Oman Overhauls Property Registration System With Real Estate Register Law

Oman has introduced a new legal framework governing property registration after His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 56/2026 promulgating the Real Estate Register Law.

The decree, issued after the legislation was presented before the Council of Oman, replaces the previous Real Estate Register System that had been in force since 1998. The move is being viewed as part of the Sultanate’s broader efforts to modernise its real estate sector, improve transparency and strengthen investor confidence.

Under the new decree, the provisions of the Real Estate Register Law will come into effect immediately following publication in the Official Gazette. The law also authorises the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning to issue executive regulations and decisions necessary for implementation, while existing regulations will remain applicable until the new framework is fully operational.

The decree abolishes Royal Decree No. 2/98, which governed Oman’s real estate registration system for nearly three decades, along with any provisions that conflict with the new legislation.

Legal observers say the new law represents a significant update to Oman’s property registration regime, aligning it with wider reforms introduced in recent years to regulate the country’s real estate market. Analysts note that the legislation introduces clearer procedures for registering property rights and is expected to support the digital transformation of real estate transactions.

Among the notable changes are provisions related to preliminary registration for off-plan real estate projects, allowing buyers to formally record ownership rights before construction is completed. The law also recognises temporary title deeds, permits English-language translations of property ownership certificates and introduces clearer rules for registering properties transferred to minors or seized under court orders.

The legislation is also expected to tighten oversight of fraudulent property transactions. Reports on the law indicate that penalties for registering false documents linked to property ownership disputes have been significantly increased, with offences now carrying possible prison terms and heavier financial penalties.

The reforms come as Oman continues efforts to attract domestic and foreign investment into its real estate and urban development sectors under its long-term economic diversification agenda. Industry observers believe the updated registration framework could help streamline property procedures, reduce disputes and enhance confidence in the market, particularly for large-scale and off-plan developments.

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