Land subdivision means dividing one plot into independent plots, each with its own deed. It is a common choice when dividing an inheritance, selling part of a plot, or developing several villas on a large plot. On Balady it is done through the "create a land merging and subdivision request" service, an electronic service for merging and subdividing residential land within an approved plan without visiting the authority. But the request's success depends on two things: complete requirements, and resulting plots that meet the plan and building requirements. This guide explains the requirements, steps, minimum area, and what happens after approval.
When Do You Need Land Subdivision?
- Dividing an inheritance between heirs with independent deeds.
- Selling part of the plot and keeping the rest.
- Development: building several villas or buildings on a large plot and selling each with its own deed.
- Financing: some financiers deal with each unit on a separate deed.
Service Requirements
- A survey decision whose purpose is "land subdivision". Read: Survey, survey decision and survey report.
- A valid, updated electronic deed from the Ministry of Justice. Read: Updating a paper deed to electronic.
- A contract with an engineering office.
- A subdivision plan (for the residential land subdivision service).
Application Steps on Balady
- Enter the mobile number linked to Absher.
- Choose the applicant's capacity.
- Select the survey decision or enter the electronic deed details.
- Choose the engineering office to authorise.
- Attach the required documents.
The stated service time is 10 days; it is provided electronically only via the Balady portal and app, with fees through the fee calculator.
Minimum Area and Requirements for the Resulting Plots
Dividing the land geometrically is not enough; the resulting plots must meet the approved plan's requirements and the area's building regulations. The main items reviewed:
| Item | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Area | That each plot is not below the minimum allowed in the plan and area |
| Street frontage | That each plot has suitable frontage on a street |
| Dimensions | That the dimensions allow a design meeting the setbacks. Read: Setbacks and building ratios |
| Use | That the use matches the approved plan |
The engineering office determines this before preparing the subdivision plan, to avoid a rejected request or plots that cannot be built on well.
What Happens After Approval?
The deeds for the new plots are issued by the Ministry of Justice. If applying with a commercial registration, Balady states that a survey decision request for updating the deed is submitted first, then the Ministry of Justice is approached to issue the deed. Once the deeds are issued, a building permit can start for each plot. Read: Building permit steps on Balady.
Common Mistakes
- A survey decision for a purpose other than "land subdivision".
- A paper or non-updated deed.
- Resulting plots below the minimum or without suitable frontage.
- A deed area that differs from reality. Read: Deed area differs from reality.
- No agreement between owners before applying.
If you have two plots and want the opposite, read: Merging two plots into one deed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can land outside an approved plan be subdivided?
The service is for residential land within an approved plan.
How long does the service take?
10 days according to the service page.
Do I need an engineering office?
Yes, a contract with an engineering office is one of the requirements.
Can a plot with a building on it be subdivided?
The case needs special study because the existing building must meet the requirements on the resulting plot; consult the office before starting.
Can commercial land be subdivided through the same service?
The described service is for residential land within an approved plan; other land may require a different route.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that studies whether subdivision is possible, issues the survey decision for the correct purpose, prepares the subdivision plan in line with the plan's requirements, and follows the request on Balady until the deeds are issued. See our land merging and subdivision 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.