Surveying is not just for vacant land. Existing buildings need it for many transactions: correcting the status of an old building without a permit, demolishing and rebuilding it, sorting its apartments into separate deeds, updating its deed, or selling and valuing it. In all these cases, the quality of the survey determines whether the transaction succeeds; an error in the plot boundary or an apartment's area can send the request back for weeks, or cause disputes between owners after sorting. This guide explains the common cases that need an existing building survey, what the survey covers, how it differs from as-built drawings, and how to prepare for it.
Common Cases
| Case | Why a survey is needed |
|---|---|
| Correcting an existing building's status | Balady states that old buildings without permits apply for status correction after a survey decision is issued for the same purpose |
| A demolition permit for a building without a permit | Issued after a survey decision for demolition |
| Unit sorting | The engineering office surveys the property and submits the sorting application electronically to the Real Estate General Authority |
| Updating the deed | A survey decision or property ID may be required |
| Sale and valuation | Documenting actual boundaries and areas |
Read: The status correction permit, The demolition permit and Unit sorting application steps.
What Does a Building Survey Cover?
- The plot boundaries and coordinates.
- The building footprint and actual setbacks.
- Floor plans and areas for each floor where needed, especially for sorting.
- Entrances, parking and common areas.
- Levels and heights where needed.
For sorting specifically, the sorting service at the Real Estate General Authority requires a property drawing in AutoCAD format. Read: Apartment sorting requirements.
The Survey by Purpose
| Purpose | Level of detail |
|---|---|
| Status correction or demolition | Plot boundaries and building footprint, with architectural as-built drawings for correction |
| Sorting | Full detail of each unit, the common areas and parking |
| Updating the deed | Plot boundaries, coordinates and area |
| Sale and valuation | As the valuer or buyer requires |
The Survey and Architectural As-Built Drawings
A land survey documents the plot, footprint and coordinates, while as-built drawings document the internal architectural layout and facades as built. In status correction, the survey is completed with architectural as-built drawings. Read: As-built drawings.
How to Prepare for the Survey
- The deed and property ID if available.
- The permit and old drawings if available.
- Access to all floors, the roof and basement.
- Informing residents or tenants of the survey date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the old permit drawing enough?
Not if the building has changed; the survey documents current reality.
Who carries out the survey?
An engineering office classified for surveying.
Does the survey reveal violations?
It reveals differences between reality and the permit, such as building in the setback, and the office determines the route. Read: Unapproved changes.
Is every apartment surveyed for sorting?
Yes, sorting needs the areas and boundaries of every unit and the common areas. Read: Is your building eligible for sorting?.
How long does a building survey take?
It depends on its size, number of units and the level of detail required.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that surveys existing buildings for status correction, demolition, sorting and deed updates, and prepares as-built drawings and survey decisions. See our land and building surveying 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.