Check for encumbrances
Agency: Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure
Due diligence searches may be lodged by anyone (including individuals) at the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in order to check whether any mortgages have been registered against a property. The request must include a consent letter allowing the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to share the information with the person requesting the search.
Time and cost: 7 days, no charge
Apply to the Civil Court for the sale of the Land
Agency: Civil Court
Lawyer fees may be applicable and may vary from lawyer to lawyer. Legal fees are estimated to be in the range of MRF 45,000- 55,000 for all court transactions in relation to the property sale. The documents submitted to the Civil Court for this procedure include:
- Duly completed Land Sale Application Form of the Civil Court
- Legal representation documents (Board Resolutions of companies appointing counsel and court formalities)
- Registration Certificate of the Buyer and the Seller
- Copy of the Title Deed/Land Registration Certificate
Time and cost: 30 days, MVR 50,025 (MRF 45,000- 55,000 + MRF 25 for court administrative fees)
Payment of the property transfer tax at the Inland Revenue Authority and obtaining a tax payment proof
Agency: Inland Revenue Authority
For taxation purposes, the value of the land is either the actual sale price of the land or the total price of the land calculated on the basis of MRF 1,400 per square feet, whichever total value is higher. This tax is paid at the Inland Revenue Authority. Time required is between 7 – 14 working days.
Time and cost: 14 days, MVR 1,087,624.11 (15% of the value of the property)
Submit detailed outline chart to Civil Court
Agency: Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure
The detailed chart includes outlines of neighboring houses as well. The outline charts are done by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
Time and cost: 3 days, no charge
Obtain the Civil Court Report or Judgment in relation to the sale of property
Agency: Civil Court
Lawyer fees may be applicable. Legal fees are estimated to be in the range of MRF 45,000- 55,000 for all court transactions in relation to the property sale. The Court confirms that the transaction of property is completed and transferred to a new owner.
Time and cost: 15 days, lawyer fees and court fees of MVR 20 + MVR 1 per page of the judgment report (included in procedure 2)
Apply for registration at the Male’ City Counsel
Agency: Male’ City Counsel
The documents that need to be submitted for the above purpose include:
- Originals of the registry/title documents of the current owner.
- Proof of payment of tax to the Government.
- The Civil Court Report or Judgment in relation to the sale of property.
Time and cost: 5 days, MVR 100 (MRF 50 for issuing a Registry certificate, MRF 50 for revenue stamp)
