How to transfer money safely when buying a flat

The most common method for cash. The buyer places tenge in the box in the presence of bank staff. The seller obtains access only after producing the registered sale contract. The box rental is a token fee compared to the deal size.

The cashless equivalent of a safety-deposit box. The buyer transfers money to a special account; the bank releases it to the seller only when the conditions are met (the registered contract is presented). Safer and faster than a box, but requires both parties to use the bank's services.

For new builds from a developer in Kazakhstan, this is mandatory by law for equity construction. The buyer's money is frozen in a bank escrow account until the building is handed over. If the developer goes bankrupt, the bank returns the funds. Never pay the developer 'directly'.

Acceptable only for small amounts (deposit, earnest money, rent). The receipt is hand-written by the seller and includes amount in words, date, basis, ID details and signature. Ideally with a witness. For a property purchase — strongly not recommended.

Especially a card with a foreign bank. Any 'personal request' to send money 'to a friend's card' is fraud. Once transferred, the money is virtually unrecoverable.

If someone offers 'let's do it via USDT, it's faster', it is always fraud. A property deal in crypto can be structured legally, but it requires a lawyer and a notary.

Never hand over a large sum one-to-one in the seller's flat or in a café. Only at a bank, a notary or a lawyer's office.

After any transfer of money — even via a letter of credit — get a receipt or an act confirming full payment from the seller. Without it there is still formally a route to claim 'the money has not been received'.

Transfer of title is fixed only by state registration of the contract in the register. Until then you do not legally own the flat, even if you have already paid. Do not hand over the final sum before confirmation of registration.