The short answer
Check the property and owner details and the seller’s or representative’s capacity, arrange a review of relevant rights, restrictions and documents, then consider the contract, payments and registration requirements, an advertisement or verbal description alone is not a sufficient basis for the purchase decision
A property purchase involves the physical property, documents, rights and official procedures, the Department of Lands and Survey publishes questions on registration records, identification, fees and ownership enquiries, so a useful review starts with specific questions and documents relating to the property itself
Are the property and owner details consistent?
Obtain details that identify the property and compare them with the offer, agreement and available documents, discuss ownership, area and shares with the relevant professional, and clarify who is negotiating or signing, particularly where a representative or several ownership shares are involved
- Identify the plot, basin and unit details as appropriate
- Check the parties’ names and the seller’s or representative’s capacity
- Clarify the shares and area rather than relying on the advertisement
Which rights, restrictions or planning matters need review?
Arrange an assessment of documents showing rights and restrictions affecting the property and its intended use, do not assume that information about a neighbouring property applies to this one, the review may differ for land, an apartment or a property under construction
- Ask which rights and restrictions need to be checked in this file
- Discuss the intended use, planning information and available records
- Distinguish legal enquiries from matters requiring technical advice
How do payments and handover relate to completion?
Review the price, instalments, handover and required documents in the agreement, clarify what happens if the transaction is not completed or the details differ from the offer, separate payments to the seller from fees and expenses and record who bears each item
- Discuss payment dates and supporting records
- Define handover and the condition of the property at that stage
- Ask which costs may require a revised estimate
Does a private agreement replace registration procedures?
The Department of Lands and Survey describes property transactions through the competent authority and its procedures, discuss the distinction between contractual commitments and formal completion, and do not infer a legal outcome from a document or receipt without reviewing the transaction and its records
- Discuss the official steps required for your particular transaction
- Check the applicable requirements and fees when applying
- Retain the agreement, correspondence, receipts and registration records
- Identify the property
- Review the records
- Review the agreement
- Complete the procedures
What should you prepare for the discussion?
- Property details and available records
- The sale offer or draft agreement
- Details of the seller or representative
- Payment and handover schedules
- Earlier correspondence or receipts
Questions about this topic
Are property purchase fees the same for every transaction?
The Department of Lands and Survey explains that fees depend on the transaction, its details and applicable exemptions, check the charges for your particular transaction
Can I enquire about anyone’s property ownership?
The department links ownership services to the relevant person, a legal representative or official requests under the applicable instructions, do not assume that another person’s records are publicly accessible
Should I send all property documents in my first WhatsApp message?
Start with a general description of the transaction and what you want reviewed, then agree a suitable way to share documents with the office
Sources and scope of this guide
The following references informed this guide, it is not legislation or advice on a particular file, procedures and legal effects require an assessment of the facts, records and applicable law
- Department of Lands and Survey — Frequently asked questions
A reference for registration details, identification, fees and ownership enquiries, confirm the requirements for the transaction with the competent authority
https://dls.gov.jo/Ar/Modules/FAQ
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