Property law — Dhaka, Bangladesh
Practical legal guidance on acquisition, lease, development, and dispute resolution for land, buildings and real estate in Bangladesh. This page explains typical services, a due diligence checklist and next steps to instruct counsel. Quick links
Overview
TR Barristers in Bangladesh provides property and real estate legal services from our Dhaka office. The content here sets out common matters we handle, what a typical due diligence and acquisition process looks like, and how to prepare to instruct lawyers.Common areas of work include title and registration matters, lease and licence drafting, sale and purchase agreements, development agreements, permissions and municipal approvals, mutation/registration processes and dispute resolution in courts or arbitration.Services you may need
- Title and registration reviewExamination of title documents, chain of ownership, encumbrance searches and mutation status.
- Due diligence for acquisitionLegal, regulatory and physical checks to identify material risks before purchase or long-term lease.
- Sale, purchase and lease documentsDrafting and negotiation of sales agreements (Baina), sale deeds, lease agreements and ancillary documents.
- Development and complianceAdvising on land use, approvals, transfer conditions, and contractual arrangements with developers or contractors.
- Dispute resolutionRepresentation in negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court proceedings related to property disputes.
- Post-completion mattersRegistration, mutation, stamp duty compliance and handover arrangements.
Related practice areas: Foreign direct investment, Financial services regulation, Tax, Arbitration, Employment & labour, Supreme Court cause list.
Due diligence: practical process
- Instruction and scope: confirm parties, property boundaries, intended use and the exact scope for legal checks.
- Document collection: obtain title papers, previous deeds, tax receipts, mutation records, certificates of no-encumbrance.
- Searches and verification: land registry searches, municipal/ward office checks, physical site inspection and measurement.
- Legal analysis: assess ownership chain, pending litigation, leases, easements, restrictions and statutory compliance.
- Risk report: provide a short report highlighting risk items and recommended mitigations.
- Transaction documents: prepare/ negotiate Sale Agreement, Sale Deed or Lease, and assist with stamp duty and registration.
- Post-completion: support mutation, handover and any required notifications to authorities.
Checklist (documents commonly required):
- Title deeds and chain of transfers
- Tax payment receipts and utility bills
- Mutation and registration records
- Any existing lease or tenancy agreements
- Encumbrance certificate(s) / charge documentation
- Local authority approvals or NOCs (if relevant)
- Site survey and plans
Typical timeline and fees considerations
Timelines vary by complexity. A straightforward title review and pre-contract report may be completed in 2–3 weeks if documents are available. Completion, registration and mutation steps may add several weeks depending on government processes.Fee structures are typically agreed as fixed fees for defined scopes, or retainers for ongoing work. We provide a written engagement letter setting scope, fees and estimated timings before work begins.Frequently asked questions
1. What is a proper title search?
A title search checks past transfers, encumbrances and registration history to confirm who owns the property and whether there are legal defects.
2. When is a physical survey required?
A physical site survey is necessary when boundaries, area measurements or encroachments are unclear, or when development planning requires exact site dimensions.
3. How do leases differ from sale agreements?
Sale agreements transfer ownership (subject to conditions), while leases grant possession/usage for a defined term. Each requires different registration and tax treatment.
4. Can issues found in due diligence be fixed?
Many issues can be mitigated by corrective documentation, indemnities, or conditions precedent in the agreement. Some defects (fraudulent title) may be difficult to remedy; early legal review helps avoid such risks.
5. What approvals are commonly needed for development?
Approvals vary by project and location: land use, municipal building permissions, environmental clearances and utility connections are commonly required.
6. How should I instruct counsel?
Provide the property identifiers, copies of all documents available, a clear statement of intended transaction, and any known disputes. Request a scope and fee estimate in writing.
Next steps
If you are ready to proceed: (1) gather available documents listed in the checklist, (2) request an engagement letter by emailing info@trw.org or (3) book an initial consultation at Booking. You can also visit /our-practices/ or /contact/ for firm information.Discuss your property matter
Book a meeting or send documents to get a scope and fee estimate.
Legal information disclaimer: This page provides general information about property law. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please instruct qualified counsel.