The complete checklist before buying an apartment or house in Iraq

Buying an apartment or a house is one of the biggest financial decisions a family ever makes, and a small oversight during the checks can lead to years of trouble. That is why we have gathered the essential steps we recommend before you pay any money or sign any paper, whether you are buying a home to live in or as an investment, and whether you found the property on Betonna or anywhere else.

1. Verify the title deed and ownership

The title deed, known locally as the tabu deed, is the document that proves who owns the property, and it is the starting point of every purchase. Ask to see the original deed, then check it with the competent real-estate registration office to confirm that it is genuine and that the property is actually registered in the seller's name.

• Make sure the owner's name on the deed matches the name on the seller's official ID exactly.
• If the person selling to you is not the owner, ask for the official document that authorises the sale, and verify its validity and scope with the authority that issued it.
• Ask about anything recorded against the property, such as a mortgage, a seizure order or co-owners.
• Match the plot number, the area and the location on the deed with the property you are actually inspecting.

2. Check the property class and permitted use

Not every property can be used for every purpose. Confirm the property's class and permitted use, whether residential, commercial or agricultural, as recorded in the official registers. Building on land that is not designated for housing, or extensions that were never approved, can cause problems later with registration or with connecting services. If anything is unclear, consult a lawyer or ask the municipality and the real-estate registration office before you go any further.

3. Utilities and infrastructure

A beautiful home quickly loses its appeal if its services are poor. Before you buy, make sure you understand:

• Water and sewage: the water pressure, the condition of the water tanks and the state of the drainage network.
• Electricity: whether there is a proper meter, and how the neighbourhood generator subscription works.
• Bills: ask for the latest water and electricity bills so you know nothing is outstanding on the property.
• Internet and phone: whether internet service is available and how good mobile coverage is inside the property.
• Road access: the condition of the street and how easy it is to reach at rush hour and in winter.

4. The condition of the building

Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, damp patches and signs of leaks, and test the taps, light switches, doors and windows. Ask how old the building is and when it was last maintained. Pay attention to the roof and its insulation, which bear the brunt of summer heat and winter rain, and to the hidden plumbing and wiring that are hard to fix once you have moved in. For apartments, also ask about the building management, the lift, the shared generator, parking and any service fees. It is wise to bring an engineer or an experienced builder to the viewing; their observations can save you a great deal.

Never pay a deposit or an advance before you have seen the property in person, examined the original documents and confirmed the seller's identity. Any pressure to pay quickly because "the offer is about to end" is a reason to slow down, not to hurry.

5. How to read a property listing

A good listing saves you a lot of time if you know how to read it. When you browse properties for sale and rent, pay attention to the following:

1. Is the stated area the land area or the built-up area?
2. Are the photos real and do they show every room, or are they generic images that hide the property's condition?
3. Is the map location accurate? You can compare the property with its surroundings using the map search.
4. Who published the listing, and do they have a clear public page with reviews from previous clients?

6. Deal with known parties and document everything

On Betonna you can contact verified real-estate companies directly and review each company's page, its representatives and its client ratings before you get in touch. Keep your messages and write down everything that is agreed. When you reach a final agreement, make sure the sale contract states the price, the payment method and schedule, the handover date and the condition of the property at handover. Arrange payment in a documented way that coincides with the formal transfer of ownership, and have a lawyer review the contract before you sign.

Ready to start? Browse properties on Betonna, take this checklist to every viewing, and keep asking questions until you are completely comfortable. For more answers, visit our frequently asked questions.