Purchase of land plots in Montenegro

Montenegro is attracting more and more foreign investors due to its mild climate, beautiful landscapes and stable economic development. One of the popular investment objects is the purchase of land for construction. However, before purchasing land in this country, especially if you are a foreigner, it is important to consider several key aspects and protect yourself from possible mistakes.
-Who can buy land in Montenegro? Montenegrin law grants foreigners the right to purchase real estate, including land, with some restrictions. In particular:

1. Foreigners can purchase land for construction. If the plot is located within the boundaries of a settlement and is intended for individual construction, there should be no problems with the purchase.
2. Restrictions on the purchase of agricultural land and forest land. It is important to note that foreign citizens cannot purchase agricultural land directly. However, such land can be leased for a long term or purchased through a registered company.
3. Purchase through a company. If a foreigner wants to purchase a land plot subject to restrictions, he can register a legal entity in Montenegro. This allows you to purchase not only land for construction, but also agricultural land.

• The process of buying a land plot for construction

1. Finding a suitable plot. Contact reliable real estate agencies or lawyers to avoid the risk of fraud and inflated prices.
2. Checking the status of the plot. It is very important to make sure that the plot has the appropriate purpose (for construction) and has all the necessary documents. To do this, you need to request an extract from the real estate cadastre, which will indicate all the information about the status of the land and possible encumbrances.
3. Concluding a preliminary agreement. After checking the legal purity of the plot, a preliminary agreement is concluded, which must be certified by a notary. This document specifies all the terms of the transaction.
4. Registration of the transaction. At this stage, the main purchase and sale agreement is concluded, which is also certified by a notary. After this, it is necessary to register the ownership in the cadastral register. Usually, this procedure takes from several days to several weeks.
   Pitfalls when buying a plot of land
   -Although the process of buying a plot of land for construction in Montenegro is relatively simple, there are several nuances that can lead to mistakes:
5. Land status and construction permit. One of the most common "pitfalls" is buying a plot of land that is not intended for construction. Before buying, it is important to check the urban development plans and make sure that the plot is in an area permitted for construction.
6. Problems with the cadastral register. Sometimes there may be errors or discrepancies in the cadastral records. For example, the boundaries of the plot may not match the actual location on the ground. Be sure to conduct a detailed check of the documentation and, if necessary, involve a professional surveyor to accurately determine the boundaries.
7. Encumbrances and restrictions. Some plots may have encumbrances - for example, communications passing through the plot, easements, or third-party rights to part of the territory. This can seriously limit the possibility of construction. Always check for encumbrances before buying.
8. Reliability of the seller. Buying land through unreliable sellers or intermediaries can lead to financial losses. Be sure to cooperate with trusted real estate agencies and lawyers who are familiar with local legislation.

--How to protect yourself from mistakes
To avoid unpleasant situations when buying land in Montenegro, it is recommended to:

1. Involve a qualified specialist who will help you avoid many mistakes, conduct all the necessary checks and ensure the legal purity of the transaction.
2. Check the permits. It is necessary to make sure that the seller has all the permits for the sale of the plot, and the plot itself is intended for construction.
3. Work with trusted real estate agencies. Agencies that have been operating on the market for a long time and have positive reviews will provide you with reliable information about the cost and status of the plot.
4. Agree on payment in stages. This is a common practice that allows you to protect yourself. For example, part of the amount is paid upon signing the preliminary agreement, and the rest - after the final registration of the transaction in the cadastre.
   --Conclusion
   Buying a plot of land in Montenegro for foreigners is not only an opportunity to build your dream home, but also a profitable investment. However, the purchase process requires a careful approach and careful verification of all documents. Following the advice and working with professionals, you can avoid mistakes and make a safe and successful purchase.