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20 Questions to Ask Before Buying an Apartment in Lebanon

· 5 min read

Photos and a viewing show you how an apartment looks. These questions tell you what you are really buying. Take this checklist with you to every viewing.

The deed and the paperwork

  • Does the apartment have its own registered title deed ("green deed"), or is it still pending?
  • Who are the registered owners, and are they all selling?
  • Is the area on the deed the same as the actual area? (They often differ — know which one the price is based on.)
  • Are the parking spaces and storage (cave) registered on the deed, or just "allocated"?
  • Is there any mortgage, seizure or other note on the land registry statement?

The building

  • How old is the building, and has it been maintained?
  • How many apartments are there per floor?
  • Does the elevator run on the generator during power cuts?
  • What are the monthly building charges, and what do they cover?
  • Are there any planned works or unpaid charges the new owner would inherit?

Electricity, water and heating

  • How many amperes does the generator subscription provide, and for how many hours?
  • Is there solar power or a battery (UPS) system — and is it included in the sale?
  • Where does the water come from: well, tank, municipal supply or deliveries?
  • Is there central heating or air conditioning, and what does it run on?

The apartment itself

  • Which way does it face, and how much natural light does it get through the day?
  • Is the view protected, or could a new building block it?
  • Are there signs of damp, leaks or cracks — especially around windows and on the top floor?

The neighbourhood and the deal

  • How long is the drive to work or school at rush hour?
  • Is the price negotiable, and are payment facilities possible?
  • What is included: kitchen, wardrobes, air conditioners, water heaters, furniture?

Our listings answer many of these up front — floor, parking, deed status, generator and water. When something is not listed, just ask: we will find out before you visit.

For the full buying process, read our step-by-step guide to buying property in Lebanon. Then browse apartments for sale.

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