Havelock & Grey
Property & Real Estate

Practice area

Property & Real Estate

Title investigation, sales and purchases, leases, condominium matters and development projects — with the thorough title work Sri Lankan property demands.

How we work

Property transactions in Sri Lanka turn on the quality of the title investigation. Our conveyancing team traces title over the full statutory period, flags encumbrances early and drafts deeds that stand up to scrutiny.

We act for purchasers, sellers, landlords, tenants and developers — from a single apartment to multi-phase projects — and advise foreign buyers on the ownership structures available to them.

Sound familiar?

  • You have found a property and need the title investigated before you commit.
  • You are leasing commercial premises and want the lease negotiated in your favour.
  • A boundary or co-ownership dispute has surfaced and needs resolving.
  • You are a developer preparing condominium documentation for a new project.

The process

What happens, step by step.

Step 1

Title search

Full extract search and examination of the chain of title over the statutory period.

Step 2

Report on title

A written opinion identifying risks, encumbrances and conditions to be satisfied.

Step 3

Deeds & execution

Drafting, attestation and execution of the deed of transfer or lease.

Step 4

Registration

Registration at the Land Registry and delivery of the complete title file to you.

Your team

The attorneys who handle property matters.

Questions we hear often

Before you ask —

Can foreigners buy property in Sri Lanka?

Freehold land transfers to foreign nationals are restricted, but condominium parcels above the ground floor and long leases are generally available. We advise on the right structure case by case.

How long does a title search take?

Typically two to three weeks depending on the land registry involved and the length of the chain of title.

Do you handle disputes as well as transactions?

Yes — partition actions, boundary disputes and landlord–tenant matters are handled by the same team with our litigators.

Talk to the property team.

A 30-minute consultation with an attorney from this practice — no obligation, fees quoted before any work begins.