Jordan (JO)
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Buying Property in Jordan
The full buying process, transaction costs, mortgage, and legal requirements.
Foreign nationals can buy property in Jordan but face restrictions under the Foreign Ownership of Real Property Law. Key rules: (1) Reciprocity condition — foreigners can purchase property only if their home country allows reciprocal ownership rights for Jordanians (Arab nationals are exempt from this condition). (2) One-property limit — foreigners are generally permitted to own one residential property for personal use. (3) Lock-in periods — properties cannot be sold or transferred for 3 years (residential) or 5 years (all other purposes). (4) Approval requirements — purchases require approval from the General Manager of the Department of Lands and Survey (DLS) or, for larger transactions, the Minister of Finance or Council of Ministers. Agricultural land has stricter rules. Apartments and buildings in designated urban areas are the most accessible category for foreign buyers. A key incentive: purchasing property worth JOD 200,000+ in approved investment zone developments qualifies for a 5-year renewable residence permit. The Department of Lands and Survey (DLS) registers all real estate transactions and issues title deeds (Kushan). Jordan follows a civil law system.
Rent vs. Buy
Renting is the default choice for most expats in Jordan due to the relatively short average posting length and the bureaucratic requirements for foreign property purchase (reciprocity approval, lock-in periods). However, Jordan's total property transfer costs are significant (approximately 8–10% of purchase price including all fees), so a long time horizon (5+ years) is needed to break even. Buying makes sense for: long-term residents, diplomats, and those who qualify for and want the JOD 200,000+ investor residence permit. Amman's rental market is active — particularly in Abdoun, Sweifieh, Khalda, Jabal Amman, and 7th Circle — with a wide range of expat-suitable apartments.
Buying Process — Step by Step
Property search and area selection
2–8 weeksSearch via licensed real estate agents (Samasir Murakhasin), property portals (Bayut Jordan — bayut.jo, Aqarmap, OpenSooq), or developer direct sales. Popular expat areas in Amman: Abdoun, Sweifieh, Khalda, 4th and 7th Circle areas, and Jabal Amman. Verify that the developer or seller is registered with the Jordan Investment Commission if buying in an investment zone.
Confirm eligibility and reciprocity status
1–2 weeks for initial legal adviceBefore proceeding, confirm through a Jordanian lawyer whether your nationality qualifies under the reciprocity condition and whether the specific property type and location is accessible to foreign buyers. Arab nationals are exempt from the reciprocity requirement. The Ministry of Interior approval takes 30–60 days in typical cases.
Hire a licensed Jordanian lawyer and conduct title search
3–7 days for title searchEngage a Jordan-licensed lawyer to conduct a title search (Kashf al-Qayd) at the Department of Lands and Survey (dls.gov.jo). The search confirms: clear title deed (Kushan), no encumbrances or mortgages, seller's legal authority to sell, and property's compliance with foreign ownership rules. DLS has e-services at eservices.dls.gov.jo for online searches.
Sign preliminary purchase agreement (Uqd Bay Ibtidi'i)
1–2 weeksA preliminary sale agreement is signed with a deposit (typically 10% of sale price). This commits both parties to the transaction subject to conditions. The formal sale contract is subsequently drawn up and signed before a Jordanian Notary Public (Katib al-Adl) or directly at the DLS office.
Obtain government approvals
30–90 daysYour lawyer submits the foreign buyer approval application to the DLS General Manager (for standard residential purchases) or the Ministry of Finance/Council of Ministers (for larger or more complex transactions). The Ministry of Interior security clearance is typically also required. Processing time: 30–60 days normally, though complex cases or those requiring Council of Ministers approval may take longer.
Pay transfer fees and register at the DLS
1 day for registration once approvals are in placeProperty transfer fees: the standard aggregate transfer tax is 6% of the assessed value, paid by the buyer (though buyer and seller may contractually agree to share). First-time buyer rate: 4.5% of the administrative price. Plus registration fee: approximately 0.3% of assessed value. Both buyer and seller (or authorised power-of-attorney holders) must attend the DLS office for the formal title transfer. A new title deed (Kushan) is issued in the buyer's name on the same day.
Apply for investor residence permit (if applicable)
2–4 weeks for permit applicationIf the purchase price exceeds JOD 200,000 in an approved investment zone development, apply for a 5-year renewable residence permit at the Department of Residency and Borders Affairs (DRBA), presenting the new title deed as evidence. This permit allows you to live in Jordan without a separate work permit requirement.
Transaction Costs
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property transfer tax (buyer) | 6% of assessed property value (standard rate); 4.5% for first-time buyers | Under current law, the buyer pays the transfer fee. Buyer and seller may agree contractually to share costs. Confirm current rate with DLS (dls.gov.jo) as rates have changed. |
| Land registration fee | Approximately 0.3% of assessed value | Paid to the Department of Lands and Survey at registration. |
| Estate agent commission | 2–3% of sale price (plus 16% sales tax on the commission) | Typically paid by both buyer and seller. Negotiate before viewing. Confirm in writing who pays what portion. |
| Legal fees | JOD 500–2,000 | Depends on property value and transaction complexity. Includes title search and government approval applications. |
| Notary fees | JOD 200–500 | For the formal sale contract before the Jordanian Notary Public (Katib al-Adl). |
| Building inspection / survey | JOD 150–400 | Not legally required but strongly recommended for any property over 10 years old. |
| Total buyer transaction cost estimate | Approximately 8–10% of purchase price | Transfer tax 6% + registration 0.3% + agent 2–3% + legal/notary = 8–10% total. Budget on the higher end for older or complex transactions. |
The Notary — Mandatory for All Purchases
The Notary Public (Katib al-Adl) plays an important role in Jordan property transactions — authenticating the formal sale agreement, verifying the identities and legal capacity of both parties, and confirming that any powers of attorney are valid. Both buyer and seller (or their authorised power-of-attorney holders) must appear before the notary for the contract signing. The formal transfer of title, however, is completed at the Department of Lands and Survey (DLS) office — not at the notary. Notary fees: JOD 200–500.
Mortgage
Jordan's banking system offers mortgages to qualifying non-Jordanians with a valid Iqama (residency permit) and proof of stable income. The Central Bank of Jordan benchmark interest rate was 5.75% as of 2026. Mortgage rates from commercial banks are typically 4.5–7.5% per annum depending on the bank, loan type, and borrower profile. Arab Bank offers specific non-resident Jordanian housing loan products. Mortgage terms: 10–25 years. Some banks offer USD-denominated mortgages for expats, which can reduce currency risk.
20–30% down payment. Banks typically require larger down payments (30%+) from non-nationals without a long Jordanian income history. Pre-approval before property search is strongly recommended.
Non-Jordanians with valid Iqama and proof of stable Jordanian-source income have the most mortgage options. Non-residents and those with only foreign income face significantly more restrictions. Arab Bank has a dedicated Non-Resident Jordanians Housing Loan product available through branches in UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. The lock-in period on foreign-owned property (3 years residential, 5 years other) means the property cannot be sold to repay the mortgage during this period — banks factor this into their lending decisions.
Land Registry
The Department of Lands and Survey (DLS — dls.gov.jo) is Jordan's land registry, under the Ministry of Finance. It maintains 32 land registry offices and 17 surveying groups covering 100% of Jordan's territory, with over 95% of land registered. All property transactions must be registered at the DLS to be legally valid. The DLS issues the official title deed (Kushan) confirming ownership. The DLS e-services portal (eservices.dls.gov.jo) allows online property searches, registration applications, and status tracking. The DLS launched an updated digital website in October 2025.
Taxes
Property transfer tax: 6% (buyer) of assessed value at transfer — paid once at time of purchase. First-time buyers: 4.5% rate. Annual property tax (Daribat al-Aqarat): typically 1–2% of assessed rental value of the property, paid annually by the owner to the municipality. Capital gains on property sale: generally exempt from capital gains tax in Jordan — gains from property disposal are not subject to a separate capital gains tax. Rental income: subject to Jordanian income tax. General Sales Tax (GST) may apply to commercial property transactions. Consult a Jordanian tax adviser for your specific situation.
New Build vs. Existing Property
New builds from developers registered with the Jordan Investment Commission (jic.gov.jo) often include promotional incentives: reduced transfer tax contributions, furniture packages, and delayed payment plans. Off-plan purchases carry developer risk — verify the developer's Jordan Investment Commission registration, track record, and project financing before committing. Existing properties: conduct a full title search at the DLS, structural inspection, and check for any outstanding municipality taxes or utility arrears. Off-plan in investment zones can also trigger the JOD 200,000 investor residence permit if the purchase qualifies.
Selling Property
Selling mirrors the buying process in reverse. The lock-in period (3 years for residential, 5 years for other purposes) must have expired before you can sell or transfer the property. Prepare: valid title deed (Kushan), proof that all annual property taxes are paid, and any mortgage release documents if applicable. You or your authorised power-of-attorney holder must attend the DLS. Engage a licensed real estate agent and Jordanian lawyer. Capital gains on the sale are generally exempt from tax in Jordan. If selling while abroad, a notarised and apostilled power of attorney enables your lawyer to act on your behalf.
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Property Buying
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