The recent decision by the General Treasury to mandate a “certificate of tax clearance” as a prerequisite for notarizing real estate contracts has sparked widespread criticism.
Buyers and sellers in the real estate market are now facing significant delays due to notaries being required to verify the tax status of properties before finalizing any sales.
This measure, which came into effect in July 2024 as part of new financial laws, has complicated the completion of property transactions, particularly for properties with complex tax records or those involving multiple heirs.
In a media statement, one notary explained that this step has led to a severe slowdown in property transfers, as sellers are compelled to settle all tax obligations, placing an additional burden on both the seller and the buyer.
The notary noted that this procedure effectively turns notaries into tax collectors for the state, significantly hampering real estate transactions and slowing down market activity.
On the other hand, real estate developers warned that this decision negatively impacts cash flow, as delays disrupt sales processes and increase financing costs.
One developer described the situation as “undermining confidence in the real estate market,” emphasizing that the uncertainty created by the delays directly affects buyers, who are forced to wait long periods to acquire their properties.
Experts point out that while these measures are important for enhancing financial transparency, they require the development of an electronic platform to facilitate the exchange of information between tax authorities and the General Treasury to avoid delays.
Additionally, some believe that revising tax laws to strike a balance between collecting outstanding debts and facilitating real estate investment is crucial to ensure the continued flow of real estate transactions and support the market’s attractiveness.
source : fesnews media