulevard/New Boulevard (prime coastal): $1,413/m²

  
  

Typical Unit Prices:

• Black frame (raw concrete shell): $12,000–$20,000 (studio/1BR)

• White frame (basic interior): $20,000–$28,000

• Turnkey/furnished studio: $25,000–$50,000+

• Beachfront/luxury: $100,000–$200,000

• Hotel-branded studios (e.g., Wyndham): from $44,000

  
  

Example: A 26m² black frame studio 400m from the sea can cost $17,000 (+$10,000 finishing)

3. Types of Properties: What’s the Difference?

Type	Description	Price Range (USD)
Black Frame	Structure only, no interior finish, wiring, or plumbing	$20,000–$30,000
White Frame	Prepped walls/floors, needs kitchen/bathroom/furniture	$30,000–$38,000
Turnkey	Fully finished, furnished, move-in ready	$35,000–$50,000+
Beachfront	New/prime location, luxury, often hotel managed	$100,000–$200,000
Wyndham etc.	Branded, hotel management, premium amenities	from $44,000

Many developers also offer furniture and interior upgrade packages.

4. Where to Buy: Batumi Neighborhood Guide

• New Boulevard: Quiet, modern, near major malls/airport. Low noise, strong for long-term investment.

• Old Batumi: Historical, expensive, Soviet-era buildings, higher maintenance.

• New Batumi/Orbi City: High-rise, touristy, party-atmosphere, high rental competition.

• Gonio: Fast-growing, major international brands (Radisson, Wyndham). Highest price growth in 2025; development focus for resort/hospitality.
  

5. Step-by-Step Buying Process (For Foreigners and Non-Residents)

A. Start to Finish:

1. Define your investment goal: Rental income, vacation use, retirement, or capital gain?

2. Property search: Use reputable platforms/agencies (look at New Boulevard, Gonio, central Batumi).

3. Legal due diligence: Verify ownership, title, absence of debts or ongoing court cases at the Public Registry. A lawyer is highly recommended.

4. Visit/view property: In-person or remote (possible with power of attorney).

5. Finalize price, sign Sale & Purchase Agreement: Document must be in Georgian (translation is standard). Signing can be at the Public Registry or remotely (with POA).

6. Payment: By bank transfer (in GEL) or cash. Non-residents can open local bank accounts for transactions and to receive rental income.

7. Register title: Register the notarized contract at the Public Service Hall. Ownership is typically transferred within 1–4 business days (expedited service possible).

8. Collect ownership extract: This is your proof and certificate of legal ownership.

9. Optional: Mortgage or installment plans: 30% down is typical, bank mortgages up to 70% LTV, interest rates ~7%. Most off-plan deals offer 12–60 month installment plans, sometimes interest-free.
   

Associated Costs:

• Registration: 50–200 GEL ($20–$80).

• Lawyer/agent: Usually 1–3% of property price.

• Property tax: 0% for most personal (non-commercial) purchases.
  

Legal Requirements and Restrictions:

• No citizenship/residency needed; anyone can buy apartments/commercial units.

• Foreigners cannot own agricultural land.

• If buying land classified as agricultural, you must establish a Georgian company.

• All contracts and titles must be in Georgian. Translation is routinely available onsite.

  
  

6. Financing & Mortgages

• Down payment: 20–30% minimum.

• Mortgages: Up to 70% LTV for foreigners (Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank), 10–20 year terms, typical rates at 7% APR.

• Installments: Most new projects offer direct, interest-free payment plans up to 60 months.

• Bank account: Not mandatory but makes rental and transactional management much easier for foreigners.

  
  

7. Renting Out Your Property

• Turnkey/aparthotel units often have in-house management: 30–40% commission on rental income, but you earn $3,000–$5,000/year (studios).

• Premium units can yield $8,000–$12,000 per year, though competition is high.

• Rental yields in Batumi remain high—average 8.8% in 2025. Expect these to slowly decrease as new supply comes online.

  
  

8. Maintenance and Ongoing Costs

• Monthly fees: $20–$60/month, calculated around $2–$3 per m² (high-end and branded projects will be higher).

• Utilities: Very affordable (~$50/month for water, internet, gas, and electricity combined—for a studio).

  
  

9. Taxation & Investing Benefits

• Rental income tax: 5% (among the lowest in Europe)

• No capital gains tax if holding for more than 2 years.

• No inheritance tax for assets held via a company structure in Georgia.

• 0% property tax on single private residential units in most cases.
  

10. Pro Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Always verify developer reputation. Stick to established names: Alliance, Orbi, Horizon, Next, Wyndham Grand, iVillas, SMART, JB Development.

• Be cautious of unfinished projects or “too good to be true” offers—only buy from developers with a proven record and transparent documentation.

• Always use a local lawyer for due diligence, even for turnkey projects.
  

11. FAQs for Foreign Buyers

• Can I buy remotely? Yes, via a notarized power of attorney.

• Can foreigners buy land? Not agricultural land, but apartments/commercial property are open market.

• How fast is the process? 1–4 days once all documents and payment are ready; sometimes possible in one day with expedited registry.

• What if I buy off-plan? You sign a pre-sale agreement and pay as construction progresses (risk profile linked to developer reputation). Assignment/sale of the right to future ownership is also possible in the registry.
  

12. Best New Projects (2025 Examples)

Project (Developer)	Type	Features	Price (from)
Wyndham Grand/Family Club	Luxury, turnkey	Pool, gym, hotel management, seafront	$44,000+
SUMMER 365 (Smart Development)	Premium, off-plan	Pools, fitness, gardens, beach 600m	$33,607 (studio)
iVillas (JB Development)	Affordable/turnkey	Modern, various sizes	$2,000/m²

13. Final Thoughts

Buying in Batumi is:

• Accessible (for nearly all foreigners)

• Affordable (starting at $12,000)

• Flexible (self-use, rental, vacation, or investment)

• Secure (freehold, transparent, effective legal protection)
  

Capital growth is steady, not explosive—this is a lifestyle and long-term value play. If you wish for fast process, simplicity, and easy management, Batumi stands as one of the best places in Eurasia.

Tip: For your first purchase, use trusted agencies and insist on legal, public registration of all agreements. When in doubt, get a local lawyer involved.

This guide is based on recent personal and verified market transactions as of August 2025 and references government/public registry processes, prices, and neighborhood developments supported by current data and official sources