Owner's guide
How to sell a forest: step by step
A practical guide: from the cadastral number to signing at the notary. What to check, which documents you need and how not to lose money.
In short. Selling a forest in Lithuania works like this: you find out what you own (cadastral number, forest group), learn its value, choose how to sell (with land or felling rights only), check the buyer, prepare the documents and sign the contract at a notary, where you also receive the money. The whole process takes 1 to 4 weeks.
1. Find out what you own
The first step is to find the plot’s cadastral number. It is on the Register Centre extract, in inheritance documents or in the purchase agreement. With it you can see the plot boundaries, area, purpose, forest group and restrictions.
The forest group matters because it determines which fellings are allowed. Group IV (commercial) forests have the fewest restrictions, group III has some, and in group II forests and protected areas final fellings are often prohibited.
- Register Centre extract: registrucentras.lt, self-service
- Forest group and inventory data: State Forest Service map
- Forest management plan: if one was prepared, you or the company that drew it up have a copy
2. Learn what the forest is worth
The value depends on standing volume, species mix, age, access and restrictions. It is best to get at least two or three offers from different buyers. You can request a free valuation from us as well; it does not oblige you to sell.
3. Choose how to sell
| Option | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Sell the forest with the land | One lump sum, no further worries or land taxes | You give up the land; income tax may apply if owned for less than 10 years |
| Sell only the felling rights | The land stays yours, you are paid for the mature timber | You keep the duty to regenerate within 3 years; a smaller sum than for the whole plot |
| Harvest yourself and sell the timber | In theory the highest income | Needs permits, machinery, time and expertise; risk of selling cheaply |
4. Check the buyer
The market has honest buyers and questionable ones. Before signing anything, check:
- Is the buyer a registered company: company code, VAT number, address (ours are shown at the bottom of every page)
- Is the offer in writing, with a concrete sum and payment terms
- Is payment made at the notary on signing day, not “a month after harvesting”
- Are you being asked for any upfront fees for valuation, documents or permits
- Does the contract contain penalties if you change your mind before the notary
5. Prepare the documents
- Identity document
- Proof of ownership (purchase agreement, certificate of inheritance, deed of gift)
- Spouse’s consent if the property was acquired during marriage
- Co-owners’ consents or waivers of their pre-emption right, if the plot is jointly owned
- Forest management plan and felling permits, if any
The notary obtains the Register Centre extract and cadastral data directly. If the inheritance has not yet been formalised, you first need a certificate of inheritance from the notary of the deceased’s last place of residence.
6. Signing at the notary
A forest or land sale contract must be certified by a notary. The notary checks whether anyone holds a pre-emption right (co-owners, for example), sends notifications if required, and only then certifies the contract. Agricultural land is additionally subject to a National Land Service procedure, which can take several weeks.
The notary fee is calculated on the transaction amount. It is usually paid by the buyer, which is stated in the contract. The buyer transfers the money to your account after signing, often through the notary’s escrow account so that both parties are protected.
7. Taxes after the sale
Personal income tax on the sale of real estate does not apply if you have owned the property for more than 10 years. If owned for less, the difference between the sale price and the acquisition price is taxable. Income from selling felling rights or timber follows different rules, and a corporate buyer may be obliged to withhold tax at source.
Tax rules change and every case is different. Before the sale we recommend checking with the State Tax Inspectorate or an accountant. We openly share what we know, but we do not provide tax advice.
Common mistakes when selling forest
- Signing a “preliminary” agreement with penalties before knowing the market price
- Allowing harvesting before receiving payment
- Not checking that the buyer really obtained a felling permit
- Selling at an “average price per hectare” without assessing the actual timber volume
- Forgetting co-owner and spouse consents, which delays the deal
How long does it take to sell a forest?
From the first call to money in your account usually takes 1–4 weeks. The notary checks and pre-emption notifications, where required, take the longest.
Can I sell a forest without a management plan?
Yes. A plan is not required for the sale. It is needed to plan fellings, so the buyer will prepare one.
Do I need a surveyor before selling?
If the plot boundaries are already registered in the cadastre, no survey is needed. If you are selling part of a plot or the boundaries are not established, a cadastral survey is required.
Want to sell without the hassle?
Send us the cadastral number. Within one working day we will name a preliminary price and explain the next steps.