Black, White and Green Frame in Batumi: What the Buyer Actually Gets

Batumi new-build listings often use terms like "black frame", "white frame", "green frame" and "turnkey". Buyers tend to treat these as standard finishing packages, but the exact scope of work behind each term can differ from one developer to another.

That's why you can't rely on the name of the frame type alone. What matters legally is the list of works and materials fixed in the contract, an annex, or a technical specification.

What "black frame" usually means

Black frame is the basic construction condition of an apartment. As a rule, the buyer gets the load-bearing structure, exterior walls, floor slabs, an entrance door and windows. Inside, there may be no partition walls, screed, plastering, electrical wiring, plumbing or heating.

This option gives freedom in layout and design but requires the largest amount of work, time and oversight. Before buying, find out whether you're allowed to move partition walls and what technical restrictions apply in the building.

What's usually included in "white frame"

White frame is considered preparation for the final finish. It often includes interior partition walls, floor screed, plastered walls, the main utility connection points, and preparation for further renovation.

But in one project white frame may include electrical wiring and water piping, while in another it may only mean walls and screed. The presence of heating, a gas boiler, radiators, meters and interior partitions should be checked separately.

What's called "green frame"

Green frame usually sits between white frame and a fully finished apartment. The unit may have more complete utility preparation, levelled surfaces, distributed utility lines, a heating system, or individual elements of the final finish.

The name sounds like a specific standard, but the actual scope is set by the developer. That's why it's essential to request a detailed specification and not assume the same package applies across different complexes.

What "turnkey" finishing means

A turnkey apartment should be ready to use after furniture is installed, or already handed over with furniture and appliances — depending on the offer. It's important to clarify the class of materials, plumbing fixtures, doors, lighting, the kitchen, air conditioning, appliances and the warranty on the completed works.

The phrase "finished apartment" without an annex listing the materials leaves too many open questions. It's worth fixing the specifications, or acceptable equivalents, in the contract.

How to compare the cost of different finishing packages

You need to calculate the price of the apartment in the same final condition. On top of the frame price, add the design, construction materials, labour, utilities, plumbing, furniture, appliances, delivery, lifting to floor, and a reserve for unforeseen costs.

A cheap apartment in black frame, once fully renovated, may end up costing more than a finished unit. Conversely, doing the renovation yourself can be cost-effective if the buyer controls the budget and wants an individual result.

What to check at handover

When accepting the apartment, check the area, the geometry of the walls and floor, the windows, the entrance door, ventilation, utility connection points, water pressure, electricity, heating, humidity and any visible defects. It's best to record all remarks in an acceptance report before confirming final handover.

If the apartment is handed over with a finish already done, also check the flooring, tiling, plumbing fixtures, doors, sockets, lighting, furniture and appliances against the specification.

Which frame type to choose for living

A buyer who needs to move in quickly is usually better off with a fully finished apartment or a good-quality green frame that needs only minor work. Black or white frame suits those who are ready to handle the renovation themselves and want to choose the materials and layout independently.

Which option suits an investor

For an investor, it matters not only how much the renovation costs, but also how long the property stays unused during that time. A finished apartment lets you move to your chosen scenario faster, while a frame unit can allow you to create a more attractive interior and increase the property's value.

The main rule

The name of the finishing package is only a rough guide. Before paying, request the exact list of works, the utilities layout, material samples, the finishing completion date and the procedure for fixing defects. Everything material should be confirmed in writing.

AM Estate compares finishing packages across projects and helps calculate the full budget of an apartment together with renovation. Leave a request — we'll select options in the condition you need and explain which works are already included in the price.

Finishing packages and construction standards vary by project. Before buying, check the contract, the technical annex and the actual condition of the specific apartment.