The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) offers an electronic sorting request service, which lets a property owner or developer contract with engineering offices to get the best quotation, or choose an office directly, to survey the property and submit the sorting request online. The route is clear on paper, but its success depends on the building and documents being ready before you press submit. This guide explains the official steps in order, what happens at each stage, the requirements, the duration and fees, and how to prepare your request so it passes the first time.
Before Applying: Preparation
- Make sure the deed is electronic and updated. Read: Updating a paper deed to electronic.
- Make sure the building matches its permit.
- Check the separate meters for the units and the common parts.
- Assess the building's eligibility for sorting. Read: Is your building eligible for sorting?.
The Official Steps
- The owner or developer submits the request through the online sorting page.
- The engineering office submits a quotation, and the applicant accepts it.
- Paying the engineering office's fee.
- Paying the request fees after it is processed.
- The office acknowledges receiving its dues.
- The sorting records are issued electronically and sent to the competent authorities.
REGA states that after audit and processing, the sorting records are issued and sent electronically to the Ministry of Justice to issue the deeds.
What Happens at Each Stage?
| Stage | Who does it | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Request and choosing the office | Owner or developer | Submitting the request and accepting the quotation |
| Survey and sorting plan | Engineering office | Surveying the building and preparing an AutoCAD plan of the units and common parts |
| Audit and processing | REGA | Reviewing the request and the plan |
| Sorting records | REGA | Defining the units and their shares. Read: A unit's share of the common parts |
| Deeds | Ministry of Justice | Issuing an independent deed for each unit |
Requirements
- An electronic deed.
- A building permit.
- An electricity meter for each unit and a meter for the common parts.
Along with a plan of the property in AutoCAD format. Read: Apartment sorting requirements.
Duration and Fees
REGA states on the sorting service page a duration of 10 working days, and fees of one riyal per square metre. Check the official page when applying for any update. Read: How long does sorting take?.
Mistakes That Delay the Request
- Applying before checking the building matches the permit.
- A plan that does not reflect the actual internal changes.
- Missing separate meters.
Read: Sorting documents and why requests stall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I choose the office myself?
Yes, you can choose the office directly or receive quotations through the service.
When are the deeds issued?
After the sorting records are issued and sent to the Ministry of Justice.
Do I need to attend in person?
The service is electronic, and the office handles the survey and plan.
Can a building be sorted while units are leased?
Yes, but access to the units is needed for the survey.
What happens after the deeds are issued?
Organising the management of the common parts. Read: The owners' association after sorting.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that assesses your building's readiness, surveys it, prepares the sorting plan, and submits and follows the request with the competent authorities until the deeds are issued. See our service for filing sorting applications with the authorities, 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.