kinnisomandi

Kinnisomandi is the Estonian term for ownership of immovable property, i.e., real estate such as land and buildings. It represents a real property right that gives the owner exclusive authority to possess, use, and dispose of the property, within the limits set by law and general public interests. The right is typically reinforced by a corresponding entry in the land register, which provides legal certainty and makes the ownership opposable to third parties.

Scope and characteristics. The owner of kinnisomandi may sell, donate, lease, mortgage, or otherwise transfer the property. The right also allows the owner to use the property and to derive income from it, subject to applicable planning, environmental, zoning, and safety regulations, as well as any private rights of others (servitudes or easements). Kinnisomandi is often considered a strong form of property right, but it is not absolute and can be limited by public-interest measures such as expropriation, compulsory purchase, or restrictions imposed by planning and building laws.

Acquisition and transfer. Ownership can be acquired through purchase, donation, inheritance, or other lawful succession. For a transfer to be fully effective against others, it is usually necessary to execute the transaction in a form required by law and register the change in the land register. Registration provides public notice of current ownership and related encumbrances, such as mortgages (hüpoteek) or other rights affecting the property.

Registration and encumbrances. The land register records kinnisomandi and any encumbrances, ensuring clarity regarding who owns the property and what rights or obligations attach to it. The system supports legal certainty in transactions, inheritance, and enforcement, and underpins the functioning of real estate markets in Estonia.