A practical guide to buying an office in Damascus

Today in Damascus, companies and professionals are increasingly considering freehold instead of renting, after years of moving between rented offices and leases that change from year to year. However, buying an office in Damascus is different from buying a residential apartment. The office must serve employees and clients every day, be legally suitable for your business activity, and retain its value if you need to sell or rent it later.

This guide accompanies you from the question “Should I buy or rent?” to registering the office in your name. It explains the types of available offices, the documents you need to check, and the costs added to the price.

Is buying an office in Damascus better than renting?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision depends on the stability of your business, your available liquidity, and the length of time you plan to stay in the same location.

Buying is often a logical option when:

• Your business is stable and you plan to stay in the same area for years.

• You need special fit-outs that are hard to move, such as server rooms, clinics, or training halls.

• You have liquidity you do not need for company working capital.

• You want your payments for the premises to become an asset you own instead of consumed rent.

Renting is often more suitable when:

• The company is in the start-up phase, or the team size changes rapidly.

• Liquidity is allocated for expansion and operations.

• You have not yet decided which area best serves your clients.

If your goal in buying is to achieve rental income rather than establishing your company headquarters, the decision criteria are different, and you can find them detailed in the guide Investing in office properties in Syria.

Define your company’s needs before searching for an office

Many buyers start browsing listings before determining their needs, so they compare units that do not suit them from the start. Therefore, define these three points first.

• Suitable area for team size

Calculate the current number of employees, then add the expected growth over 3 to 5 years. In office planning, a typical range of 8–12 m² per employee is usually used, including corridors and shared spaces. This number is indicative and varies according to the nature of the work and the type of internal layout (open or separate rooms).

Do not forget the spaces not occupied by employees, such as the reception area, meeting room, archive, and kitchenette. Always check whether the announced area is net or gross including a share of common areas.

• Nature of business and client reception

A law or accounting office that receives clients daily needs a decent entrance, easy access, and visitor parking. A software company that works partly remotely may be more concerned with internet quality and power stability. Therefore, identify the most important element for your business before comparing offices.

• Total budget, not just unit price

Calculate the budget based on the total cost: office price, tax, lawyer’s fees, interior fit-out, furniture and technology, and monthly service fees. For detailed steps in budgeting, read the guide How to set a budget for buying property.

Types of offices available for sale in Damascus

Options for freehold office ownership in Damascus are practically divided into three types, each with its advantages and limitations.

1. Office in a commercial or specialized office tower

This type is designed for work from the start, usually featuring a reception lobby, elevators, parking, and a building management system. The unit’s commercial or office status is clear, and it gives the company a professional image. On the other hand, its price is usually higher and it comes with joint service fees.

2. Office in a traditional commercial building

These buildings are common in old commercial areas and vital centers. Their locations are usually central, but service levels vary. There may not be enough parking, or the elevators and infrastructure may be old, so careful inspection is needed.

3. Residential apartment used as an office

It is common in Damascus to use residential apartments as offices for freelancers. However, the legal status of the property remains residential, which may affect licensing for some activities, the nature of subscriptions and services, and may cause conflicts with other residents. Therefore, check with the relevant authority before buying to see if your activity can be licensed in such a property.

Where to buy an office in Damascus?

The location determines the ease of access for your team and clients, and also the office’s value when reselling. Administrative offices and companies are traditionally concentrated in Kafarsouseh, Mezzeh, and Abu Rummaneh, while Marota City stands out as a modern development area with planned office and commercial projects.

Among the most prominent of these projects is Park Lane Project in Marota City (Parklane by IGO), a commercial and office tower located directly on the Southern Ring Road, one of the most important traffic arteries in Damascus. This location makes it easy to reach the tower from all parts of the capital and gives its facade daily visibility to passing traffic. The project combines offices, shops, a restaurant, and parking in one building, making it suitable for companies seeking a modern office address in a new development area.

When comparing between two areas or projects, evaluate these factors:

• Proximity to main roads and transportation.

• Presence of companies and institutions from the same or complementary sectors.

• Availability of parking around the building, not just inside.

• Current service level, not just planned.

You can find a detailed comparison between areas in the guide The best areas in Damascus to buy commercial properties.

Ready office or under construction?

The ready office allows you to inspect and move in immediately, and the paperwork is clearer since the property is already registered, but your options are limited to what is available on the market.

The office under construction often offers phased payment plans, newer specifications, and the opportunity to choose the appropriate floor and area. However, it requires waiting until delivery and careful verification of the developer, licenses, and execution schedule. It suits companies planning their move years in advance, not those needing an urgent headquarters.

To understand the guarantees and risks of buying off-plan, see: Is buying off-plan property in Syria a smart investment opportunity?

Documents and legal verification before buying an office

This stage is the most important, and it is not recommended to pay any amount before completing it.

For the ready office:

• Recent real estate registration statement from the Land Registry, verifying the owner’s name, property area, and status (office, shop, residential apartment).

• Clearance of the property from liens and reservations, such as mortgages, lawsuits, or restrictions on disposition.

• Matching the seller’s identity with the real estate record; if selling by proxy, verify its validity and scope with the issuing authority.

• Verify the type of ownership deed; for the difference between types of deeds, see The comprehensive guide to the green tabo in Syria.

• Check for tenants; if the office is rented, rights and obligations are transferred to you, as explained in the article Buying rented property in Syria.

For the office under construction, add the following:

• Ownership documents of the land or section on which the project is built.

• Building permit issued for the project and its compliance with the number of floors and usage.

• A clear contract specifying the unit number, area, delivery specifications and date, and both parties’ obligations in case of delay.

It is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in real estate at this stage. For more guidance, see: How to legally protect yourself when buying property in Syria?

Costs of buying an office in Damascus besides the price

Real estate sales tax on offices

The real estate sales tax in Syria is imposed under Law No. 15 of 2021 and its amendments. With the reform package announced by the Ministry of Finance in 2025, the tax is now calculated on the declared value in the sale contract instead of the “market value,” and all associated fees are merged into a single tax.

Commercial properties, including offices, are subject to a higher rate than residential properties. According to the announced amendments, this rate is 4% for commercial properties versus 1.5% for residential. Since a new sales tax law is still being prepared according to official statements, it is best to check the applicable rate with the Finance Directorate before completing the sale. For details, see the guide Property taxes in Syria.

Other costs to consider

• Lawyer’s fees for reviewing documents and drafting the contract.

• Brokerage commission if any.

• Interior fit-out, such as partitions, air conditioning, lighting, and network installations, which can be significant if the office is delivered as a shell or with basic finishing.

• Joint service fees in office towers, such as security, elevators, cleaning, and facility maintenance.

• Service subscriptions for electricity, water, communications, and internet.

Steps to buy an office in Damascus and transfer ownership

1. Identify your needs and budget: area, location, type, and total cost.

2. Compare and inspect options: visit the office during business hours, and check access, parking, and services.

3. Review documents legally: registration statement, liens, seller’s identity, and licenses for projects under construction.

4. Sign a clear written contract: specify the price, payment method, delivery date, and cancellation terms; do not rely on verbal agreements.

5. Obtain financial clearance: payment of the sales tax and obtaining clearance is required before registration, and you will receive the “no objection to completing the real estate transaction” document that replaced the previous security approval.

6. Register the ownership transfer: at the Directorate of Real Estate Interests so that the office is registered in your name in the Land Registry. Since 2025, it is no longer mandatory to deposit part of the price in banks.

7. License your business and receive the office: after registration, complete the business license and commercial registration address, and transfer service subscriptions to your name.

Common mistakes when buying an office

• Relying only on the price per meter without calculating tax, fit-out, and service fees.

• Buying a space that only fits the current team, then searching for another office after two years.

• Neglecting parking, one of the most annoying daily problems in offices.

• Not verifying the property’s status before licensing an activity that requires commercial status.

• Paying a deposit before checking documents.

For a wider list, see: Mistakes when buying property in Syria.

How do these standards apply to an office in a specialized tower? Example from Marota City

Let’s apply the previous standards to a practical example: Park Lane Project in Marota City (Parklane by IGO), a commercial and office tower on the Southern Ring Road.

• Area: The tower contains 92 offices distributed over 15 floors, with areas starting from 114 m². This smallest area suits a small team or professional office, while the upper floors have fewer units per floor, suiting companies needing larger space.

• Parking: The project provides 490 parking spaces in 5 underground floors, which we mentioned is one of the most neglected elements when buying offices.

• Services: The ground floor has a lobby and shops, and the twelfth floor has a restaurant and café with a terrace.

• Type of purchase: The project is under construction, with the announced delivery date in Q4 2028. Therefore, it suits companies planning their move in advance and requires verification of documents and licenses as explained in the section on offices under construction.

To learn more about the area, read Guide to Marota City in Damascus, or check unit details on the page Offices for sale in Marota City – Park Lane Project.

Investor Guide: Frequently Asked Questions about buying an office in Damascus

Can you buy a residential apartment and use it as an office in Damascus?

This happens often in reality, but the property status remains residential in the Land Registry, which may affect licensing for some activities and the nature of services. Therefore, check with the relevant authority before buying to see if your activity can be licensed in this property.

How much is the tax for buying an office in Damascus?

Offices are subject to the real estate sales tax at the commercial property rate, which is higher than the residential rate. According to the 2025 amendments, it is 4% of the declared contract value, including associated fees. It is recommended to check the applicable rate at the time of sale.

Is it required to deposit part of the office price in the bank?

No, the mandatory bank deposit requirement for real estate sales was canceled in 2025, and depositing is now optional.

What is the suitable area for a small company office?

Approximately 8–12 m² per employee including shared spaces. If your team is 8 people, an office of 70–100 m² may be suitable, with extra space for reception and meetings depending on your business. These numbers are indicative.

Can an expatriate or Arab investor buy an office in Damascus?

Yes, according to the applicable conditions and procedures for each category. An expatriate can complete the purchase through a certified legal power of attorney. For details, see: Buying property in Syria for Arab investors.

Is it better to buy a ready office or one under construction?

Choose a ready office if you need a headquarters soon and want to inspect what you are buying. Choose an office under construction if you plan to move after a few years and prefer phased payments, making sure to verify the developer and licenses.

Own your office in Damascus with Imtilak Real Estate

Buying an office in Damascus is a decision that will affect your business for years, so it deserves to be based on clear needs, verified documents, and a full calculation of costs. Browse the available options on the page Offices for sale in Damascus, and you can read more about the market in Commercial real estate guide in Syria.

Contact the Imtilak Real Estate team now to help you compare available offices, learn about prices and payment plans, and choose what suits your team size and business activity.