How to check the Tabu in Syria before purchasing? Ownership types and a 10-step checklist

The most common question we receive from Syrians at home and abroad: “How do I make sure that the property is regular before I pay?” The war years left complex ownership files: real estate sold more than once, old agencies, court rulings, and areas where administrative authorities changed. In this article, we explain the types of property in Syria, and we give you a checklist of 10 steps that we apply in real estate circles before displaying any property.

Types of real estate ownership in Syria

1. Green Tapu (final real estate registry)

It is the strongest and clearest: the property is registered in the real estate registry with a property number and real estate area, and the owner’s name is recorded in his newspaper. Upon purchase, ownership is transferred in the same register in your name. If the property has a separate green taboo (i.e. the apartment has its own newspaper), this is better than a common share in an entire property.

2. Court ruling (confirmation of sale)

A property whose ownership has been transferred by a court ruling confirming a sales contract. It is accepted and widespread, but it requires greater scrutiny: Is the ruling definitive? Was it registered in the real estate registry? Were there parties that were not notified? Any loophole here may open the door to conflict later.

3. Irremovable power of attorney (notary public)

Many buy under a non-removable power of attorney from the owner. It is a means of transferring the right to act, but it is not a registration of ownership in your name. It is always better to use the agency to complete the transfer of ownership in the real estate registry and not be satisfied with it.

4. Common share (shares)

You own a number of shares out of 2,400 shares in the property, for example, without releasing a specific apartment. Here you must know the remaining partners, and whether there is a division or separation agreement, because selling a common share may conflict with the rights of the partners.

5. Residential association contracts and irregularities areas

Contracts for allocating associations and real estate in informal housing areas that do not have a regular taboo carry higher risks and require a special study for each case.

Checklist: 10 steps before you pay anything

1. Request a copy of the deed, the owner's full name, property number, and real estate area.
2. Extract a recent real estate registration statement from the Real Estate Authority Directorate, preferably not more than a month old. This is the official reference for property ownership today.
3. Check the signs on the newspaper: mortgage, precautionary or executive seizure, notice of lawsuit, prohibition of alienation. Any standing sign means: Stop until it is removed.
4. Match the seller's ID with the owner's name on the statement. If the seller is an agent, request the original power of attorney and make sure that it is valid and explicitly includes the sale.
5. In heirs’ real estate: Request an inventory of the inheritance, and make sure that all heirs agree or that all of them have agencies.
6. Match the reality with the papers: area, floor, boundaries, and neighbors, and do not accept a significant difference without a documented explanation.
7. Check the building permit for modern buildings, and that there are no violations that may result in fines or removal.
8. Request a clearance of taxes, fees, and bills (water, electricity) before delivery.
9. Ask about occupancy: Does the property have a tenant or an occupant?