The Land Register is one of the most important institutions in Liechtenstein as it stores all the information on all types of lands and properties in this country.
Land registry is a means of systematization of the real estate property and it constitutes an important and mandatory procedure for a land owner in Liechtenstein. Our lawyers in Liechtenstein can help you through this procedure.
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Real estate legislation in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein does not have a specific law providing for the purchase of real estate, as this is a right that can be used by the citizens of this country, but also by those of other countries provided certain requirements are met Among these, 3-years residency is one of the main conditions.
Real estate ownership, however, falls under the Private Property Law and the Inheritance Act in Liechtenstein, as these are two important ways through which various types of properties can be obtained.
No matter how one becomes the owner of a property in Liechtenstein, the said real estate must be registered with the Land Registrar with the name of the new beneficiary.
If you need information on real estate acquisition or sale, our Liechtenstein lawyers can provide it to you.
Information stored by the Liechtenstein Land Registry
The Land Register maintains records and information about all types of properties in Liechtenstein. Among these, the following can be accessed and is available to the public:
- information about all the previous owners of residential and commercial properties;
- information about land plots, such as agricultural lands and forests in this country;
- details about the surface and other information, such as the use of land plots, residential, and commercial properties;
- information about the encumbrances, debts and mortgages at any time on real estate;
The main purpose of the Land Registry is to keep updated information on all real estate in Liechtenstein. Also, anyone interested in obtaining such information can make inquiries with the officers of the Registrar.
Our law firm in Liechtenstein can help you search the Land Register for information on various types of properties during the real estate due diligence procedure. As a matter of fact, the Registry is a great tool to verify a property before buying it.
Land registry registration procedure in Liechtenstein
The land registry registration process in Liechtenstein is similar to that in Switzerland. There is usually a registry office per municipality with authorized staff capable to conduct cadaster measurements. Previous to the effective registration, you will need to make an application, realize copies of relevant documents and provide the proof of payment.
The language used in the Liechtenstein registry is primarily German, so if you are not a native speaker, you might encounter difficulties in accessing the information. In such a situation, you can address our law firm in Liechtenstein which is able to provide you with the needed information and land registry support.
Land registry authorities in Liechtenstein
The current situation regarding land registry in Liechtenstein is regulated by the Law from 2010, GeoIGO (Geoinformationgesetz), which suffered the addition of the regulation GeoIV (Geoinformationsverordnung) of August 30, 2011.
The Office for Civil Engineering (in German: Tiefbauamt – TBA) is the legal authority which is responsible for the spatial and geographic data and services in Liechtenstein, by maintaining the Geo-data portal. This portal is an online platform of the Liechtenstein National Administration where you can have access to documents such as maps and aerial photographs, visual materials which make more accessible the official cadaster information on:
- private property parcels;
- encumbrances;
- land use zones;
- waters;
- landscapes;
- rock fall and avalanche areas;
- landslide and flood risk areas;
- monuments and building protection zones;
- agriculture protection zones;
- civil protection;
- sewerage;
- energy infrastructures;
The benefits of land registry in Liechtenstein
The land registry is a procedure which certifies land ownership facilitating at the same time future property transactions. The registration implies the identification and fixation of the plan limits for your property, thus securing it in case of litigations. Working with a law firm in Liechtenstein will offer you all the needed professional assistance for a simple and safe land registration.
The land registry is also important from the point of view of environmental issues, because it prevents the pollution of water and natural disasters. In planning development, agriculture and civil defense, land registration plays as well a strategic role.
Real estate due diligence in Liechtenstein
The Land Register in Liechtenstein is the main information point when deciding to buy a property in this country. The fact that it is an accredited governmental institution makes the most important source you can use to determine whether the real estate you intend to purchase is the right one or not.
Even if real estate due diligence is not a mandatory procedure when buying a property, it is recommended for foreign citizens and companies specially to verify all the aspects related to the transfer of ownership before the sale-purchase contract is signed.
There are several types of verifications that can be completed; however, they depend on the type of property to be acquired. For example, a commercial property or land plot needs to be thoroughly checked from multiple points of view, such as technical facilities, respectively the uses it has.
Real estate verification should start with the Liechtenstein Land Register. Among the information available, one can find:
- information about all previous owners;
- information about existing encumbrances and third-party rights;
- information about the destination and use of property.
Our lawyers in Liechtenstein can interrogate the Land Register on behalf of those who have found a property they intend to buy and want to have verified first.
We can also assist with commercial real estate due diligence, however, it requires a more thorough verification. Checking an industrial site or a land plot implies extensive work, among which the determination of its exact value. Also, the purpose of the property should also be verified in order to establish if it can be employed and exploited under the requirements of the buyer.
Real estate verification procedure is important when buying property in the Principality and the Land Registry is one of the most important tools in this sense.
Our Liechtenstein lawyers can help you with real estate due diligence services so that you can buy the property you intend to without any doubts.
Acquiring a property in Lichtenstein
Here are the main costs associated with buying real estate in Liechtenstein, according to GlobalPropertyGuide.com:
- the notary fees represent 0.90% of the value of the property and are paid by the buyer;
- if the services of a real estate agency are used, the fees requested can rise up to 3% of the value of the transaction;
- Land Register searches are also subject to fees that can start from 40 euros.
If you are interested in buying real estate here, our lawyers in Liechtenstein can help you with the legal formalities.
Don’t hesitate to contact our lawyers in Liechtenstein for any issues regarding your land registration. They will assist you with information and they will help realize the required documentation.