A deed does not state the area only; it describes the property's boundaries and lengths with the neighbours and streets on every side. If this description differs from reality, the survey decision, building permit or sale may stall, and it may turn into a dispute with the neighbour. This is when you need to amend the deed's boundaries and lengths through a regulatory route that starts with a survey and ends with a request to the Ministry of Justice. This guide explains when amendment is needed, its steps in order, the supporting documents, and the limits the amendment does not exceed.
When Is Amendment Needed?
- The actual lengths differ from those recorded on the deed.
- The names or widths of surrounding streets have changed.
- After subdivision or merging. Read: Merging two plots into one deed.
- Errors in describing the boundaries with neighbours.
- An old deed with a general or inaccurate boundary description.
Steps
- An accurate survey documenting the actual boundaries and lengths.
- A survey decision for the appropriate purpose via Balady. Read: Survey, survey decision and survey report.
- A letter from the competent authority when using corrected data not recorded on the deed.
- Submitting a "deed update or amendment" request to the Ministry of Justice. Read: Updating a paper deed to electronic.
Type of Amendment and Supporting Document
| Type of amendment | Expected supporting document |
|---|---|
| Correcting one or more side lengths | A survey and survey decision |
| A changed street name or width | A letter from the municipality |
| Boundaries resulting from subdivision or merging | An approved plan and survey decision |
| Correcting the neighbour description | A survey, and an acknowledgement or step concerning the neighbour may be needed |
Important Notes
- Amending a boundary with a neighbour may require agreement or a procedure if it affects their ownership.
- Amendment is not a way to add area you do not own; it only reflects the regulatory reality.
- If the difference is caused by encroachment, the handling is different. Read: The engineering report in real estate disputes.
Read: Deed area differs from reality and Linking the deed and the spatial map.
Common Mistakes
- Starting design on the old deed lengths before verifying.
- Applying without the competent authority's letter when street data has changed.
- Not informing or agreeing with the neighbour when amending a shared boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does amending the lengths change the area?
It may, which is why it needs a survey and supporting documents.
Who submits the request?
The owner or their agent through the Ministry of Justice service, with the engineering office's documents.
Is the neighbour's consent required?
If the amendment affects the shared boundary or the neighbour's ownership, an agreement or regulatory procedure may be needed.
Can boundaries be amended with a building in place?
Yes, and the survey documents the boundaries and existing buildings. Read: Surveying existing buildings.
When should I amend the boundaries?
Before the permit, sale, or merging and subdivision, so that none of them stalls.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that documents your property's boundaries and lengths accurately, issues the survey decision, and prepares the technical documents for the deed amendment request. See our deed update and amendment service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.