Before buying land or a house, accepting property as security for a debt, or dividing an inherited property, the first thing to do is a property title deed check (الاستعلام عن الصك العقاري): is the deed genuine and valid? Who is the current owner? Is there a mortgage or restriction that prevents a sale? This guide explains how to verify a title deed, what to look for, and the warning signs that mean you should stop.
Why check the deed before any transaction?
- To confirm the seller really is the owner, and that the deed has not been cancelled or amended.
- To find out whether the property is subject to a mortgage, attachment or freeze.
- To confirm that the area, boundaries and plot number match reality.
- To avoid buying a property with an ongoing dispute or a share belonging to other heirs.
Ways to check a title deed
| Method | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| The deed verification service on Najiz (the Ministry of Justice e-services platform) | Whether the deed is genuine and its status (valid or not valid), using the deed number and the owner's details |
| The Real Estate Register platform | Data on property registered under in-rem registration: the owner, boundaries and rights recorded against it |
| The Real Estate Exchange (البورصة العقارية) | Deed and property transaction data available to view |
| Seeing the original deed from the owner | For comparison with what the platforms show, not as a substitute for them |
If the property is in a district announced for registration, read also our guide to the Real Estate Register and in-rem registration.
Warning signs
- The deed shows as not valid or frozen.
- The owner's name on the platform differs from the seller, or the seller is acting under an old power of attorney.
- The property is mortgaged to a finance provider.
- The deed is in the name of a deceased person and the estate has not been divided. Read about heirs certificates and dividing an estate.
- A difference in area or boundaries between the deed and reality.
- Unjustified haste over the transfer, or a request for a large payment before it.
After the check: a safe transfer
Do not pay the full price until the official title transfer (إفراغ, ifragh), or use a payment method that guarantees ownership passes in exchange for the price. In the preliminary sale contract, write down what happens if a restriction or dispute appears before the transfer.
Property checklist before buying (beyond the deed)
- Is there a mortgage, seizure or restriction on the property?
- Do the location, area and boundaries match the deed and the approved plan?
- Does the building have a permit, and does what was built match it?
- Are there municipal violations or unpaid utility bills?
- Is it leased? For how long, and what are the tenant's rights?
- Is the seller the sole owner, or are there heirs or partners?
- Is it in an area covered by the real estate register?
Frequently asked questions
Is it enough for the seller to show me a copy of the deed?
No. A copy does not prove that the deed is still valid or that it has not been mortgaged since. Always verify on the official platforms.
The deed is old and handwritten. Can it be verified?
Old deeds may need updating or converting to electronic form before they can be dealt with, and this is best reviewed with a lawyer before buying.
Buying property, or in a dispute over a deed?
The team at Usus Law Firm reviews title deeds and carries out legal checks on property before purchase, and handles real estate cases in Riyadh and Tabuk. Deeds and platforms are in Arabic; we advise in English.
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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