You try to issue a permit or update a deed, and find the property in the systems at a different location or with boundaries that do not match reality. This is a common problem in old properties whose deeds were issued before digitisation, and you may discover it at the worst time: at sale or just before building. The good news is that it has a methodical solution that starts with a survey and ends with a deed update. This guide explains the common causes, the correction steps in order, the error's effect on transactions, and how to avoid it recurring.
Common Causes
- Old, inaccurate coordinates from before digitisation.
- A previous subdivision or merger whose data was not updated.
- Different plot or plan numbers between the deed and reality.
- An old paper deed that was not updated. Read: Updating a paper deed to electronic.
Correction Steps
- An accurate survey establishing the actual location and boundaries. Read: Surveying existing buildings.
- Comparing the survey with the deed and the systems to identify the type of error.
- Issuing a survey decision for the appropriate purpose via Balady. Read: Survey, survey decision and survey report.
- Updating the deed when needed. The Ministry of Justice states that if the plot data on the deed is incorrect, the competent authority such as the municipality must be approached to obtain a letter of statement and record it with the judicial authority.
Type of Error and How It Is Handled
| Type of error | Expected handling |
|---|---|
| Shifted coordinates with correct boundaries | A survey decision establishing the correct location |
| A wrong plot or plan number on the deed | A letter of statement from the municipality, then recording it with the judicial authority |
| A difference in area or lengths | Resolving the difference through the regulatory route. Read: Deed area differs from reality |
| Wrong boundaries with a neighbour | An accurate survey, and boundary amendment may be needed. Read: Amending deed boundaries |
Why Not Postpone It?
A spatial error shows up in every later transaction: a permit, merger, unit sorting, sale or mortgage. Correcting it early is easier than correcting it under the pressure of a sale date or project start. Read: Updating a property's spatial map.
How to Avoid It Recurring
- Update the data immediately after any subdivision or merger.
- Request a survey before buying any old property. Read: Land survey before purchase.
- Keep copies of survey decisions and updated deeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the location be corrected without a survey?
The survey is the technical basis for any correction.
Who issues the letter of statement?
The competent authority such as the municipality, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Does the error affect the building permit?
Yes, because the permit starts from a survey decision that must match the deed and the ground.
Can a property in the wrong location be sold?
The transaction may stall; it is better to correct it before the sale.
How long does correction take?
It depends on the type of error; correcting coordinates is faster than amending deed data.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that surveys your property accurately, identifies the type of error and its route, issues the correct survey decision, and guides you through the deed update. See our spatial map update 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.