lagfart

Lagfart is the formal registration of ownership of real property in Sweden’s land registration system. It is administered by Lantmäteriet, the Swedish authority responsible for property records. The lagfart entry serves as public proof of who holds the legal title to a property and is typically required for transactions such as sale, mortgage, or transfer of ownership. The lagfart is distinct from the purchase contract (köpebrev); the contract records the agreement between buyer and seller, while lagfart records who is currently the owner in the land registry and any encumbrances.

Process: When a real estate transfer takes place, the buyer (often through a real estate agent or lawyer) applies for lagfart with Lantmäteriet. The application includes information about the property, the parties, the purchase price, and details of any existing mortgages (inteckningar). Lantmäteriet updates the registry by transferring ownership to the new owner and recording any associated liens or rights. The lagfart may be required by banks to register a mortgage against the property.

Fees and timing: A government registration fee is charged, and processing times vary. After registration, the new owner’s name appears in the land registry, and the lagfart is a prerequisite for certain rights, such as transferring the property or completing a mortgage.

Significance: Lagfart gives legal certainty to property ownership, helps resolve disputes over ownership, and is used in tax and estate matters. In Sweden, it is part of a broader system managed by Lantmäteriet that also includes cadastral surveying and property boundaries. Similar concepts exist in other Nordic countries under different names.