KUWAIT: In a bid to modernize and regulate its real estate market, Kuwait has launched a new Electronic Real Estate Broker System, which is set to streamline transactions and enhance transparency. Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, announced the new system on Sunday, emphasizing that it marks a key step toward improving the professionalism of the real estate sector and boosting the overall business environment in the country.
Al-Ajeel explained that the new system will reduce the time required to complete real estate transactions from 45 working days to just a matter of moments. Digitization of the final step, which is property registration through the Ministry of Justice, is currently under development. The Minister highlighted that the move to digitize the real estate process is part of a broader government effort to transition from paper-based systems to fully electronic operations, in line with global best practices.
The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with other government agencies including the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), the Ministry of Justice, Kuwait Municipality, and the Kuwait Fire Force, developed the Electronic Real Estate Broker System to ensure faster and more reliable property transactions. One of the system’s key features is its integration with the Kuwait Municipality’s property description certification, which ensures that only certified properties can be sold, helping to prevent fraudulent transactions.
Minister Al-Ajeel noted that one of the challenges faced by the real estate sector has been the slow pace of transactions, which can take up to two months even with all documentation in order. The new system, by eliminating paper-based processes, aims to shorten transaction times and improve the overall efficiency of the market.
Zyad Abdullah Alnajem, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce, said that the new system will simplify the process for all parties involved, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices and reducing paperwork. The electronic platform, which can be accessed via computers, tablets, or smartphones, is designed to be user-friendly and will streamline the entire real estate process, from signing contracts to property registration.
The initiative is also aligned with the broader goals of Kuwait’s government to digitize public services across various sectors. Jaber Al-Kandari, Acting Director-General for Civil Registration Affairs at PACI, highlighted that the project had been in development since 2019 and is now fully operational. "This system represents a significant step forward in Kuwait’s digital transformation efforts,” Al-Kandari said.
In addition, Brigadier General Mohammed Shamsan of the Kuwait Fire Force stressed the importance of safety checks in the real estate process. "The role of the fire service is to ensure that properties meet the necessary safety standards before they can be listed for sale,” he explained. "This is critical for the safety of residents and is an essential part of the new system.”
The government’s push to digitize real estate transactions is part of a broader strategy to modernize and improve public services, with new electronic projects being rolled out every 100 days. With the Electronic Real Estate Broker System, Kuwait aims to not only enhance market transparency but also foster greater investment in the real estate sector.
As the system rolls out, the Ministry of Commerce is also working closely with the Real Estate Brokers Union to provide training for all stakeholders, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the new platform. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of Kuwait’s real estate market, reduce transaction times, and increase investor confidence in the sector.