Selling property with remote notarisation
Quick answer: A remote sale starts with notary confirmation and technical preparation. Arrange the viewing and key handover separately even when the contract is signed online.
Ask the notary first
Being abroad does not necessarily mean postponing a sale. The notary decides whether remote notarisation is suitable. Send a description of the transaction and the participant details, including where you will be during the appointment. Avoid booking travel or promising a final completion date until the participation method and preparation have been confirmed.
Test your equipment beforehand
Follow the current Chamber of Notaries guidance and the instructions sent by the office. Test your identification and signing method, camera, microphone and connection in advance. Choose a quiet place where you can read the contract without interruption. Keep the office telephone number available so you know whom to contact if the connection fails.
Arrange access to the property
An online appointment does not automatically arrange a viewing or the keys. Agree separately who can open the property and what that person will do. Photos should show all rooms, technical systems and known defects. If a tenant occupies the property, coordinate the viewing with them rather than promising unrestricted access without checking.
Keep the arrangements together
Keep the latest draft, questions for the notary, payment timetable and handover plan in one folder. Account for the time zone and confirm the appointment in Estonian time. Discuss any representative or translation needs before booking. After the meeting, share only the information needed to progress the transaction.
Prepare a fallback plan
Agree whom to call if the connection fails or you cannot sign in. Keep your phone charged and choose a quiet room where other people cannot overhear the contract discussion. Do not share signing PINs or let someone sign using your credentials. If one participant can attend the office and another cannot, ask the notary about a hybrid meeting. Check technical readiness before the day on which you expect payment and arrange the move.
Who handles tasks at the property?
List the viewing, photographs, meter readings and key handover as separate tasks. Assign each task to someone and give them only the information needed. A neighbour holding a key is not automatically authorised to change your agreement. If you need representation in the transaction itself, ask the notary about the appropriate authority. After handover, check that you receive the record, photographs and key inventory as well as the buyer.
Official information
This guide helps you prepare. Confirm the terms and required documents for your particular transaction with the notary.