Real Estate Transactions in Syria – Cosmos Legal Law Office Guide
Syria, with its strategic location and cultural richness, has historically been an important center for trade and settlement. However, the civil war and political developments since 2011 have directly affected the real estate sector. In recent years, as stability has improved in certain areas, property acquisition and investment have become increasingly feasible.
Cosmos Legal provides clients with safe, transparent, and professional legal consultancy on real estate sales and purchases, lease agreements, title registration, and property disputes in Syria.
1. Legal Framework of Real Estate in Syria
Real estate transactions in Syria are governed by the Syrian Civil Code (1949) and the Real Estate Registration Law.
All property records are maintained by the Directorate of Real Estate Affairs.
Ownership transfer is valid only through official title registration. Private agreements between parties are not legally binding unless recorded in the official registry.
Cosmos Legal assists clients with:
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Verification of title deeds
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Examination of property history
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Identification of liens, mortgages, or expropriation issues
2. Foreign Ownership of Real Estate
Foreign ownership is regulated under Legislative Decree No. 11/2008:
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Foreigners can purchase real estate for residential purposes.
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Ministry of Interior approval is required for title registration.
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The property must be held for at least five years before resale.
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Ownership is prohibited in border and strategic areas.
Cosmos Legal specializes in assisting foreign investors with obtaining approvals, preparing documentation, and completing title registration procedures.
3. Title Registration and Purchase Process
Key steps in property transactions in Syria:
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Sales Agreement Preparation: Parties agree on the sale price, transfer date, and terms.
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Official Approval: Notary or court approval is obtained before submission to the title office.
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Title Registration: After payment of taxes, the property is registered in the buyer’s name.
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Taxes and Fees: Buyers pay approximately 3–5% of the sale price as registration fees.
Cosmos Legal ensures legal security throughout contract preparation and title registration.
4. Lease Agreements and Property Management
Leases are regulated under Law No. 6/2001.
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Leases must be written.
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Agreements must include parties’ identity details, lease duration, rent, and eviction conditions.
Cosmos Legal represents clients in drafting lease agreements, eviction procedures, and landlord-tenant disputes in compliance with Syrian law.
5. Expropriation and Reconstruction
Some properties have been expropriated or included in reconstruction projects due to conflict. This raises significant legal concerns regarding ownership rights.
Cosmos Legal supports clients in:
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Claiming compensation for expropriated properties
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Determining property rights in reconstruction zones
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Asserting post-transfer ownership claims
All services are provided in accordance with international legal standards.
6. Disputes and Legal Remedies
Property disputes are generally resolved through local courts or Real Estate Dispute Commissions.
Cases may involve:
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Title cancellations
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Inheritance transfers
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Lease terminations
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Co-ownership conflicts
Cosmos Legal collaborates with local Syrian legal advisors to effectively protect clients’ interests.
Conclusion
Real estate transactions in Syria require careful navigation of complex legal regulations and regional conditions. Cosmos Legal Law Office provides reliable, professional, and internationally standard legal consultancy for property purchases, title registration, lease agreements, and property disputes.
With expertise in international real estate, investment, and property law, Cosmos Legal ensures clients can proceed with confidence and legal security in Syria.
