Buying property in Macedonia can prove frustrating thanks to high amounts of bureaucracy and inefficient registry systems. Above all, a respected local lawyer should be employed to help with all dealings and make sure that all documentation is above-board. Before commencing a purchase, land registry documents should be checked in detail by a number of independent parties, to ensure the seller is the legal owner of the property.

Once all necessary checks have gone through, the documentation can be completed and then sent off to the local municipality for verification. A deposit is paid to the seller while waiting for the process to be completed – the sometimes ineffectual government procedures can hamper speed of transactions something chronic. Once the registration is finally complete, the remainder of the fee can be paid and all other outstanding debts to lawyers/notaries etc. can be settled.