Obtain a search certificate of the property for the purpose of “Sale”
Agency: Land Registry
Most land in Sudan is state owned. This procedure is required to ensure that the sellers hold a clean and marketable title. The search certificate also helps to verify if the property is held in freehold/leasehold and has no encumbrances.
Time and cost: 2 days, SDG 10
Notary/lawyer drafts the “Transfer instrument,” the application from the seller and the Form 3A
Agency: Notary/Lawyer
The lawyer generally has a standardized contract form to draft and authenticate the documents needed for the property transaction, which takes only one day. The sale-purchase agreement must be done by a lawyer, though the parties can complete the other steps by themselves. However, in practice, the lawyer is hired to conduct the whole process. This process could take two days in Khartoum central and Omdurman districts due to the use of computers but more time is required outside these districts. Note that this is a particular file prepared for someone selling the ownership of the title and includes the plot papers and the land tax certificates. The signatures of the parties must be verified and authenticated at the Land Registry.
Time and cost: 1 day, SDG 505 (SDG 500 (Professional fees) + SPG 5 (Stamp Duty for Bar Association))
Authenticate the “Transfer instrument,” the application from the seller and the Form 3A
Agency: Land Registry
Before registering the “Transfer instrument,” the application from the seller and the Form 3A, the identities of both parties need to be verified and authenticated at the Land Registry.
Time and cost: 2 days, SDG 66 (SDG 6 + SDG 20 Stamps duty + SDG 40 for verification of signature)
Obtain a location certificate
Agency: Ministry of Urban Planning and Public Utilities
The Land Department verifies the location of the land and its area. The Khartoum State Survey Department issues this location certificate.
Time and cost: 1 day, SDG 150
Obtain approval of the Land Department
Agency: Land Department
For obtaining the approval from the Land Department, the parties must file all the required documents including the survey department letter, the sale documents and the first and second recommendation issued by the Land Department.
The payment of the differential price consists of the following:
(i) zakat, (ii) capital gains tax, (iii) administration fees, (iv) form 3A fees, and stamp duty.
After the payment of the amounts mentioned above, the Land Department may issue its approval and send the form 3A and other formalities to the competent Land Registry Office to effect the transfer.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Final Registration
Agency: Land Registry
The buyer has to pay the registration fees to the Land Registry. A rate of 2.5% is applicable if the transfer is done within 6 months from the date of purchase, 5% if the registration is done within one year, or 6% if the registration is done after a year.
Time and cost: 4 days, SDG 27,655.19 (2.5% of property values (Registration fees))