Legal due diligence of a real estate sale and purchase agreement in Ukraine

Checking ownership documents before purchasing an apartment: Before purchasing an apartment, one of the most critical stages is verifying ownership documents: sale and purchase agreements, gift contracts, inheritance certificates, and similar records.

Legal review of the ownership chain:A full legal review includes an analysis of the entire chain of property ownership transfers — whether each previous transaction was properly executed and legally valid.

This process helps confirm the legality of ownership transfers and protects the buyer from risks such as fraudulent schemes or unauthorized sellers.
Checking encumbrances, arrests, and restrictions on property
Key search query: “encumbrance check”
- At this stage, specialists examine public registries for mortgages, arrests, liens, or restrictions on property disposal.
Additionally, the debtor and enforcement proceedings registries are reviewed to detect any tax or financial liabilities the seller may have.
Identifying such encumbrances allows the buyer to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the deal or demand additional guarantees.
Legal review of property history and court disputes
This section addresses the query: “property history check”
- The property is examined to determine if it has been involved in court disputes or if there are any claims from third parties (heirs, former co-owners).
A lawyer reviews court databases to assess the object’s legal history and identify risks that may arise even after the agreement is signed.
This prevents lengthy legal proceedings after the purchase.
Review of technical documentation and utility debts
Clarified query: “technical documentation check”
- A thorough review of the property’s technical passport, floor plan, and any unauthorized alterations is required.
Utility records are also checked for overdue payments or outstanding debts.
Illegal modifications or utility arrears can lead to legal complications or unexpected expenses for the new owner.
Legal analysis of the sale and purchase agreement for risks
- At this stage, the agreement is reviewed for legal risks — based on the relevant search query.
Lawyers analyze the terms of property transfer, payment procedures, liabilities of each party, wording clarity, presence of warranties, timelines, and payment methods.
They also verify the seller’s authority or their representative’s power of attorney, review and amend the draft agreement if necessary — to prevent future disputes or misinterpretations.
Why choose consultants at Consultant
- Comprehensive service: from document checks to contract risk analysis
- Use of current state registries: owner verification, encumbrances, court cases, and debt information
- Written legal conclusion with specific recommendations in case of risks
- Developer verification (for new buildings): license and permit checks
- Tailored support services: negotiations, contract adjustments, financial reconciliation
ConclusionThis article covers all the essential steps involved in verifying the legal cleanliness of a real estate transaction in Ukraine.
By using the services available through Consultant, you ensure protection of your interests, minimize financial risks, and guarantee the legal security of your transaction — whether purchasing on the primary or secondary market.
Professional due diligence will give you peace of mind and confidence in your future investment.