Buying Property in Lebanon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying property in Lebanon is straightforward once you know the steps, but a few checks make the difference between a smooth purchase and a costly mistake. This guide walks through the process we follow with our clients, from the first viewing to the day the property is registered in your name.

1. Set your budget and how you will pay

Since 2019, almost all property sales in Lebanon are paid in "fresh" US dollars — cash or funds transferred from abroad — rather than with local bank cheques. Decide early how the money will move, and keep in mind that registration fees and taxes come on top of the price.

2. Choose the area and shortlist properties

Location drives both price and daily life. City apartments in Beirut and Achrafieh cost more per square metre, while Metn and Aley offer more space for the money. Our area guides show current prices calculated from live listings.

3. Check the title deed

The most important document is the title deed registered at the Land Registry. A property with a "green deed" (registered title) can be transferred directly. Apartments in new or unfinished buildings may not have their own deed yet — in that case the purchase is usually secured through a registered sale promise, and you should understand exactly when your own deed will be issued.

4. Get a land registry statement

Before signing anything, obtain a recent land registry statement (ifadeh aqariyyeh) for the plot and the unit. It shows the registered owners, the exact area, and any mortgages, seizures or other notes on the property. Everything on it should match what the seller has told you.

• Are all the owners on the statement selling, or represented by a valid power of attorney?
• Is there any mortgage or seizure that must be cleared before the sale?
• Do the area and the parking or storage spaces on the deed match what you are buying?

5. Sign a sale promise and pay a deposit

Most purchases start with a written agreement (a sale promise) setting the price, payment schedule and deadline for the final sale, with a deposit paid on signing. Your lawyer can register a note on the deed so the property cannot be sold to someone else in the meantime.

6. Complete the sale at the Land Registry

The final sale contract is signed and registered at the Land Registry, where the registration fees are paid. These fees and taxes are calculated as a percentage of the sale value — historically around 5 to 6% in total — but rates change, so confirm the current figure with your lawyer or notary before you budget.

Buying as a foreigner

Foreign nationals can buy property in Lebanon, subject to limits: purchases above a certain area (3,000 m²) need special approval, and the total share of foreign-owned land is capped in each district. Some nationalities face additional restrictions. Check your own case with a lawyer before you commit.

Agency commission

Agency commission is agreed in writing for each property. On our current listings it is 2.5% of the final sale price, payable at closing. Every listing states its terms, so there are no surprises.

Ready to start? Browse apartments for sale or contact us and tell us what you are looking for.