Real Estate Law Articles

Background - Definition of land registration in Government Regulation Number 24 of 1997 on Land Registration (“GR 24/1997”) constitutes perfection of scope of the land registration based on Article 19 paragraph (2) of Law Number 5 of 1960 on the Principles Provision of Agrarian (“Agrarian Law”) which includes; measurement, mapping, land records, registration and transfer of right of land and granting of evidence instrument of right as strong evidence.

Violations of California’s building codes resulting in serious or fatal personal injury have legal consequences for those responsible for the unsafe structure, whether the homeowners, builders, or architects. An attorney cites a recent case in which code violations proved fatal for an emergency responder to illustrate the dangers of incompliance with building laws and the consequences for the parties involved.

Legal obligations and liabilities of condominium homeowners’ associations under the Davis-Stirling Act under California law for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the common areas of the condominium property.

Criminal provisions related to condominium is regulated in Article 21 until Article 23 of the Law Number 16 of 1985 (“Law 16/1985″) on Condominium. Article 21 paragraph (1) of Law 16/1985 regulates criminal sanction, that is stated:

Each member of association of owners and tenants of Condominium units (“PPPSRS“) has rights and obligations in relation to management of Condominium units. This membership is represented by householder and shall become effective since recorded in the list of tenants and/or have been domiciled in Condominium units which held by them in accordance with the applicable provisions.

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases a person will make. The enjoyments of owning a home go a long way. However, it can also be a hardship if making the monthly mortgage payment becomes a burden. Making monthly payments can cause great stress, and before a person realizes it, the home may have to be sold. In situations where a home must be relinquished, a short sale may actually be a positive option.

It’s vital to understand how much your property taxes are going to cost before you purchase a property. If complications with your taxes arise after you have purchased your property, a real estate attorney can help you address any legal issues and find a resolution. Property tax is a tax assessed on real estate by the local government. The tax is based on the value of the property (including the land) that you own.

Due process of law rights of government contractors who are denied work or public bidding rights due to “de facto debarment“ from federal, state or local government bidding or public contracting for alleged unethical conduct or due to bid or bidder non-responsibility determinations by a public agency on a government contract.

Correction of subcontractor listing errors and substitution of subcontractors listed by mistake in bidding on a California public works construction contract, per public contract code sec. 4107.5.

Contracts with Architects are different from many other construction industry contracts. First of all, the contracts are usually form contracts drafted by the American Institute of Architects (“A.I.A.”), and are typically more favorable to the architects, and not the property owner or client.

Often times a real estate transaction involves the largest investment of your life. Having a real estate attorney involved can be the best insurance you have to ensure the integrity of our real estate transaction is protected. Whether you are buying your first home, or investing in your fifth investment property, you may be wondering if you need a real estate lawyer.

Foreclosed homes are tempting offers for those looking to become homeowners, but people should be cautious before purchasing a home that has been foreclosed. Problems like mold, wild animals and rundown maintenance systems are only part of the trouble that you may inherit if you purchase a foreclosed home.

Property is one of the most valuable assets that a person or a company can own and it is perhaps by virtue of this value that property tends to attract a great deal of litigation and dispute. There are many different kinds of dispute that can occur in relation to property; in this article Michael Chambers highlights some of the most common forms of dispute and the action available to an aggrieved party seeking resolution.

This is a collaboration between me, Adam Schachter, a bankruptcy attorney in Houston Texas, and Michael Plaks, a specialist in IRS Audits in Houston Texas. We bring you the important foreclosure questions and answers from a legal and tax perspective.

The "Residential Visa" program will provide an opportunity for people worldwide to live in the United States by purchasing a half million dollars of Real Estate. Senators Charles Schumer and Mike Lee have recently proposed a program that would allow anyone in the world to obtain a United States visa by purchasing United States real estate.

Background - Mortgage regulated under the Law No. 4 of 1996 on Mortgage (“Mortgage Law”). Under the Mortgage Law, it is regulated that guarantee repayment of debt through mortgage provides a feature which is called the preferred creditor/ kreditur preferen. Preferred creditor is a creditor who has priority/ privilege right more than other creditor for the debt repayment of debtor in the case of failure events receivable.

Arizona homeowners, for the most part, are protected from their home mortgage lenders attaching other assets such as the cash in the bank, vehicles and jewelry following a foreclosure or trustee sale of their home. By: Valerie Marciano

At a real estate closing, the closing agent has multiple responsibilities, and must rely upon the cooperation of the parties to complete his duties. He or she must determine that all title commitment requirements have been satisfied, that all documents are properly executed, that all parties have provided appropriate identification, and that funds provided for the closing have cleared – all of which must be resolved prior to disbursing proceeds and recording the documents.

The tax benefits of Law 158-01 may extend to the purchase and acquisition of Dominican Republic real estate such as second homes and vacation villas of projects located in designated tourist zones.

The Mexican Constitution expressly forbids the direct acquisition of real estate by foreign individuals or foreign entities in the so-called “restricted zone”. The restricted zone comprises an area of 100 kilometers along the borders and 50 kilometers along the seashores. In this restricted zone, only Mexican individuals and Mexican companies (notwithstanding any foreign investment in them) may directly acquire land and buildings.

Foreclosure is always ugly business, but public complaints from homeowners alleging sloppy research, unethical filings, and outright lies, have made law firms that specialize in foreclosure especially villainous in the public eye.

The foreclosure process may be intimidating but it isn’t hopeless. If you choose to fight your foreclosure proceedings, you increase the chances of remaining in your home.

Purpose, Scope, Basis and Definitions

Communiqué on the Amendment to the Communiqué on Principles regarding Real Estate Investment Companies (Serial: VI, No: 26) (“Amendment Communiqué”) has been published in the Official Gazette on December 31, 2009 entered into force on the same date.

On Thursday 3rd November the House of Representatives in Cyprus voted to approve a Bill aimed at reducing transfer fees in property transactions. Property transfer tax represents a considerable levy on purchasers of property on the island and the aim of the latest measure is to prompt the struggling property market by offering buyers a considerable incentive to buying on the island and completing the transfer of the property into their name.

Clearly Cyprus holds great attraction as a business venue for investors – Michael Chambers explores why so many international businesses entities are drawn to Cyprus and how you can take advantage of the venue yourself.

Title insurance in real estate purchases has always struck me as a mysterious and subtle thing. I remember reading a title policy for the first time and asking, what coverage is the buyer really getting? And how does it factor into the purchase agreement and the deal?

This article gives a brief summary of the 3-day notice, which is how you start an eviction (an unlawful detainer lawsuit). Once the tenant defaults on the lease (usually by not paying rent) the landlord cranks up the machinery of eviction by serving a 3-day notice.

This article gives you a short outline on how to evict an occupant from a property that you just bought in foreclosure. Usually the properties you buy in foreclosure are occupied. You must get rid of the occupant ASAP to protect the property and maximize your profit.

In recent years, many Europeans have begun looking for alternatives places like Turkey, on the lookout for.

This article looks at the main regulators and laws involved in carrying out construction projects in China. It also provides some useful tips for project owners to keep in mind when dealing with construction projects in China.

Cyprus is considered one of the safest European countries to invest in since its market is growing at a stable rate and its prices are competitive. If every perspective purchaser bears in mind the following points then a safe and prosperous investment will be carried out.

Background Referring to Law Number 4 of 1996 on Mortgage of Land along with Properties Related to the Land (“Law 4/96”), particularly Article 10 paragraph (1), it is stated that the granting of mortgage is preceded by a covenant to provide mortgage as the security for settlement of certain debts, which is set out in and as an integral part of the debt (loan) agreement concerned or other agreement which causes such debt.

Introduction As we already have known, according to Law Number 4 of 1996 on Mortgage of Land along with Properties Related to the Land (“Law 4/96”), the granting of mortgage is conducted by making the Deed of Granting of Mortgage (“Deed”) by the Land Conveyancing Officer (“Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah/PPAT”) in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.

Many of today’s homeowners have more than one mortgage on their home and are struggling to pay multiple mortgages. Some people are simply “walking away” from their homes because the value of their home is significantly less than the balances of their mortgages. However, I am convinced that thousands of homeowners would be in a position to keep their homes if these second and other junior mortgages were eliminated.

Today, one of the most interesting objects for investment in Moldova is real estate. This fact it is grasped by both the Moldovan and foreign investors. The right of ownership in the Republic of Moldova is regulated by the Law "On property". According to this law, the subject of property rights can be any individual, legal entity, state, and local authorities.

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (“HKMC”) launched a pilot reverse mortgage scheme on 11 July 2011, which scheme is designed for elderly people and aims to provide the ageing population in Hong Kong an alternative means to raise cash to meet their daily and medical expenses using their dwelling place as collateral.

Millions of Americans are losing their homes to foreclosure. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to foreclosure that may help you avoid having your family home foreclosed upon.

Landlords often complain that when a renter fails to pay rent, there is no way to replace the loss if the tenant is insolvent. After all, one cannot turn back time, replace the tenant with a paying tenant and then “catch up” for the lost rent. The landlord is thus permanently deprived of the rent.

You might have heard something like the following all too common assertion: “the party named in a building permit is considered to be the owner of the that building.” To have heard such may have been particularly disturbing to many foreigners who are allowed to legally own buildings in Thailand.

It is a common misunderstanding that foreigners are per se restricted from owning land in Thailand. One of the most interesting exceptions from the restrictions of foreign ownership of land in Thailand has been enacted for foreigners who bring at least Thai baht forty million equivalent into Thailand for certain prescribed investments.

Many purchasers of real estate in Thailand are not using their newly purchased home as a permanent personal residence. Such assets are often meant to be used as a holiday home only and are unoccupied for the remainder of the year. This article will discuss the taxation of individuals who own real estate in Thailand and who receive rental income from renting out the property.

What people commonly suspect in the Thai real estate market is that if a company sells immovable property such as land it is subject to a specific “capital gains tax” or that the sale of that land is taxed at the corporate income tax (“CIT”) rate of 30%. However, such is not necessarily the case.

If you or your company own a condominium unit or villa here in Thailand that was used for even one day (with or without having actually received rental income) during the tax (i.e. generally the "calendar") year then you or your company will most likely be obliged to pay an annual “house and land tax” (“HLT”) in accordance with the House and Land Tax Act (A.D. 1932) and as further amended.

The use of off-shore entities, such as a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) to own real estate is not uncommon in Thailand. This article will analyze the tax consequences of an off-shore entity renting out real estate it owns in Thailand.

When facing the possibility of foreclosure, the worst thing that you can do is nothing.

Restrictions imposed by a Developer on subdivided/platted land are generally entitled Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements (“Covenants”).

Mortgage (hak tanggungan) of land is a security right over right(s) of land, along with or without other properties that constitute a unity with such land, for the settlement of certain debts, which gives the preferred position to certain creditors against other creditors (“Mortgage”).

After three years with no meaningful assistance from the banks or the government, U.S. homeowners may at long last have a workable solution to their mortgage problems.

Legal regime governing real estate transactions in Pakistan, including sale, purchase and leasing. Know about common terminologies used in real estate landscape of Pakistan.

Background: A condominium is a building built in an environment which is divided into parts that are functionally structured horizontally and vertically and consisting of units that can be owned individually and can be used separately, particularly for residence, which is completed with common equipment, common facility, and common land.

In order to implement the provision of the granting of rights of land in accordance with Law Number 5 of 1960 on Agrarian Principle Regulation (“Law No.5/1960”) and Government Regulation Number 40 of 1996.

Background: Construction service is one of the activities in the field of economy, social and culture which has important role in the achievement of various objectives to support the realization of the national development goals. Therefore, the implementation of construction services needs to be regulated to carry out the orderly of the construction work.

In today’s current economic climate with many homeowners losing their home to foreclosure, short sale or simply “walking away” they are finding that they are burdened by their timeshare vacation rental with their ever increasing assessments.

Medical and dental offices need special lease provisions. All leases need a little negotiation and revision, but leases for physicians and dentists need a little more. In this article, the author discusses some advanced lease provisions that health care providers frequently need.

Some tenants need special lease provisions, for example, medical practices and businesses in the computer industries. In this article, the author discusses special, advanced lease provisions that tenants frequently need.

California Contractors’ Licensing Law Requirements, and the Adverse Effects to Unlicensed Contractors and Property Owners From the Failure of a Builder to be “Duly Licensed” as Required By the California Contractor’s License Law.

As is the case on private construction projects or contracts, there are many events on public works projects which make it necessary for a contractor or subcontractor to file claims for extra compensation or extra time to complete a project.

Qui Tam or Whistleblower Lawsuits for Fraud on Government Contracts or Public Contracts under the California False Claims Act, and California Law on the Statute of Limitations.

The benefit of SBA 504 Loans for Growing Businesses.

In densely populated urban areas, where available land is very limited, it is necessary to develop residential in the form of strata title to provide a complete, balanced, and harmony with its surroundings.

Construction service is one of the activities in the field of economy, social and culture which has important role in the achievement of various objectives to support the realization of the national development goals. Therefore, the implementation of construction services needs to be regulated to carry out the orderly of the construction work.

Under the agreement between the Central Immovable Property Registration Office Albania (CIPRO) the Swedish company Lantmäteriet has brought to Albania a team of specialist who, in collaboration with CIPRO specialists will assist the project of the implementation of the computerized system property registration in Albania.

So, there is hope for homeowners. Last decade, you saw advertisements asking viewers: Why pay rent when you can own your own home? You haven't seen those advertisements lately? So what changed?

One of the fastest growing sectors in the Ghanaian economy is the Real Estate industry. In fact this is not strange to industry analyst especially as the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospect Report has projected that Ghana will become the fastest growing economy in fiscal year 2011 in sub-Saharan Africa.

Neighborly interactions can be less than neighborly at times.

As far as entering of a foreign company into the construction market of the Republic of Belarus is concerned, taxation of foreign construction companies’ profits, operating in the Republic of Belarus through the permanent establishment is one of the problematic issues.

According to Article 41 of Law Number 5 of 1960 on the Principles Provisions of Agrarian (“Agrarian Law”), Right of Use means right to use and collect the production over State Land or land which is owned by private parties.

As we all know, earth, water, and natural resources contained therein controlled by the State and used as much as possible for the prosperity of the people (society). Land and buildings that build on it, in addition to fulfill the basic need, is also constitutes as profitable investment equipment. In other words, land and building have economic value.

According to Article 41 of Law Number 5 of 1960 on the Basic Principles of Land (“Land Law”), Right of Use means right to use and collect the production over State Land or land which is owned by private parties.

Nowadays, there are various kind of companies established in Indonesia. In term of construction, these companies require a building located on a land. Therefore, according to Law Number 5 of 1960 on the Principle Provisions of Agrarian, there are several rights over land. One of these rights over land is the right to build which can be defined as the right to establish and own a building on a land.

Article 7 paragraph (1) and (2) of Law Number 16 of 1985 on Condominium, the developer (the “Developer”) may build a condominium over the land with Right of Management (Hak Pengelolaan) (“HPL”). HPL is a right to control, given by the state which the implementation is delegated to its holder. Rights of land that may be granted over the HPL land are Right to Build (Hak Guna Bangunan) (“HGB”) and Right of Use (Hak Pakai) (“HP”).

According to the Regulation issued by State Minister for Public Works Number 28/PRT/M/2006 Year 2006 (“Minister Regulation”), it is allowed for the representative of foreign construction legal entities (“Foreign Entities”) to conduct their business in Indonesia after fulfilling some requirements.

On 12 January 2011, the Government issued the Law Number 1 of 2011 on Housing and Habitation (“Housing Law”). By the issuance of this law, the existed law on housing Number 4 of 1992 has been revoked. This new Housing Law is divided into 2 (two) parts i.e. housing and habitation. The purpose of this Housing Law is to fulfill the public needs for housing.

The illegal occupancy of land is not a new event in Indonesia. The terms illegal occupancy can be interpreted as the act or condition of holding, possessing of rights or assets illegally, such as occupying a land or house, which is not belong to him, illegally (which is forbidden by law). The illegal occupancy of land is an unlawfully act that can be classified as a criminal offense. As we know, the prices of land are very stable and continue to rise along with the times.

Basically, the development for industrial area is required to support the economy in a country. If one country has well maintained industrial areas, it can be the supporting factor for the investor to make their investment in those areas.

Indonesia’s high population growth rate has increased the housing needs of the people. Urgent needs of the available units of house often results on the sale and purchase of the house which is still in the planning process and it is giving rise to the sale and purchase through reservation. Therefore, as a result of it, the sale and purchase of house is conducted through a preliminary sale and purchase arrangement.

Many individuals purchasing real property expect that they have the right to use the land without interference from their neighbors. However, that right is limited both by local governmental regulations and any recorded restrictions imposed on the property. This article addresses private restrictions.

Have you ever heard the cold hard slap of five points? Maybe next time you don't have to...

Unless you are living in a cave, you know by now that the near collapse of the residential real estate market in 2008 -and the continuing fallout- has led to a dramatic increase in the number of residential mortgage defaults and attempted workouts.

The European Commission called Cyprus to comply with EU rules which grant to nationals from the European Union as well as from Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, the right to purchase property in the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus is still maintaining its restrictive measures and as a result EU and EEA nationals cannot exercise their right.

Debt reduced by a mortgage loan modification, short sale or foreclosure will often result in the issuance by the lender of an IRS Form 1099–C, Cancellation of Debt. Under the Internal Revenue Code if you borrow money from a lender who later cancels or forgives the debt, you may have to include the cancelled amount in income for tax purposes.

If you are a natural person, corporation, partnership or limited liability company that owns an income producing parcel of real property and you are behind on payments or perhaps “underwater” you should consider filing a single asset Chapter 11 real estate bankruptcy.

Construction Contracts on private construction projects - including AIA A-201 General Conditions, and other form construction contracts - quite commonly include a clause or provision requiring “binding arbitration” of disputes between the Property Owner and the Prime or General Contractor.

The obtaining of a residence permit in Bulgaria (long stay permit or permanent stay permit) by foreign citizens could be realized on more than legal 20 grounds. One of the most preferred is the purchase of a real estate property in Bulgaria.

Who is the owner, construction lender, or payment bond surety for purposes of serving, recording and pursuing preliminary notices, mechanics liens, and payment bond claims in California law?

California prompt payment laws, rights and liabilities for progress and retention payments for owners, contractors and subcontractors on private and public works construction projects.

Time Deadlines, Procedures and Traps for Contractors and Subcontractors on Mechanics Liens under California Laws

Calculation of the Amount of and What Costs May be Included in a Mechanics Lien under California Laws.

The short sale is an important and common form of property sale when you owe more than the value of your property and can no longer afford the mortgage. Learn more about them here.

Speaking in these days about investing in general, and investing in the commercial real estate in particular, it is impossible to go round attention crisis situation, folded in a world economy. This crisis struck on the investment projects of citizens and companies stronger than on all.

Investing in commercial construction projects is an entrepreneurial activity that, according the Article 2 of the Legal Code of the Russian Federation, is undertaken at the investor’s own risk. Herein lies the primary difference in the consequences of a poor monetary investment by a legal entity or a private entrepreneur and the consequences of a developer not fulfilling his obligations before to the investor of the construction project.

The potential affect of Tea Party influence on the Federal Section 8 Voucher Program as pertaining to New York City multi-family housing.

Alternative Financing Methods in a Slow Real Estate Market.

Purchasing commercial or investment properties is a complicated process that begins with your evaluation of which property is right for you.

Most homeowners and owners of real estate have seen an abstract of title.

Tenant improvements are not uncommon in a commercial situation. In Minnesota, the rules relating to mechanics liens for improvements apply to situations where commercial tenants make improvements to their rental units. As a landlord, precautions should be taken to make sure these liens do not attach to your property.

When parties agree, cancellation of a purchase agreement can seem simple. However, when one party or the other is unwilling to cancel home buyers, home sellers, and their Realtors can be frustrated with the process. In the last several years, new statutes have been passed to make it easier for parties to resolve cancellation and earnest money issues.

In recent years Panama has expanded its real estate sector to make it a key sector of the economy. Despite global crisis, new projects continue especially in the capital, Panama City. Buyers can negotiate every clause of their contract and can take security measures of their payments.

Amounts Recoverable on a Mechanics Lien under California Law