Understanding Tabu (Property Deeds) in Syria: What Every Buyer Should Know
What the Tabu is — and why it matters
In Syria, the Tabu (الطابو) is the official property title issued by the Land Registry. Decision 188 of March 15, 1926 (the Land Registry Law) defines the registry as the set of documents that record each property’s description, legal status and all changes affecting it. In practical terms, real rights (ownership, mortgage, easements and court-related annotations) only become effective against others once they are recorded. Even between contracting parties, many deeds are not effective until registration. This is why buyers should treat a registered title as the decisive proof of ownership. 1
The registry is a public record: any person may obtain information or certified extracts upon payment of official fees, which is how buyers verify a seller’s claim and check for encumbrances before money changes hands. 1
How to read a Syrian deed
A Syrian title typically shows the property number and cadastral zone, the owner’s name(s) and shares, the parcel’s area and boundaries, and an annotations section. Pay close attention to that annotations page: by law, mortgages (الرهن)، precautionary seizures (الحجز الاحتياطي) and lawsuit notations (إشارة الدعوى) must be recorded on the property’s sheet to bind third parties. A clean, recent extract (بيان قيد عقاري حديث) confirming no adverse annotations is the buyer’s first line of defense. 1
Common ownership documents you’ll encounter
Registered title deed (الطابو الأخضر): The strongest form of ownership because it is already recorded in the Land Registry. Transfer of ownership occurs through a formal registry transaction (فراغ) and becomes effective upon entry in the register. 1
Notarized power of attorney (وكالة كاتب عدل): Useful for authorizing someone to sell, but it is not a transfer of ownership. It carries more risk than a registered title because ownership still needs to be registered to take effect. 2
Court judgment (حكم تثبيت بيع): Courts can confirm a sale, but the buyer must ensure timely notation of the lawsuit on the property sheet and follow through to registration; otherwise third parties may not be bound. 2
Shares in common property (أسهم الشيوع): You own undivided shares in a larger parcel. Usage rights are not physically separated unless co-owners partition or a court orders division. Extra due diligence is essential. 2
How a legal transfer (الفراغ) actually works
Order a fresh cadastral extract: Verify the seller’s identity and match all deed data; check for any annotations (mortgage, seizure, lawsuits) that could delay or block transfer. 3
Settle taxes under Law 15/2021: Since March 2021, the real-estate sales tax is based on the Ministry of Finance’s ‘prevailing value’ (القيمة الرائجة) determined by local valuation committees and e-maps. Published rates include 1% for residential units and 3% for non-residential sales, with other rates for land and special cases. Financial clearance is generally required before the registry finalizes the transfer. 4
Prepare the dossier: Identity documents for both parties, the original title (or a recent certified extract if the original is missing), tax/fee receipts, and other local requirements. Submit at the documentation office, then proceed to the Land Registry. 3
Registration is the moment ownership passes: The Land Registry records the transfer; from that date, your ownership is effective and enforceable. This “registration-first” rule is a core principle of the Syrian system. 1
Digital developments you can use
On March 24, 2026, the General Directorate of Cadastral Affairs announced electronic issuance of the cadastral extract via the “Maamalati” mobile app and the “Anjaz” portal, initially covering Damascus, Daraa, Quneitra and Latakia, with expansion planned. This can speed pre-contract checks, though coverage may vary as the rollout continues. 5
Buyer checklist: quick risk controls
Match the seller’s ID to the registry record and confirm they are the registered owner (or have a valid, specific power of attorney that permits selling and registering). 1
Obtain a recent certified extract and read the annotations page for mortgages, seizures and lawsuit notations. 1
Be cautious with unregistered “paper” sales or agency-only deals; insist on completing registration. 2
Budget for the real-estate sales tax under Law 15/2021, which is tied to the prevailing value, not the price you write in the contract. 4
How Miftah can help
Miftah is a free real-estate marketplace for Syria. You can browse properties across all 14 governorates, message sellers and verified brokers via in‑app chat, WhatsApp or phone, and use filters and map view to narrow options. Listings also show market context like recent average asking prices and area price history—useful when budgeting for taxes and fees you’ll handle through official channels. 5