Buying property in Georgia is one of the cheapest transactions in Europe or Asia: there is no stamp duty and no purchase tax. Total buyer-side costs typically run 0.7%–1.2% of the property price (registration + legal fees), and ongoing taxes are low: 5% flat tax on rental income and an annual property tax of 0%–1% that most owners never pay at all.
One-time costs when you buy
| Cost | Typical amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase tax / stamp duty | None | — |
| NAPR registration fee | GEL 50–200 (about $20–$75), depending on speed | Buyer |
| Legal fees (optional but recommended) | 0.5%–1% of price | Buyer |
| Notary (optional in Georgia) | Under 0.1% | Buyer |
| Agent commission | 3%–5% | Usually seller |
| Translator (if you don't speak Georgian) | ~GEL 50–100 at signing | Buyer |
Round-trip transaction costs (buy + sell combined) total roughly 3.7%–6.2% — among the lowest in the region. Budget separately for renovation if you buy "black frame" or "white frame": unfinished new builds are priced attractively but taking a black or white frame apartment to turnkey typically costs $400–$600 per m².
Annual property tax
Georgian property tax is unusual: it depends on your household income, not just the property. If your family's annual income is under GEL 40,000 (about $14,800), the rate is 0% — most owner-occupiers pay nothing. From GEL 40,000–100,000 of income the local rate is 0.05%–0.2% of the property's market value, and above GEL 100,000 it is 0.8%–1%. Income earned entirely outside Georgia is generally not counted for non-tax-residents — confirm your situation with a tax advisor.
Taxes on rental income
Residential rental income qualifies for Georgia's special 5% flat tax on gross rent — you register with the Revenue Service, declare monthly, and pay 5% with no deductions needed. This applies to non-residents as well. (Without the special regime, standard personal income tax is 20% on net income — almost nobody chooses that for residential lets.) Commercial leases are taxed differently; ask your accountant.
Taxes when you sell
If you are a private individual and have owned the property for more than 2 years, the sale is exempt from income tax. Sell within 2 years and the capital gain (sale price minus documented purchase price) is taxed at 5%. Property sold as part of a business activity is taxed at 20% — relevant if you flip multiple properties per year.
Worked example: $120,000 apartment in Tbilisi
- Purchase: $120,000 + ~$75 expedited registration + ~$900 legal review = ~$121,000 all-in
- Rented at $850/month: rental tax = $42.50/month (5%)
- Annual property tax: $0 for most foreign owners with modest Georgia-sourced income
- Sold after 3 years: no capital gains tax
Frequently asked questions
Is there VAT on buying an apartment?
Buying from a private seller — no VAT. New builds from developers have VAT (18%) already included in the advertised price; you don't pay it separately.
Do I pay tax in Georgia if I already pay tax at home?
Georgia taxes Georgian-sourced income (like rent from a Tbilisi flat). Whether you also owe tax at home depends on your country's rules and any double-taxation treaty with Georgia — over 55 treaties exist.
How do I pay the 5% rental tax?
Register online with the Revenue Service (rs.ge), file a simple monthly declaration, and pay by bank transfer. DazHomes can connect you with an accountant who handles this for a small monthly fee.
Are utility costs high?
No. A typical 2-bedroom Tbilisi apartment runs $60–$120/month for electricity, gas, water, and building fees, depending on season.
Want exact numbers for a specific property? Talk to DazHomes — we'll estimate your full cost of ownership before you commit. See also: Can foreigners buy property in Georgia?
This article is general information, not tax advice. Figures current as of July 2026 (sources: Georgian Tax Code, Global Property Guide/PwC/KPMG data). Confirm your case with a Georgian tax advisor.
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