Check the title deed before you buy

Buying property in Iraq starts with the deed (sanad / tapu), not with photos. Ask for a clear copy of the title, match the seller’s ID to the owner named on the deed, and confirm there are no pledges, seizures, or disputed shares. If the property was inherited, ask for the succession papers that transferred ownership. In Baghdad and most governorates, a lawyer or licensed conveyancer can request an official status check at the relevant real estate registration office. Do this before you pay a deposit. This note is general information, not legal advice. Rules and office practice can vary by city.