🏠 Pre-Ownership Checklist for Real Estate in Latvia: Legal Checklist
Buying real estate is one of the most important decisions in life. This is especially true for property transactions in Latvia, where, despite transparent legislation, it is important for the buyer to observe due diligence. Errors at the verification stage can lead to financial losses, legal proceedings or cancellation of the transaction.

In this article, we have prepared a legal checklist for property inspection that will help you avoid risks when purchasing a home, commercial property or land.

📑 1. Ownership check
The first step in the legal examination is to determine the owner of the property.
🔍 What needs to be checked:
* Who is recorded in the Land Register as owner
* Does the seller have the legal right to dispose of the property (especially if the property is owned by several persons or a legal entity)
* Are there any restrictions on alienation (e.g. powers of attorney, arrests, court injunctions)
📌 You can get an extract from the Land Register online at latvija.lv or in person at the Land Department.

🏗 2. Verification of the legal status of the property
Especially relevant for unfinished real estate, properties after redevelopment or renovation.

⚠️ Make sure that:
* The property is registered as residential/commercial/land plot (depending on the purpose of purchase)
* All outbuildings, balconies, attics, garages are officially registered
* No unauthorized construction changes that are not legalized by SIT
📌 The presence of unregistered elements can lead to fines or inability to complete the transaction.

💳 3. Verification of debts and encumbrances
Even if the seller is the legal owner, the property may have financial or legal encumbrances.
Check:
* Mortgages and pledges
* Lawsuits or pledges
* Utility debts, taxes, property taxes
* Rental agreements with third parties (if the property is leased)
📌 If debts are found, they must be repaid before the transaction or taken into account in the price.

🏢 4. Checking the status of land
If you buy a private house or a land plot, pay attention to:
* For the boundaries of the land plot - they must correspond to the cadastral plan
* Access to road or utilities
* Land for Intended Use (Residential, Agricultural, Commercial)
* Protection zones, natural or historical restrictions
📌 Sometimes a plot cannot be built or its purpose changed - it is important to clarify this in advance.

🏛 5. Verification of building permits and documents
Accordingly, when buying new construction or unfinished property:
* Availability of building permit
* Compliance of the project with the approved plan
* Deed of commissioning
📌 Without a certificate of commissioning, the property is not considered suitable for living and cannot be legally registered.

👨 ‍ 👩 ‍ 👧 ‍ 👦 6. Examination of residents and registered persons
When buying an apartment, you need to check what is registered at the specified address (especially important when buying in the secondary market).
🔍 Check:
* Are there registered persons who are not related to the transaction
* Are there minors, the elderly, the disabled or persons who have certain protections
* Are there disputes about the right of residence
📌 The seller is obliged to deregister all residents before the transaction, unless otherwise agreed.

📂 7. Verification of documents of the seller
Make sure that the seller:
* Is legally actionable
* There is a document confirming ownership (contract, court decision, deed of gift, etc.)
* Not arrested, bankrupt or not in custody
* When selling through a representative - a power of attorney with the right to sell (including notarized)

📝 8. Analysis of the contract of purchase and sale
The contract must include:
* Full details of the parties
* Clear description of the property (address, cadastral number, area)
* Transaction amount and payment procedure
* Property Release Dates
* Obligations of the parties before and after the transaction
📌 It is best to draw up a contract with a notary or with the help of a lawyer, especially if there are non-standard conditions.

🛡 9. Verification of the transaction for compliance with AML/KYC laws
Especially important for foreign buyers:
* The source of funds must be legal and declared
* All transactions are verified under Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation
* If necessary, confirmation of tax residence and origin of capital
📌 Banks and notaries may refuse the service if the funds are not documented.

⚖️ 10. Notarial registration and registration in the Land Register
The final stage is the signing of the contract with a notary and the submission of documents to the Land Register:
* The notary checks the legal capacity of the parties
* A state fee is paid for registration (usually 1.5% of the value)
* After submitting the documents, the property is registered to the new owner within 10-15 working days

Final checklist before buying real estate in Latvia:

✅ Extract from the Land Register
✅ Examination of debts and arrests
✅ Legal status of property
✅ Rights of registered residents
✅ Ownership Documents You
✅ Checking the status of the plot (if there is land)
✅ Certificate of commissioning (if new construction)
✅ Analysis of the contract of purchase and sale
✅ Notarization
✅ Submission for registration

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⚖️ Legal assistance when buying real estate in Latvia
Lex&Finance Law Firm provides professional support in real estate transactions, including:
* Full legal inspection of the property
* Preparation and verification of contracts
* Transaction support at the notary
* Representation of the interests of the client (also remotely)

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* Advice on taxes, residence permits, inheritance
📞 Contact us if you want to buy real estate without risks, hidden problems and legal difficulties.