A tabo extract is an official legal document that constitutes a certificate of legal rights to a real estate property, as recorded in the government Land Registry records. It is essentially the "passport" of the property — a document that details ownership, encumbrances, restrictions, and all legal rights associated with the property.

In every real estate transaction, whether it involves a purchase, sale, lease, or mortgage agreement, obtaining a tabo extract from the Land Registry records is the first and essential step. This document presents a clear picture of the property's legal status and provides legal security to all parties to the transaction.

Why is it Essential to Review a Tabo Extract?

A thorough examination of a tabo extract saves you from considerable headaches and significant legal risks. Imagine you are purchasing an apartment and only after signing discover that the property is encumbered by a substantial loan, or that there is pending litigation against the previous owners. Such situations can profoundly impact your rights and the value of your property.

An experienced real estate attorney knows exactly what to look for in a tabo extract and which legal warnings may be of critical significance. Professional guidance ensures that you understand precisely what you are buying or selling, and that there are no unpleasant surprises along the way.

When a lawyer examines a Taboo certificate, they review several essential components, each of which may affect the viability of the transaction and your rights as a buyer or seller.

1. Owner Identity and Ownership Rights

The first check is the owner's identity as registered in the Land Registry. It is important to verify that the person or entity selling the property is indeed the legal owner. In some cases, properties are held in partnership or joint ownership, which requires additional approvals and checks on each partner.

2. Encumbrances and Loans

Encumbrances are legal claims on the property, typically related to bank loans or other debts. Examination of a Taboo certificate provides a clear window into all registered encumbrances. If the property is encumbered at a high amount, it may affect the price, the possibility of obtaining an additional mortgage, or your rights as a buyer. In some cases, the seller must remove encumbrances before completion of the transaction.

3. Restrictions and Third-Party Rights

The certificate presents every legal restriction on the property, such as a right of way to a neighbor, water rights, or building restrictions. These restrictions may affect the use of the property and its value in the future. An experienced lawyer will explain to you exactly what each restriction means and how it may affect you.

4. Legal Claims and Liabilities

If the property or the owners are subject to legal claims or liabilities, this may appear in the Taboo certificate. This examination is essential to ensure you do not inherit legal problems from the previous owners.

5. Registration Date and Currency

It is important to verify that the Taboo certificate is current and matches the actual condition of the property. Recently, Taboo certificates can be issued from the Land Registry using digital systems, but you must ensure that the document reflects the current status.

In our work as a specialized real estate law firm, we repeatedly encounter risks that could have been avoided through professional examination of a taboo abstract. Below are the most common risks:

Risk 1: Unremoved Encumbrances

This risk occurs when a seller convinces a buyer that they will remove the encumbrance after the transaction is completed. In reality, this does not always happen. An experienced attorney knows how to condition the completion of the transaction on the removal of encumbrances before transferring funds, and to verify that the releases were actually executed.

Risk 2: Building or Usage Restrictions

Some properties are restricted in their use — for example, it may be prohibited to build an additional floor, or the property may be limited to residential use only. If you are planning an expansion or commercial use, these restrictions could jeopardize your plans. An early examination eliminates costly surprises.

Risk 3: Third-Party Rights

In some cases, a neighbor or third party may have a legal right over your property — a right of way, water rights, or even a lease right. These rights can affect the enjoyment of the property and its future value. An attorney knows how to identify these rights and assess their impact.

Risk 4: Legal Claims Against the Property or Owner

In recent times, we have seen cases where a buyer discovered that the property is involved in a legal dispute between previous owners or that there are debts against the current owners. Such situations can block the transaction or cause significant delays. An early examination identifies these issues while there is still time to act.

Risk 5: Mismatch Between the Abstract and Reality

In rare cases, the data in the taboo abstract do not match the actual condition of the property. This can occur as a result of system update errors or changes that were not properly reported. An attorney knows how to identify these discrepancies and correct them before they become a legal problem.

Obtaining a land registry abstract from the land registry is an official process that requires submitting a formal request to the Land Registry office. Nowadays, the digital process has become simpler, but it still requires accuracy and knowledge of the procedures.

Procedure Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Required Details
To obtain a land registry abstract, you must provide accurate property details — the property number in the land file, street name, house number, city, and any other details that will help identify the property precisely.

Step 2: Submitting the Request to the Land Registry
The request can be submitted by yourself through the Land Registry website, or through an attorney who will handle the process. An experienced attorney knows all the procedures and will ensure the request is submitted properly.

Step 3: Receiving the Abstract
After submitting the request, the Land Registry issues the abstract within a few days. In recent times, abstracts are issued in digital format, which accelerates the process.

Step 4: Professional Review of the Abstract
After receiving the abstract, an attorney carefully reviews all the details. He or she will search for mortgages, restrictions, third-party rights, and any legal warning that could affect the property.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Generally, obtaining a land registry abstract from the land registry takes between 3 to 7 business days. During busy periods, it may take a bit longer. In any case, it is important to start the process early in the transaction stages, so there is sufficient time for professional review and to address any issues that may be discovered.