Rules changed for homeowners: which documents are now mandatory.

Ownership of a house is not just physical possession of property, but also an officially confirmed right that must be secured by legally defined documents. Otherwise, you may face difficulties in selling, gifting, inheriting, or even legalizing the property.

As explained by specialists from the Dozvil expert service, the main condition is the inclusion of information about the owner and the house in the State Register of Property Rights to Real Estate.

'As long as the data is not available in the Register, no contract grants full ownership rights. Only after registration does the right gain legal force', the specialists clarify.

Which document certifies the ownership of the house

Today, an extract from the State Register of Property Rights is the main document confirming your ownership of real estate. It contains not only information about the owner but also about the technical characteristics of the house, as well as any restrictions or encumbrances, if any.

However, in addition to the extract, ownership rights are also confirmed by so-called primary documents, which serve as the basis for entering data into the register:

• purchase and sale agreement — the most common option;
• donation, exchange, or life annuity agreement;
• certificate of inheritance rights;
• court decision if the right is established through judicial proceedings.

Why is it important to have an extract from the register for the house?

An extract from the State Register is the official confirmation of your property status. It:

1. Allows you to freely sell or gift the house.
2. Protects the owner in case of disputes or raiding.
3. Serves as proof for banks, notaries, and appraisers.
4. Is the basis for applying for subsidies, benefits, and compensations.

Where to obtain an extract from the register of ownership

There are two main ways to obtain an extract — online and through the Administrative Service Center. Both operate officially, quickly, and accessibly.

Through the Ministry of Justice’s electronic service:

1. Go to the 'Online House of Justice' website.
2. Select the 'Extract Obtaining' service.
3. Enter the cadastral number or address of the house.
4. Pay for the service online.
5. Download the extract in electronic format.

Through the Administrative Service Center (ASC):

1. Visit the nearest ASC.
2. Submit an application with your passport and identification code.
3. Add, if necessary, copies of ownership documents.
4. Receive the extract on-site or within a few days, depending on the workload.

What to know about old documents for the house

Many Ukrainians still have old documents in their possession — in particular, certificates or state acts issued before 2013. They are not invalidated but are not included in the electronic register, so difficulties may arise when dealing with real estate. For example:

• The notary may require confirmation of the relevance of the information;
• The buyer may refuse to proceed with the deal without an extract from the Register;
• Re-registration during inheritance or divorce will be more complicated.

'Registration of ownership rights is not just a bureaucratic formality. It is your legal security', experts emphasize.