Lagfarter

Lagfarter, or lagfart in singular, are the official registrations of ownership of real property in Sweden. A lagfart serves as the legal proof that a person or entity owns a specific property and is necessary for the new owner to be recognized in the public records and to exercise full ownership rights. The transfer of ownership typically occurs in connection with a property sale, and the registration updates the official ownership record.

The process usually involves the buyer (or their representative) applying for lagfart with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). A transfer deed is prepared, and the transaction triggers a fee called lagfartsavgift (transfer fee) paid to Skatteverket. Once approved, the registration is entered into the land register maintained by the land registration authority (Lantmäteriet), and the new owner's name appears in the property records. Any existing encumbrances or mortgages tied to the property are updated accordingly.

Lagfart is closely connected to broader property rights and is distinct from related concepts such as pantbrev, which concerns mortgage certificates. The exact procedures and fees can vary and are governed by current Swedish law and regulations. In practice, handling lagfarter involves coordination between buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and legal or advisory professionals to ensure the transfer is properly recorded and all obligations are met.

For more information, see Skatteverket and Lantmäteriet.