In Estonia, a property purchase agreement is always signed at a notary's office. The notary checks who the parties are and what rights they have, reads the contract aloud and certifies it. The first time can feel formal and a bit nerve-racking, but everything has been agreed beforehand.
Before the notary
- The reservation agreement is signed and the price agreed.
- The buyer has a loan decision from the bank.
- The broker sends the notary the parties' details and the terms.
- The notary sends a draft contract a few days ahead to read through.
On the day
Bring an ID document. The notary reads the contract and answers questions. The money usually goes through the notary's deposit account and reaches the seller once the ownership is entered in the land register.
After the deal
The home is handed over on the agreed date. We sign the handover deed, write down the meter readings and hand over the keys. We also let the housing association and utility companies know about the new owner.
I always come to the signing so you have someone to ask right there.