Georgia · Tbilisi
How it works · Checked
Key facts about buying in Tbilisi
Foreigners buy apartments in Tbilisi freehold, and ownership is recorded in the Public Registry (NAPR) for a 150 GEL fee. The main risk: Georgia has no escrow for off-plan purchases, so we check the developer and the payment schedule before you reserve.
Key figures
What it costs
TBC Capital puts the average asking price for apartments in Tbilisi over the first nine months of 2026 at $1,353 per m² (TBC Capital); prices vary a lot by district. In our catalog, developer prices in Tbilisi start at $62,660 (BLOX Didi Digomi (Tavdadebuli), developer price list as of 7 Nov 2026). In Georgia apartments are often sold as "black frame" (no finishing), "white frame" (rough finishing) or "green frame" (renovated) - compare prices only at the same stage of finishing.
How to buy without escrow
Georgian law does not require escrow for off-plan sales - the money goes straight to the developer (PKP). So we build the protection ourselves:
- we check the developer and the land in the Public Registry, and the building permit;
- payments follow construction stages, not 100% upfront;
- we pre-register the buyer's right in NAPR where possible;
- we check what the contract says if deadlines slip.
More in our article on buying off-plan without escrow. Developers often offer instalment plans, but this is not a bank product: the money still goes to the developer without escrow.
Residence permit through a Tbilisi apartment
Since 1 March 2026 the threshold for a residence permit through property is a market value above $150,000 as assessed by an accredited valuer; it used to be $100,000 (SDA). The permit is issued for one year and renewed while you remain the owner. A less expensive apartment will not qualify on its own.
Taxes and costs
There is no transfer tax; registering ownership costs 150 GEL (NAPR). An individual can pay 5% of gross income on residential rentals (PwC). Advertised yields often leave out vacancy, maintenance and taxes. We do not promise returns or price growth: we show the calculation and the sources, and the decision is yours.
In short
- Apartments are freehold; registration in NAPR costs 150 GEL; no transfer tax.
- Average asking price in Tbilisi is $1,353 per m² (9M 2026); we confirm the price of a specific unit with the developer.
- No escrow: stage payments, a registry check and pre-registration.
- A residence permit requires a property value above $150,000.
Up to date as of . Catalog prices come from developer price lists on the check date shown on each project card. This is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice; returns and price growth are not guaranteed. We check the conditions for your passport with a local lawyer before you reserve.
Sources
- TBC Capital - Tbilisi residential market watch, September 2026
- NAPR - property registration fees
- PKP - buying off-plan in Georgia without escrow
- Public Service Development Agency of Georgia (SDA) - residence permits
- Law of Georgia N863 of 26 June 2025 (Matsne)
- PwC Tax Summaries - Georgia, individual taxation
- NAPR - agricultural land restrictions for foreigners
- Residence Estate - power of attorney for buying property in Georgia
