10 Documents to Review Before Buying a Factory or Industrial Land
Buying an industrial asset is a decision worth millions of pounds, and most problems that surface after signing could have been caught in the paperwork first. Here is a practical list of documents to request and review before you sign. What you need depends on the property and the authority that has jurisdiction over it.
1. Title or allocation deed
The registered sale contract, the allocation decision issued by the competent authority (the city authority or the Industrial Development Authority), or the preliminary sale contract with the full chain of ownership up to the current seller. Make sure the seller named in the document is the person signing with you, or that they hold a valid authorization or power of attorney.
2. Handover record
Proves that the allottee actually received the land, and records its area and boundaries as handed over.
3. Approved drawings and site plan
To check that the area, boundaries and location on the ground match the documents.
4. Building permit
To confirm the existing buildings are licensed and that their areas and heights match the permit.
5. Completion certificate or proof of compliance
If available, it shows the buildings were built according to the permit.
6. Industrial register and operating license
When buying an operating factory, check the licensed activity and the license validity, and whether it can be transferred or needs to be reissued in your name.
7. Outstanding dues with the authority
A letter or statement confirming there are no overdue amounts on the land, such as land installments, delay penalties or service fees.
8. Implementation deadline status
Some allocation decisions require production to start within a set period. Check whether the deadline is still valid or needs an extension, because missing it can put the allocation at risk of cancellation.
9. Utility receipts
The latest electricity, water and gas receipts, and the contracted electrical capacity, because increasing capacity later costs time and money.
10. Civil protection certificate and environmental approvals
Especially for activities with special requirements, such as chemicals and food.
A final tip
Reviewing documents does not replace inspecting the property on site and matching it to the paperwork. On Gamaloon, every published property carries the "Documents Reviewed" badge after a free review of its documents, and advertisers can request the "Inspected & Legally Reviewed" badge, which adds an on-site inspection and a review by the legal team.
This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for advice from a specialized lawyer on your case.