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Purchasing registered/unregistered property

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Luno
  5/16/2019 19:43 EST

Hi there everyone. We are planning to buy a property in Guatemala soon. we are wondering if there are any complications purchasing unregistered property. It is on the lake. The ownership rights go back 50 years. We have been told that we may register if we wish, but it’s bit necessary. Is it safe to buy unregistered property? (Given the actual purchase itself goes smoothly).

Thank You!

bajasur
  5/16/2019 21:33 EST

No

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armandatitlan
  5/17/2019 00:28 EST

HI Luno
PM me if you want help... but I wouldn't ask a forum to answer this kind of question.
Guatemala is very different then what you might be used to. Also unregistered can mean a lot of different things. My experience as a realtor is don't spare times and money on such a purchase. If you are asking a question like that might mean that you don't speak spanish and you are not familiar to the way real estate business is conducted here.

FrancescaW
  5/17/2019 00:40 EST

All property must be registered with the local muni. It doesn't necessarily need to be registered in Xela, where the national registry is. Lake-front properties are leased and cannot be owned outright
No property can legally be sold if it is not registered. Be careful and talk to a realtor and /or lawyer.

FrancescaW
  5/17/2019 00:40 EST

All property must be registered with the local muni. It doesn't necessarily need to be registered in Xela, where the national registry is. Lake-front properties are leased and cannot be owned outright
No property can legally be sold if it is not registered. Be careful and talk to a realtor and /or lawyer.

Luno
  5/17/2019 10:07 EST

Thank You Francesca!

We have been working with a lawyer. Apparently the specific city has very lose registration laws. And they’re still not fully clear. Would you be able to recommend a lawyer in the Atitlan area we could get a second opinion from?

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FrancescaW
  5/17/2019 10:34 EST

Hi again.....either go to Mayra Tobias she speaks English if you don't speak Spanish, or Jokasta Velasquez. Both are v good. Also depends on whether land or has construction and whether previous owner registered with muni and/or Xela.
Look up Atitlan directory website. They should both be there. Good luck. Be sure that there is an escritora and that the land really belongs to the person supposedly selling it!!

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