When learning Arabic, understanding real estate and property-related vocabulary can be particularly useful, whether you’re planning to live, do business, or travel in the Arab world. Here, we provide you with some essential vocabulary to help you navigate this sector.

عقارات (‘Aqarat’) – Properties/Real Estate
This term refers to properties or real estate in general. It can be residential or commercial.

أنا أبحث عن عقارات للاستثمار فيها.
(I am looking for properties to invest in.)

شقة (Shaqqa) – Apartment
A unit in a building or property complex which is a singular living space, usually consisting of multiple rooms.

هل يوجد شقة متاحة للإيجار؟
(Is there an apartment available for rent?)

فيلا (Villa) – Villa
A term used for a detached or semi-detached luxury house, often with a garden and sometimes with a private pool.

نحن نعيش في فيلا كبيرة بجانب البحر.
(We live in a large villa by the sea.)

أرض (Ard) – Land
A piece of property without any buildings or structures.

لديهم أرض واسعة يخططون لبناء منزل عليها.
(They have a wide piece of land where they plan to build a house.)

عقد الإيجار (‘Aqd al-Ijār) – Lease Agreement
This is a contract between the landlord (lessor) and tenant (lessee) for the rental of property.

يجب قراءة عقد الإيجار بعناية قبل التوقيع عليه.
(The lease agreement should be read carefully before signing.)

مالك العقار (Malik al-‘Aqar) – Property Owner
The person or entity who legally owns the property.

سأجتمع بمالك العقار غدًا لمناقشة الشروط.
(I will meet the property owner tomorrow to discuss the terms.)

مستأجر (Musta’jir) – Tenant
The person who rents the property from the owner and has the right to use it.

المستأجر مسؤول عن دفع الإيجار في الموعد المحدد.
(The tenant is responsible for paying the rent on time.)

سمسار (Samsār) – Broker
An individual or firm that acts as an intermediary in real estate transactions, usually for a commission.

السمسار ساعدنا في العثور على المنزل المثالي.
(The broker helped us find the perfect home.)

البناء (Al-Binā’) – Construction
The act or process of building structures or infrastructure.

يجري البناء لمشروع السكن الجديد على قدم وساق.
(Construction for the new housing project is underway.)

تسجيل العقار (Tasjīl al-‘Aqar) – Property Registration
The official recording of legal documents regarding property ownership with the authorities.

تم تسجيل العقار باسم الشاري الجديد بنجاح.
(The property was successfully registered under the name of the new buyer.)

حق الانتفاع (Haqq al-Intifā‘) – Right of Use
The legal right to use and benefit from someone else’s property, without owning it.

لدى المستأجر حق الانتفاع بالشقة لمدة سنة.
(The tenant has the right of use of the apartment for one year.)

مزاد علني (Mazād ‘Alnī) – Public Auction
A sale where goods or properties are sold to the highest bidder in a public event.

تم بيع القصر في مزاد علني بمبلغ كبير.
(The mansion was sold at a public auction for a large sum.)

تقييم العقار (Taqyīm al-‘Aqar) – Property Appraisal
The process of estimating the value of a property, often conducted by a professional appraiser.

سنقوم بتقييم العقار قبل تحديد سعر البيع.
(We will have the property appraised before setting the selling price.)

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you will greatly enhance your ability to discuss and deal with real estate matters in Arabic-speaking countries. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply interested in property, this vocabulary will be an invaluable asset to your language toolkit.