Green title deeds and kinds of ownership in Syria

Every property for sale on Lewan states its kind of ownership. This is what each one means, and what to check before you buy.

Green title deed (طابو أخضر)

Ownership registered at the real-estate registry in the owner's name, with the property's own page there. It is the strongest and easiest to transfer; still, ask for a recent statement to confirm the owner and that nothing is registered against the property.

Agricultural title (طابو زراعي)

Registered ownership of agricultural land. Building on agricultural land is restricted by the zoning plan and the rules.

Court ruling (حكم محكمة)

Ownership established by a court judgment. Check that the ruling is final, and preferably registered at the registry.

Notarized power of attorney (وكالة كاتب عدل)

The owner authorizes the buyer, or someone else, to dispose of the property; a common route. See the original, check that it is valid and irrevocable where needed, and register the ownership in your name as soon as you can.

Cooperative contract (عقد جمعية)

Ownership of, or a right to, a unit in a housing cooperative under its contract and records. Transfers go through the cooperative, so check the membership's status and what was paid and remains with the cooperative itself.

Shares (أسهم)

A share of a property held in common. At the registry a property is usually divided into 2,400 shares; buying shares means owning an undivided part of it with other owners.

Key money (فروغ)

The right to occupy or run a shop in exchange for a sum paid to the previous holder; it is not ownership of the property itself.

General information, not legal advice. Procedures and fees change: check them with the authority concerned or a lawyer.