Viewing a property in Baghdad: a buying checklist

A viewing tests what photographs cannot show: actual use, access, condition and likely preparation costs. This checklist organises observations and questions. A brief viewing is not a structural certificate, and no visible defect does not remove the need for appropriate technical or document checks.

Prepare before the visit

Keep the listing, asking price, date and advertised area. Ask what is included, what supports the area and whether work remains unfinished. Arrange enough time and ask permission before photographing. Bring the requirements and full budget from the buyers guide so an attractive room does not change your criteria.

Test access and surroundings

Try your regular route at a representative time and record the actual duration. Check parking, entrance, stairs, floor and lift where needed. Note noise and privacy during the visit; identify questions requiring a second visit at another time. Neither a district name nor one day’s conditions establishes year-round suitability.

Record the visible condition

Check usable room dimensions, doors, furniture placement, ventilation and daylight. Record moisture marks, smells, repairs and visible cracks with their locations. Do not diagnose cause or severity by appearance alone. Ask a qualified engineer about significant concerns and obtain a repair estimate before commitment. Arrange safe inspection of equipment and installations by the relevant specialist.

Ask about services and maintenance

Establish what actually works and what needs repair. For an apartment, request service, lift and shared maintenance details, charges and management arrangements. For a house, identify roof and installation checks. Date each estimate and record its source: “a small repair” is not a quotation. Read the house-versus-apartment guide.

Review documents separately

Obtain property-specific documents and professional review of the property data, seller’s authority and relevant procedure. On 22 May 2025, Iraq’s Ministry of Justice announced electronic registration services, including deeds, maps and property statements, through the Ur portal in specified offices. This dated announcement does not establish current coverage for every property. Check the relevant authority and current service for your case. Mulk user verification does not replace property document review.

Create an action list

For every observation, write the unresolved question and next action: a moisture mark needs assessment; advertised area needs a clear source; service fees need written terms; a promised repair needs scope, date and responsibility. Separate your observations, the seller’s statements and a specialist’s conclusions. Recalculate the full cost and follow the buying checklist.

Arrange a viewing

Start with Mulk listings for sale. Specify your budget, location and property type, then request contact from the listing to coordinate a viewing and resolve open questions.