Land registry extract: what is it and why is it important?

A land registry extract is one of the most important documents in the process of purchasing or using real estate. It provides a reliable overview of the legal status of an apartment or house and is required in almost all formal procedures related to ownership, financing or residence registration.

• Why is this document important when buying a property?

During a real estate purchase, agents, lawyers and notaries review the land registry extract to verify whether the property is legally registered, who the owner is and whether there are any restrictions, encumbrances or recorded notes. Buyers can also check the electronic version themselves through the Cadastre system.

If the property is being purchased with a mortgage, banks require an official printed version with a stamp. Without this document, a loan process cannot be completed, nor can a mortgage be registered.

• Do you need it after buying the property?

The land registry extract is also used after you become the legal owner. The most common situations in which you will need it include:

• updating your address in your ID card
• registering guests with the police or obtaining a white card
• renewing a residence permit for foreign nationals

It is important to keep in mind that the extract is valid only on the date of issuance. For that reason, you should not obtain it in advance but only when it is actually required.

• How to obtain the extract?

There are several ways to get a land registry extract:

1 At a notary office
A simple request is submitted to a public notary, together with an ID document, and a fee of about 1250 RSD is paid. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes.

2 Through a licensed surveyor
A cadastral engineer can issue the extract in the same manner. The price is slightly higher, around 1500 RSD, and this option is useful when the notary system is temporarily unavailable.

• Extended online version

Authorized users of the Cadastre system, such as lawyers and real estate agents, have access to an extended electronic version that contains additional information. It includes data on the owner and detailed information on possible encumbrances or restrictions on the property. Certain institutions also accept this version as valid documentation.

The land registry extract is a key document that enables a safe and transparent verification of the legal status of real estate. Whether you are buying a property, applying for a loan or completing administrative procedures, this document forms the basis for proving ownership rights and protecting your interests.