Property
State ownership of land with private ownership of buildings
Most land remains in state ownership and is held by citizens and companies under lifetime inheritable possession, lease or use rather than freehold. Buildings and apartments can be privately owned and are registered in the unified real property register.
Key rules
- Private ownership of land is exceptional and limited mainly to citizens' household plots.
- Rights in real property arise on registration in the unified state register.
- Foreign citizens generally cannot acquire land but may acquire buildings and apartments.
- State needs may justify withdrawal of land with compensation set administratively.
Governing law
- Code on Land (2008)
- Law on state registration of real property (2002)
- Civil Code (1998)Section on ownership.
In practice
Because land and building rights are separate, a purchase must confirm both the building title and the underlying land right, and the land right is the one that most often turns out to be a limited lease.