Glossary of Ethiopian property terms

Carta

The everyday name for the title deed: the document that records who holds rights to a property. Always have a lawyer check it.

Lease

Urban land is generally held on a lease rather than owned outright. The lease sets the period and terms; check them with a lawyer before you buy.

G+X

How building height is described: G is the ground floor and X is the number of floors above it. A G+2 building has a ground floor and two floors above.

Condominium

An apartment in a building where each owner holds their own unit and shares the common parts with the other owners.

Finishing levels

How complete a new building is when it is sold: shell (structure only), semi-finished (some work left) or fully finished (ready to live in).

Advance rent

Months of rent paid at the start of a tenancy. The number is agreed with the landlord.