Own two adjacent plots? Merging them into one deed can give you a better design and one larger building instead of two small ones, and reduces the space lost in setbacks between the two buildings. On Balady, merging is done through the "create a land merging and subdivision request" service for residential land within an approved plan. But merging is not beneficial in every case, and it has requirements that must be prepared before applying. This guide explains when merging helps, its requirements and steps, and what to check before starting.
When Does Merging Help?
- Building one villa or apartment building on a larger area with a better layout.
- Reducing the setbacks lost between two separate buildings.
- An investment project that needs a wider frontage or more parking.
- Creating one building with a unified design instead of two buildings with different designs.
When May It Not Help?
- If you plan to sell one of the plots separately later.
- If the requirements on the merged plot are less favourable than on the two separate plots.
- If each plot has different owners who have not agreed on joint ownership.
Service Requirements
- A survey decision whose purpose is "land merging". Read: Survey, survey decision and survey report.
- A valid, updated electronic deed from the Ministry of Justice.
- A contract with an engineering office.
Steps
- Enter the mobile number linked to Absher and choose the applicant's capacity.
- Select the survey decision or enter the deed details.
- Choose and authorise the engineering office.
- Attach the documents.
- After approval, issue the unified deed at the Ministry of Justice.
The service takes 10 days, and applications are electronic only via Balady.
Before Merging: What to Check
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Both deeds updated to electronic | A service requirement. Read: Updating a paper deed |
| Area matching the ground | A difference stalls the request. Read: Deed area differs from reality |
| Building requirements on the merged plot | May differ from the two separate plots. Read: Setbacks and building ratios |
| Ownership | With multiple owners, arrange ownership before applying |
| Actual adjacency | The two plots must be adjacent within the same plan |
For the reverse process, read: Land subdivision: conditions and minimum area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two plots with different owners be merged?
Merging requires arranging ownership and updated deeds; consult the office before starting.
Does merging change the building requirements?
It may change the plot's dimensions and frontages, and therefore some requirements.
Can plots be merged after a building permit was issued on one of them?
This needs study, because the permit was issued on a plot with different boundaries; it is better to settle the merger before permitting.
Can more than two plots be merged?
Yes, if they are adjacent and meet the requirements; the office determines this after the survey.
When should I start the design?
After confirming the merger is possible, and preferably after the unified deed is issued so the boundaries are final.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that studies the feasibility of merging and the requirements of the merged plot, issues the survey decision for the correct purpose, follows the request on Balady until the deed is issued, then designs your project on the new plot. 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.