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Kolaboro / Official registers

Buyer guide

Check it yourself: the official registers behind off-plan projects

Before you pay a deposit, most of what a developer claims can be looked up on a public register. Here is where to look in 19 markets, what each register proves, and just as important, what it does not.

Links checked 1 November 2026. 52 registers and offices listed; 35 with a link we opened and confirmed. Where we could not confirm an official link, we say so instead of guessing.

Find your country We can check it for you

Read this first

A public document is not proof it is genuine

A PDF of a permit, a licence number on a brochure or a screenshot of a register tells you only that someone had that file. It can belong to another project or an earlier phase, cover a different plot, have expired, or have been edited.

  • Go to the source. Open the register yourself from the official site, not from a link the seller sent.
  • Match every detail. Project name, developer company, plot or parcel, phase, unit count and dates should all agree.
  • Know the limit. Each register proves one thing. A company record is not a permit, and a permit is not a land title.
  • Get it in writing. If something does not match, ask the developer to explain in writing before you pay again.

Registers by country

Showing all 19 markets.

Dubai

United Arab EmiratesMiddle East and North Africa#

  • DLD Project Status Enquiry

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The project is registered with the Dubai Land Department, and the completion percentage and project details held by the regulator.
    What it does not prove
    That the unit you were offered belongs to this project, or that the percentage matches the site today: it moves only when a new inspection or consultant report is filed.
    How to search
    On the DLD website or the Dubai REST app, open Project Status Enquiry and search by project name or project number.
    Open register DLD Project Status Enquiry (opens in a new tab)dubailand.gov.ae

  • Project escrow account

    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    Dubai law (Law No. 8 of 2007) requires every off-plan project to have its own escrow account at an approved bank. The account in your contract should be the one registered for the project.
    What it does not prove
    How much money is in the account, or that a payment made to a broker or a personal account ever reached it.
    How to search
    Compare the escrow account and bank named in your contract with the project record in DLD services or Dubai REST, and pay only into that account.
    Open register Project escrow account (opens in a new tab)dubailand.gov.ae

  • Oqood (off-plan sale registration)

    • Land title
    What it proves
    Your off-plan purchase is recorded in the interim real estate register in your name.
    What it does not prove
    That the project will be finished on time, or that the developer has no disputes.
    How to search
    Ask the developer for the Oqood certificate after you sign and check it through DLD services or the Dubai REST app.
    Open register Oqood (off-plan sale registration) (opens in a new tab)dubailand.gov.ae

Abu Dhabi

United Arab EmiratesMiddle East and North Africa#

  • ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre)

    • Permit or licence
    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    ADREC is the regulator: developers and off-plan projects must be registered with it, and Abu Dhabi law (Law No. 3 of 2015) requires off-plan payments to go into a project escrow account.
    What it does not prove
    Build quality, or that the brochure you were given describes the registered project.
    How to search
    Confirm the developer and project are registered, and get the project escrow account from the official record, not from a sales message.
    Open register ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre) (opens in a new tab)adrec.gov.ae

  • DARI

    • Land title
    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The official digital platform of ADREC: title deeds, registered transactions and licensed developers and brokers can be verified there.
    What it does not prove
    Construction progress on site, or the financial health of the developer.
    How to search
    Sign in to DARI and use its verification services with the title deed, contract or licence number; search developers and brokers by name.
    Open register DARI (opens in a new tab)dari.ae

Ras Al Khaimah

United Arab EmiratesMiddle East and North Africa#

  • RAK RERA list of projects and status

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    Whether an off-plan project is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Administration under Law No. 12 of 2023, and whether it is listed as under construction or completed. The page also publishes notices naming projects that are not registered.
    What it does not prove
    That every phase or building of a large scheme is covered, or that the list is current to the day: it is a dated PDF.
    How to search
    Open the RERA page on the RAK Municipality site, download "List of Projects and Status" and search it for the project and developer names (parts are in Arabic).
    Open register RAK RERA list of projects and status (opens in a new tab)mun.rak.ae

  • RAK RERA developer and escrow account lists

    • Escrow or deposit protection
    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The developer is registered with RERA, and which off-plan projects have opened an escrow (guarantee) account with a RERA-registered bank.
    What it does not prove
    The balance of the account, or that your payment instructions point to it.
    How to search
    On the same page, download the list of developers and the list of escrow accounts and look for the developer and project by name.
    Open register RAK RERA developer and escrow account lists (opens in a new tab)mun.rak.ae

Oman

Middle East and North Africa#

  • Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning: development licence and escrow

    • Permit or licence
    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    Under the Escrow Law (Royal Decree No. 30 of 2018) a real estate development project needs a ministry licence, approval before marketing, and an escrow account in the project name at a local bank. Projects in integrated tourism complexes are overseen by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
    What it does not prove
    We know of no public search where buyers can look up a project or its escrow account, so the licence and account must be confirmed with the ministry.
    How to search
    Ask the developer for the development licence number and escrow account details in writing, then confirm them with the relevant ministry.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Land title (Mulkiya)

    • Land title
    What it proves
    Who holds the registered title to the plot or unit, issued by the ministry.
    What it does not prove
    That a foreign buyer is allowed to own in that location: foreigners can generally buy only in designated areas such as integrated tourism complexes.
    How to search
    Ask for a copy of the title or the plot registration and have it confirmed at the ministry before paying.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Egypt

Middle East and North Africa#

  • New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA)

    • Permit or licence
    • Land title
    What it proves
    In the new cities it manages, NUCA allocates the land to developers and the city authority issues building licences.
    What it does not prove
    That a payment plan is protected: we know of no public register of buyer deposit protection in Egypt.
    How to search
    Ask the developer for the land allocation contract and the building licence, and confirm them with the city development authority.
    Open register New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) (opens in a new tab)newcities.gov.eg

  • The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform

    • Land title
    What it proves
    A government-backed platform for listings and property registration.
    What it does not prove
    That an off-plan unit is registered: many properties in Egypt are never registered with the Real Estate Publicity Department (Shahr Aqari).
    How to search
    Search the platform for the project or listing, and ask your lawyer to check registration status at Shahr Aqari.
    Open register The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform (opens in a new tab)realestate.gov.eg

Thailand

Asia#

Thailand has an escrow law, but using it for condo sales is optional, so ask in writing where your deposits go.

  • ONEP Smart EIA Plus (EIA register)

    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    Whether an environmental impact assessment for the project has been approved. Larger condominium and hotel projects need an approved EIA before construction can be permitted.
    What it does not prove
    That a building permit was issued, or that what is being built matches the approved design.
    How to search
    Search Smart EIA Plus (in Thai) by project name, developer or province, and compare the approved unit count and floors with the brochure.
    Open register ONEP Smart EIA Plus (EIA register) (opens in a new tab)eia.onep.go.th

  • Department of Lands

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The title deed type (Chanote is full title), the registered owner and any mortgages or leases, held at the local land office. Foreigners cannot own land, but can own condo units within the building’s 49% foreign quota.
    What it does not prove
    Off-plan sales: a condo unit is registered only at transfer, so nothing shows your purchase before completion.
    How to search
    Take the title deed number to the local land office, or find the parcel in the Department of Lands LandsMaps service.
    Open register Department of Lands (opens in a new tab)dol.go.th

  • DBD company register

    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The developer company exists, its directors, registered capital and filed financial statements.
    What it does not prove
    That the company owns the land or has any licence for the project.
    How to search
    Search the company name or 13-digit registration number in DBD DataWarehouse, reached from the DBD website.
    Open register DBD company register (opens in a new tab)dbd.go.th

Malaysia

Asia#

  • KPKT TEDUH

    • Permit or licence
    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The developer’s licence, the project’s Advertising Permit and Developer’s Licence (APDL) and its status, reported progress, whether an extension of time was granted, and whether the project is listed as sick or abandoned.
    What it does not prove
    Build quality, or land title.
    How to search
    Search TEDUH by project or developer name and check the APDL is valid for the phase you are buying.
    Open register KPKT TEDUH (opens in a new tab)teduh.kpkt.gov.my

  • Housing Development Account (HDA)

    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    Under the Housing Development Act (Act 118) a licensed developer must pay buyers’ money into a Housing Development Account for the project, and withdrawals are restricted.
    What it does not prove
    There is no public search for the account: it does not show the balance or that your payment went in.
    How to search
    Check that your sale and purchase agreement names the HDA, and pay only into that account, never to a person or sales agent.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Philippines

Asia#

  • DHSUD License to Sell list

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The project, for the phase stated, is authorised to be sold to the public. Selling a covered project before a License to Sell is issued is not allowed under PD 957. DHSUD also lists projects under cease and desist orders.
    What it does not prove
    Land title, completion of roads and facilities, or coverage of other phases or towers.
    How to search
    Search the DHSUD list of projects with License to Sell by licence number, then project and developer name; check the cease and desist list; ask the regional office in writing if unsure.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Registry of Deeds (land title)

    • Land title
    What it proves
    Who owns the land and whether it carries mortgages, liens or adverse claims.
    What it does not prove
    That the developer may sell units: that is the License to Sell.
    How to search
    Ask for a certified true copy of the title from the Registry of Deeds covering the project location.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Indonesia

Asia#

Foreigners cannot hold freehold (Hak Milik) land. Offers of "freehold" to foreigners usually rely on a nominee, which is not legal protection.

  • OSS (NIB business licence)

    • Developer company
    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    The NIB (business identification number) registers a company and its business lines. Environmental approval is also handled through the risk-based licensing system.
    What it does not prove
    A NIB is not a building permit and says nothing about the land. Many projects show a NIB as if it were a permit.
    How to search
    Ask for the NIB and company deed, check the company and its business lines on OSS, and ask separately for the environmental approval.
    Open register OSS (NIB business licence) (opens in a new tab)oss.go.id

  • SIMBG (PBG building approval and SLF)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) is the building approval that replaced the IMB in 2021. The SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi) certifies a finished building is fit for use. Both are issued through SIMBG.
    What it does not prove
    Land rights, or that the building on site matches the approved drawings.
    How to search
    Ask for the PBG number and document, and have it confirmed in SIMBG or at the local government licensing office. After completion, ask for the SLF.
    Open register SIMBG (PBG building approval and SLF) (opens in a new tab)simbg.pu.go.id

  • ATR/BPN land certificates

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The certificate type (Hak Milik, HGB, Hak Pakai), the holder and any encumbrances, held by the BPN land office.
    What it does not prove
    Zoning, or that a lease offered to you is registered.
    How to search
    Have a notary check the certificate at the local BPN office, or check its data in the official Sentuh Tanahku app.
    Open register ATR/BPN land certificates (opens in a new tab)atrbpn.go.id

Turkey

Europe#

  • KAP (Public Disclosure Platform)

    • Developer company
    What it proves
    Disclosures by companies listed on Borsa Istanbul, including real estate investment trusts: projects, sales, financial statements and material events.
    What it does not prove
    Anything about developers that are not listed, which is most of them.
    How to search
    Search KAP for the developer or its parent company and read recent material event disclosures and financial reports.
    Open register KAP (Public Disclosure Platform) (opens in a new tab)kap.org.tr

  • TKGM land registry and parcel query

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The location and registered details of a parcel. The title record shows whether a construction servitude (kat irtifaki) has been set up for units before completion.
    What it does not prove
    That the building has an occupancy permit (iskan) on completion.
    How to search
    Use the TKGM parcel query with the province, district, block and parcel number; ask your lawyer to pull the title record via e-Devlet or the land registry office.
    Open register TKGM land registry and parcel query (opens in a new tab)parselsorgu.tkgm.gov.tr

  • Municipal building permit (yapi ruhsati)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The project has a building permit from the municipality.
    What it does not prove
    Completion or habitability: that is the occupancy permit.
    How to search
    Ask for the permit and its date and check it with the municipality for the parcel.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Portugal

Europe#

  • RNT / RNET (National Tourism Register)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    Whether a tourist development (hotel, aparthotel, tourist village or resort) is registered with Turismo de Portugal, and its classification.
    What it does not prove
    Individual unit ownership, or any rental income promised to buyers.
    How to search
    Search the register by name or municipality and check the classification and status.
    Open register RNT / RNET (National Tourism Register) (opens in a new tab)rnt.turismodeportugal.pt

  • Municipal permits (Camara Municipal)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The building licence or prior communication for the works, and later the licence of use for the finished building.
    What it does not prove
    Ownership of the land.
    How to search
    Ask for the permit number and check the file with the municipality where the project is.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Predial Online (land registry certificate)

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The permanent certificate shows the owner, mortgages and charges, and whether the building is divided into separate units.
    What it does not prove
    Planning status.
    How to search
    Request a permanent certificate (certidao permanente) online with the property description number.
    Open register Predial Online (land registry certificate) (opens in a new tab)predialonline.pt

Spain

Europe#

  • Catastro

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The plot, its boundaries, use and built area for tax purposes.
    What it does not prove
    Legal ownership or charges: that is the Registro de la Propiedad.
    How to search
    Search the Sede Electronica del Catastro by address or cadastral reference.
    Open register Catastro (opens in a new tab)sedecatastro.gob.es

  • Registro de la Propiedad

    • Land title
    What it proves
    A nota simple shows the registered owner, mortgages, charges and any declared new building.
    What it does not prove
    That a planning licence exists.
    How to search
    Request a nota simple online by address, owner or registry details.
    Open register Registro de la Propiedad (opens in a new tab)sede.registradores.org

  • Municipal licences (Ayuntamiento)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The building licence (licencia de obra) for the works, and the first occupation licence (or equivalent) once finished.
    What it does not prove
    That your deposit is protected.
    How to search
    Ask for the licence number and date and check it with the town hall planning department.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Deposit guarantee (aval or insurance)

    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    Spanish law (Ley 38/1999) requires off-plan payments for homes to be guaranteed by a bank guarantee or insurance and paid into a special account.
    What it does not prove
    There is no public register: the guarantee is only as good as the individual certificate issued to you.
    How to search
    Ask for an individual guarantee certificate in your name for each payment, and confirm it with the issuing bank or insurer.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Greece

Europe#

  • Strategic investments (approved list)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    Whether a large project was approved as a strategic investment by the interministerial committee, which gives it fast-track licensing.
    What it does not prove
    That every permit has been issued, that the project is financed, or that individual units are for sale legally.
    How to search
    Look for the project or company on Enterprise Greece’s list of approved strategic investments, and on the Ministry of Development investment site (ependyseis.mindev.gov.gr).
    Open register Strategic investments (approved list) (opens in a new tab)enterprisegreece.gov.gr

  • Hellenic Cadastre

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The registered owner and rights over a property, where the cadastre has been completed.
    What it does not prove
    Planning permission.
    How to search
    Ask your lawyer for a cadastre extract (and, where the cadastre is not complete, a search at the local land registry).
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Building permit

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The project has a building permit, issued through the national electronic permits system.
    What it does not prove
    Ownership of the land.
    How to search
    Ask for the permit number and have an engineer or lawyer confirm it in the e-permits system.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

United Kingdom

Europe#

  • Council planning portals

    • Permit or licence
    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    Planning applications and decisions, conditions and, for larger schemes, environmental documents.
    What it does not prove
    Building regulations sign off, or that the developer can fund the build.
    How to search
    Find the local council from GOV.UK and search its planning register by address or application number.
    Open register Council planning portals (opens in a new tab)gov.uk

  • Companies House

    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The company exists, its directors, accounts, charges and filing history.
    What it does not prove
    Who really controls it in every case, or that it owns the site.
    How to search
    Search the company name or number and read the accounts, charges and officers.
    Open register Companies House (opens in a new tab)find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk

  • HM Land Registry

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The registered owner, title plan and charges such as mortgages.
    What it does not prove
    Planning status.
    How to search
    Search by address and download the title register and title plan for a small fee.
    Open register HM Land Registry (opens in a new tab)gov.uk

United States

Americas#

  • County and city permit portals

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    Building permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy for the address.
    What it does not prove
    Ownership or the developer’s finances.
    How to search
    Find the building department of the city or county and search by address or parcel number. There is no single national site.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Florida DBPR condominium filings

    • Permit or licence
    • Escrow or deposit protection
    What it proves
    Condominium projects filed with the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes, with status. Florida law (Chapter 718) requires buyer deposits on new condos to be held in escrow.
    What it does not prove
    That the escrow agent named in your contract holds your money: confirm with the agent directly.
    How to search
    Download the condominium files for the county from DBPR public records and search for the project name.
    Open register Florida DBPR condominium filings (opens in a new tab)myfloridalicense.com

  • County recorder and Secretary of State

    • Land title
    • Developer company
    What it proves
    Recorded deeds and mortgages (county recorder or clerk), and that the developer company exists and is active (Secretary of State; in Florida, Sunbiz).
    What it does not prove
    Permits or progress.
    How to search
    Search the county official records by owner or parcel, and the state business register by company name.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Mexico

Americas#

Foreigners buying in the coastal or border restricted zone hold property through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican company.

  • PROFECO contract register (RPCA)

    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The seller has registered its model sales contract with PROFECO, which developers selling homes to consumers must do. You can download the registered model.
    What it does not prove
    That the company owns the land or holds permits. Check the business name on the registration matches the seller: a number can belong to another business.
    How to search
    Search by business name, trade name or registration number, then compare the registered model with the contract you are asked to sign.
    Open register PROFECO contract register (RPCA) (opens in a new tab)rpca.profeco.gob.mx

  • Registro Publico de la Propiedad (RPP)

    • Land title
    What it proves
    Who owns the land, mortgages and liens, and whether a condominium regime has been recorded. Each state runs its own registry.
    What it does not prove
    Construction permits.
    How to search
    Ask a notary for a certificate of no liens (certificado de libertad de gravamen) from the state RPP for the property.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

  • Municipal construction licence and environmental authorisation

    • Permit or licence
    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    The construction licence from the municipality, and where required an environmental impact authorisation (federal SEMARNAT or state).
    What it does not prove
    Ownership of the land.
    How to search
    Ask for the licence and authorisation numbers and confirm them with the issuing office.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Dominican Republic

Americas#

  • CONFOTUR classification (Ministry of Tourism)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    Whether a tourism project was classified under Law 158-01 (CONFOTUR), which grants tax exemptions to the approved project.
    What it does not prove
    That every unit or transfer qualifies, that construction permits exist, or the land title.
    How to search
    Ask for the CONFOTUR resolution number and date and confirm it with the Ministry of Tourism.
    Open register CONFOTUR classification (Ministry of Tourism) (opens in a new tab)mitur.gob.do

  • Registro Inmobiliario

    • Land title
    What it proves
    A certificate of legal status (certificacion de estado juridico) shows the owner, mortgages and liens on the title.
    What it does not prove
    Permits or progress.
    How to search
    Request the certificate of legal status for the title number through the Registro Inmobiliario.
    Open register Registro Inmobiliario (opens in a new tab)ri.gob.do

  • Environmental permit

    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    Projects that need it hold an environmental permit or licence from the Ministry of Environment.
    What it does not prove
    Building permits or title.
    How to search
    Ask for the permit number and confirm it with the Ministry of Environment.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Costa Rica

Americas#

  • SETENA (environmental viability)

    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    Whether the project has environmental viability (viabilidad ambiental) from the National Environmental Technical Secretariat.
    What it does not prove
    A construction permit.
    How to search
    Ask for the SETENA file number and resolution and check the file with SETENA.
    Open register SETENA (environmental viability) (opens in a new tab)setena.go.cr

  • CFIA (registered construction plans)

    • Permit or licence
    What it proves
    The construction plans were registered with the Federated College of Engineers and Architects, a step before the municipal construction permit.
    What it does not prove
    That the municipality issued the permit.
    How to search
    Ask for the CFIA project number and the municipal permit, and confirm both.
    Open register CFIA (registered construction plans) (opens in a new tab)cfia.or.cr

  • Registro Nacional

    • Land title
    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The owner, liens and mortgages on a property, and company records.
    What it does not prove
    Permits or environmental approval.
    How to search
    Search the property by folio number or the company by legal ID on the Registro Nacional digital service.
    Open register Registro Nacional (opens in a new tab)rnpdigital.com

Australia

Oceania#

Off-plan deposits are usually held in a trust account by a solicitor, conveyancer or agent under state law. There is no public register of them.

  • State planning portals

    • Permit or licence
    • Environmental approval
    What it proves
    Development applications and approvals, conditions and environmental documents for larger projects. Each state runs its own (the link is New South Wales).
    What it does not prove
    Ownership, or that the developer can complete.
    How to search
    Use the planning portal of the state and council where the project is and search by address or application number.
    Open register State planning portals (opens in a new tab)planning.nsw.gov.au

  • ASIC registers

    • Developer company
    What it proves
    The developer company exists, its status and, through paid extracts, its officers.
    What it does not prove
    Its financial strength, or links to failed companies run by the same people unless you look them up.
    How to search
    Search the company name, ACN or ABN on the ASIC registers.
    Open register ASIC registers (opens in a new tab)asic.gov.au

  • State land titles office

    • Land title
    What it proves
    The registered owner of the land and mortgages or caveats.
    What it does not prove
    Planning approval.
    How to search
    Order a title search from the land registry of the state where the project is.
    Official site, no public link we could confirm

Registers change their addresses and rules. If a link is broken or something here is out of date, tell us through corrections. This guide is information, not legal advice.

Short on time or language?

We can check it for you

Our agents look the project up on these registers, match every detail against what you were sent, and tell you what is confirmed, what is missing and what is contradicted, with links to the evidence.

See pricing Check a project

Common questions

Is a permit number on a brochure enough?

No. A number only helps if you look it up yourself on the official register and the project name, developer, plot and phase all match. Numbers are often copied from another project, belong to an earlier phase, or have expired.

Can I check whether my deposit is protected?

It depends on the country. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah require a project escrow account, Malaysia uses a Housing Development Account, Spain requires a bank guarantee or insurance for each payment and Florida requires deposits to be held in escrow. In many other markets there is no public register, so ask in writing where your money goes and confirm it with the bank or regulator.

What is the difference between a cadastre and a land registry?

A cadastre maps plots and their size and use, mostly for tax. A land registry records who legally owns the property and what mortgages or charges are on it. In Spain, for example, the Catastro and the Registro de la Propiedad are separate and you need both.

Does a company registration mean the project is approved?

No. A company register only proves the company exists. In Indonesia, for example, a NIB from the OSS system registers a business, but it is not a building permit and says nothing about the land. Look for the building approval (PBG in Indonesia) and the land title separately.

What if the register does not match what the developer told me?

Stop paying until it is explained in writing. Small differences in names can be innocent, but a different plot, phase, unit count, company or an expired licence is a red flag. Ask the developer for the document behind the claim and have an independent lawyer or a local agent check it at the source.

Related: before you sign checklist · glossary · how we score · the database.

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