Property Transactions and Legal Due Diligence

Prepared by: Constantinople

Yes. The land register and the municipal building and planning file answer different questions. Absence of an obvious encumbrance does not automatically show that the building is permitted, complies with the project or is suitable for the intended use. If the premises will be used as a home, workplace or for another purpose, whether the official file permits that purpose must be examined.

Municipal review assesses the current plan and plan notes, building permit, approved project and occupancy permit together. The document commonly called iskân forms part of that file. Physical conditions such as subsequently enclosed balconies, combined units or changed use are separately checked against the approved project. Electricity or water subscriptions do not mean all these questions are answered.

For a foreign investor, this distinction may affect later letting, alterations, borrowing or resale. If advertised use differs from municipal records, the relevant documents and decisions should be seen rather than relying solely on the seller's oral explanation. Where the file is deficient, the agreement should clarify who will remedy it and at what stage.

We match the entry, municipal documents and intended use to the same property, showing discrepancies and documents to complete in writing. Reviewing before a deposit or binding contract allows contractual conditions to be considered if a problem appears. If documents are incomplete, we identify the records needed initially. We do not assume identical outcomes or fixed periods for every property.