Short answer: choosing an apartment is not only about the area, layout and price. Before paying any money, check the property itself, registered rights, the seller’s documents and the proposed deal terms. A review cannot eliminate every risk, but it can identify issues that need clarification.
Match the property to the documents
Compare the address, floor area, floor, use and cadastral number in the listing, the seller’s documents and available property information. Check what premises or shares are actually being sold and whether any alterations need to be considered in the transaction.
Check rights and restrictions
Before the deal, obtain current information from the Unified State Register of Real Estate and compare the registered owner with the seller’s documents. Check registered rights, restrictions and encumbrances, as well as the basis on which the seller acquired the apartment. If a representative acts for the seller, verify the scope and validity period of that authority separately.
Rosreestr recommends that a buyer confirm the owner’s intent and review title documents; official services can provide information about registered rights and restrictions. Official Rosreestr guidance.
Consider everyone involved in the transaction
Clarify whether there are co-owners, a spouse, representatives, persons with pre-emptive rights or other participants whose rights may matter. The required documents depend on the facts, including marital status, how the property was acquired and the ownership structure.
Do not pay under an unclear arrangement
The agreement should identify the property, price, payment process, handover of keys, vacancy date and allocation of expenses. Select a payment method that fits the deal and can be evidenced. Important agreements should be documented in writing rather than left only in messages or oral discussions.
Bring these documents for a review
Bring the register extract, title documents, draft agreement, seller documents and information about payment. A lawyer can check their consistency and identify questions requiring further confirmation, without guaranteeing registration or the transaction outcome.