Monday, February 2, 2009

Focus on: Mulkiya

In Oman, the ownership of real property or personal property is evidenced by a title deed recorded in the public records known as Mulkiya. Title to personal property is generally shown by possession when no proof or strong evidence exists showing that the property belongs to another. In the case of automobiles and other vehicles, title is registered with the relevant government department (Royal Oman Police) which issues a Mulkiya for the vehicle.

For real property, the Mulkiya describes the status of title to the property, including a property description, names of the titleholders and how title is held (joint tenancy, etc.), encumbrances (mortgages, liens, deeds of trusts, recorded judgments), and real property taxes due. In Oman, the Ministry of Housing maintains records of real property.