Real Estate Law

Buying, selling or inheriting property in Russia while living in the United States is possible without flying to Moscow. A Russian attorney checks the property, prepares the contract, arranges safe payment and follows the registration with Rosreestr, the state register authority. Ownership passes only when the register records it, so each step must be controlled until that moment.

Attorney Elena Petrova works with clients in California who own or plan to buy apartments, houses, land and commercial premises in Russia. Communication and reports are in English.

Sale, Purchase and Other Transactions

The most common deals are sales of apartments and land, gifts between relatives, exchanges and long-term leases. Each has its own form requirements. A sale of a share in common ownership and deals involving minors must be certified by a notary. Other sales may be signed in simple written form and submitted for registration.

For a seller abroad, the attorney prepares a power of attorney that can be signed at a Russian consulate or before a US notary with an apostille. She then acts in the deal on your behalf within the limits you set.

Checking the Property Before You Pay

A proper check protects the buyer from losing both the money and the property. The attorney requests an extract from the Unified State Register of Real Estate (EGRN), reviews the chain of previous owners and searches court and bankruptcy databases.

She also looks for risks the register does not show: people with a lifelong right to live in the flat, unregistered spouses' claims, the use of maternity capital and possible redevelopment without approval. The result is a written memo with each risk and a recommendation.

Property Disputes in Russian Courts

Disputes arise over invalid transactions, division of shared property, recovery from unlawful possession, eviction and defects in new buildings. Claims about real estate are filed in the court at the location of the property.

The court may order an arrest on the property during the case to stop a resale. This is often the first request the attorney files.

State Registration With Rosreestr

Documents are submitted to Rosreestr directly, through a multifunctional centre (MFC) or electronically. Registration is usually faster when the deal is certified by a notary, who submits the papers for the parties. A registration may be suspended if documents are incomplete, and the attorney responds to such notices within the set period.

After registration, the new owner receives an EGRN extract. Paper certificates of ownership are no longer issued.

Payment Routes That Protect Both Sides

Payment through a notary deposit, a bank letter of credit or a secure settlement service releases funds to the seller only after registration. For clients abroad, currency rules and the procedure for opening a Russian account are checked in advance, since they affect how and when money can move.

Taxes on Sale and Ownership

Income from selling Russian property may be taxed in Russia, and non-residents pay at a different rate than residents. Property tax and land tax are due annually. US tax obligations are separate, and the attorney recommends coordinating with your US tax adviser.

Starting a Real Estate Matter

Send the address or cadastral number of the property, a description of the planned deal or dispute and the documents you have. The attorney will outline the checks and the timeline.

The main channel of communication with the attorney is email: attorneypetrova1@gmail.com.