Registration certificate: meaning, purpose, receipt

One of the documents that may be required when formalizing the purchase and sale of real estate and obtaining a mortgage is the registration certificate of the property, which usually serves as a certificate of ownership and encumbrances. In this article, we will discuss which registration certificate you will need for your real estate transactions, how much it will cost, and how to obtain it.

What is a registration certificate and what is it used for?

A registration certificate is a public document signed by the property registrar, which reflects the contents of the registry and everything related to the registered plot. For example, it includes current and previous owners, as well as existing and lost rights. This document serves to protect the specified rights against third parties, both individuals and legal entities, courts, and government bodies and institutions, and legally it is the only means for this purpose. It also serves as evidence and is effective against everyone.

What types of registration certificates are there?

The most common registration certificate (which is usually associated with the processes of buying and selling real estate and mortgages) is the certificate of ownership and encumbrances or the land certificate, which includes information about its full description, its owner or owners, the rights that may have been established on the property (such as lease, encumbrance, or right of use), and the encumbrances on the property (mortgages, liens, service obligations, tax liabilities, etc.), as well as whether it is free from them. There are also other types of registration certificates, such as a literal certificate, which consists of a complete transcription of one or more entries from the history of the property.

Content of the registration certificate

The information in the registration certificate depends on the type of certificate. Based on the example of a certificate of ownership and encumbrances, which is the most common of all, it should generally include a description of the plot, ownership, and possible encumbrances. The certificate is the only means of confirming the contents of the register and, since it is a public document, it is signed by the registrar. Once you receive your certificate, you will learn who the owner or owners of the property are, what types of rights exist on it (full ownership, bare ownership, and/or use) and in what percentages, as well as any encumbrances (mortgages, etc.).

The difference between a simple extract and a registration certificate.

Both a simple extract and a registration certificate are documents that contain the most important information about the legal status of a plot of land or property.