FAQ

1. What are the legal issues in terms of bequeathing property to spouse or children?

A The way in which property is bequeathed in  Bahrain should really be looked into with a legal advisor, taking into account the lending institution that you are borrowing from, the method by which any mortgage is provided as well as your existing will. We suggest that you take proper legal advice to ensure that the matter is spelt out clearly and is legally enforceable.

Q 2. Are any permissions required to make external changes once the property has been purchased and ownership transferred to the buyer?

A To make changes to your property especially external changes if any, you must take the developer's consent. If required you will be advised by the developer to take municipality approval. It is also likely that the plans that you propose will need to be drawn up before the developer is given consent. The developer will often take a refundable deposit which will be returned when the works have been completed and inspected to assure the works are carried out as described. This is a way of ensuring that everyone within a development makes the scheme look harmonious.

Q 3. Are there any laws stating that one must own a property for a certain length of time before reselling?

A At present, Bahrain has no law insisting an owner must keep the property a certain length of time before reselling.

Q 5. While looking at options for financing is it better to take mortgages from local institutions or from International institutions who are established in the market?

A Local banks and financial institutions are equipped to handle the demand for mortgage, however keep in mind that as many of them comply with the Shariah laws, the rules and requirements will vary from that in other countries. Alternatively, a mortgage can be arranged via an overseas mortgage provider, our recommendation would be to check the differences between the rates and regulations for both the local and international provider before making a decision.
 

Q 7. What are the guidelines for regulating maintenance costs and are there options to form owner’s associations?

A Maintenance costs are normally fixed for the first calendar year after possession of the property. Thereafter till such time as the owners / tenants form committees and elect management companies, the fee is decided by the developer. As of date there is no regulatory body which enforces the rule that the developer should fix the cost for a given period of time. Some developers take realistic estimates of the costs at the end of the first calendar year and adjust the actual against the estimated advance and any excess / deficit payment is either carried forward or collected against the next year's maintenance fee.

Q 8. Can any renovations be done on a property bought in the secondary market and which has not yet been completed?

A  Permission for any renovation on a completed or under construction property is at the sole discretion of the developer and varies from one to another. Normally developers do not allow any changes on the façade of the unit as it would affect the ambiance of the community. If the changes are to be made at the preliminary stage, developers will normally incorporate changes at an additional cost. However, changes to the property after completion require the approval of the developer.

Q 9. What are the regulations for visas that are issued to the owners of a property and what happens when the property has been sold?

A  A visa is normally issued to the owner of a freehold property, the person in possession of the visa can then sponsor his family. However, keep in mind that these visas are issued only if the person can prove that he has no other means of sponsorship. If the property is sold on, the seller will lose his right to a visa and the new owner will have the right to obtain a visa based on the fact that he owns property.

The material contained in this website has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable and care has been taken to provide accurate information. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained on the website, and same is provided subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, withdrawal without notice, and to any special listing conditions imposed by our principals. The contents of this website are for information purposes only and are subject to change. Responsibility for the use of any and all information contained is strictly and solely that of the user.