How to Read a Developer Contract: Key Points (983)
A professional Unehasim guide for safe new‑build purchases
A contract with a developer is the main document that defines your rights, obligations, and the safety of the transaction.
Even if the project looks perfect, a poorly written contract can lead to losses, delays, and legal risks.
This Unehasim guide explains which clauses you must check and how to understand whether the contract is transparent and fair.
- Subject of the Contract: What Exactly You Are Buying
The contract must clearly specify:
- type of property (apartment, residential unit, commercial space)
- apartment number
- floor
- area (gross/net)
- layout
- share of the land plot
Red flags
- no exact area
- no specific unit identified
- vague or unclear wording
- Construction and Delivery Deadlines
Key points
- construction completion date
- apartment handover date
- construction stages
- conditions for deadline extensions
What must be included
- penalties for delays
- clear deadlines in months, not “approximately”
Red flags
- no deadlines
- wording like “if possible”, “approximately”, “as soon as”
- Price and Payment Terms
The price must include:
- price per square meter
- total price
- rules for price changes (usually prohibited)
Payment terms
- payment schedule
- link to construction stages
- bank details
Important
The price must not change after signing the contract.
- Rights and Obligations of the Parties
Developer’s obligations
- build according to the approved project
- use certified materials
- deliver the apartment on time
- fix defects during the warranty period
Buyer’s obligations
- make payments on time
- sign acceptance documents
Red flags
- developer’s obligations are vague
- buyer carries excessive risks
- Guarantees and Liability
Guarantees must include:
- structural warranty (usually 5 years)
- engineering systems warranty (1–2 years)
- facade warranty
Developer’s liability
- penalties for delays
- fixing defects
- responsibility for deviations from the project
Red flags
- no warranties
- minimal developer liability
- Documents the Developer Must Provide
- construction permit
- cadastral number of the land
- project documentation
- technical specifications
- handover act
If the developer refuses to provide documents — this is a reason to walk away.
- Apartment Handover Procedure
The contract must specify:
- how the inspection is conducted
- what counts as “completion”
- deadlines for fixing defects
- who pays for utility connections
Unehasim tip
Always conduct the inspection with a technical specialist.
- Contract Termination Conditions
Important to check:
- whether the buyer can terminate the contract
- penalties for termination
- what happens to the money already paid
Red flags
- termination is impossible
- buyer loses 100% of the amount
- Additional Conditions
Pay attention to:
- parking spaces
- storage rooms
- commercial areas
- rules for using the territory
- future maintenance fees (HOA)
- Contract Attachments
A proper contract must include:
- floor plan
- apartment plan
- technical passport
- material specifications
- construction schedule
If attachments are missing — the contract is incomplete.
Conclusion: How to Know the Contract Is Fair
A good contract is:
- transparent
- specific
- includes deadlines and liability
- protects the buyer
- complies with the law
A bad contract is:
- vague
- without deadlines
- without guarantees
- shifts risks to the buyer
Unehasim Recommendations
- always review the contract with a lawyer
- request all attachments
- never sign a contract without a construction permit
- check deadlines and penalties
- fix the price in the contract
- avoid “grey schemes”
Professional Support from Unehasim
Unehasim helps buyers and investors:
- analyze the contract
- verify the developer
- conduct legal due diligence
- support the transaction until registration
- protect the client’s interests
We make buying new‑build property in Georgia safe and transparent.
