How to buy property in Syria while living abroad
Millions of Syrians abroad want a home back home. Buying remotely is possible and safe if you arrange three things: who inspects, who signs, and how the money travels.
Inspecting from a distance
Ask for a live video tour (not a recorded one) at different times of day, and ask about electricity hours, the water schedule, the generator subscription, the state of the stairs and lift, and the neighbours. Send someone you trust for a second visit without the seller. Balkoun's photos, map and average price per square metre for the area help you judge the price before you negotiate.
Who signs for you: the power of attorney
You need a special power of attorney drawn up at the Syrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence, naming the agent and authorising them to buy the specific property (or a property in a defined area up to a price cap) and register it in your name. Choose someone you trust completely: a relative or a lawyer. Check with the embassy what documents, legalisations and time are needed; it takes a while.
How the money travels
Do not send the price before the registry extract is checked and the preliminary contract is signed. Arrange for the money to arrive through a lawful, documented channel you can prove later, and coordinate with a lawyer on the rules in force for transfers and proof of funds. Tie the final payment to the moment the transfer is signed, not before.
Costly mistakes
Paying someone you have only met online. Relying on old photos. Giving an intermediary a general power of attorney that also lets them sell. Buying shares or a court ruling at green-tabu prices. Forgetting the clearance certificates so the transfer stalls. And above all, rushing: a good property does not vanish in a day.
Frequently asked questions
Can the property be registered in my name while I am outside Syria?
Yes, through an agent holding a special power of attorney certified by the embassy. The property is registered in your name, not the agent's.
How do I find a genuine seller?
On Balkoun, the phone number on every listing is verified, the deed status is declared, and some members appear as approved agencies. In every case: a recent registry extract comes first.
These guides are general information based on common practice, not legal advice. Procedures and fees change and differ between governorates, so consult a lawyer before any payment.