What Real Estate and Development Law Covers

Real estate and development law regulates how property is acquired, financed, built, and transferred. It touches every stage of a project, from land purchase and regulatory approvals to construction contracts and final client handovers. For investors, developers, and property owners, it ensures that ventures are not only legally sound but also commercially viable and secure.

Matters We Handle

• Land acquisition and due diligence: verifying ownership, zoning, and title clearance.

• Regulatory approvals: navigating planning, zoning, and investment regulations.

• Development agreements: drafting and negotiating contracts with contractors, architects, and suppliers.

• Financing structures: advising on loans, mortgages, and joint venture investment.

• Sales and transfers: preparing sale agreements, registering transactions, and handling notarisation.

• Dispute resolution: representing clients in property, construction, and contractual disputes.

• Investor representation: safeguarding the rights and interests of both local and foreign property investors.

Our Approach

We combine legal authority with strategic foresight to protect our clients’ investments.

• Integrated support: one team handles contracts, compliance, and disputes under one roof.

• Risk management: proactive checks to prevent costly litigation or project delays.

• Government relations: direct liaison with municipal and national authorities to streamline approvals.

• Sustainability focus: ensuring projects comply not only with the law but also with market expectations for long-term success.

The Law That Applies

Ownership, registration and transfer of land in Jordan are governed principally by the Real Estate Ownership Law No. 13 of 2019, which consolidated the earlier land and property legislation, together with the Civil Code No. 43 of 1976. Registration and transfers are handled by the Department of Lands and Survey. Development projects are also subject to planning and building rules administered by the Greater Amman Municipality or the relevant municipality.

How an Engagement Runs

Every engagement starts with a conflict check and a confidential first meeting. We then confirm the scope, the team and the fee basis in writing before any work begins, as set out on our Fees & Engagement page.

• Due diligence: title, encumbrances, zoning and permitted use are verified before commitment.

• Structuring: we advise on the ownership vehicle, financing and the allocation of risk between parties.

• Documentation: sale, development, construction and lease agreements are drafted and negotiated.

• Completion and after: we handle registration, and represent clients if a dispute arises.

Questions Clients Ask

Can non-Jordanians own property in Jordan?

Non-Jordanian individuals and companies can acquire property in Jordan, subject to conditions set by law and, in many cases, prior approval from the competent authorities. The conditions depend on the property’s location and intended use. We confirm the requirements for the specific property before a contract is signed.

What should be checked before buying land or a building?

At a minimum: the registered owner and the title deed, any mortgages, seizures or other encumbrances, the zoning and permitted use, building permits for existing structures, and any pending disputes. Off-plan purchases also require review of the developer’s licences and the payment and delivery terms.