Common terms and abbreviations in the Mongolian property market.
Bungalow
In Myanmar, bungalows are freestanding houses, usually with tropical gardens and associated wildlife. Size can vary, but at the pricier end, meaning rents of up to US$25,000 a month, you may find properties up to 12,000 square feet. Perfect for families looking for space to move around.
Condominium
Although a widely-used term globally, in Myanmar a condominium has been defined by the Condominium law in 2016 as a high-rise building of 6 or more floors, owned collectively. Facilities such as a gym or pool may be attached. However, be aware that in local parlance, a more commonly used definition of a condominium is simply a building with an elevator, with no additional services.
Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA)
DICA handles company registrations for both local and foreign businesses under the Companies Act. DICA also serves as a secretary to the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC).
Immovable property
In Myanmar, the term immovable property has been defined under the Transfer of Immovable Property Restriction Act (1987) to include land, benefits from the land, buildings and things constructed or situated on that land and things installed on those buildings.
Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC)
MIC is a government-appointed body tasked with approval of investment applications. The MIC has various social, ethical, and environmental protection goals and also issues notifications about sector-specific developments. Members of the MIC include representatives from government ministries and departments as well as other governmental and non-governmental bodies.
Myanmar Investment Law
In October 2016, Myanmar enacted a new Investment Law, with regulations expected to take effect from April 2017. This new law brings together the Citizen Investment Law and the Foreign Investment Law and is expected to clarify and streamline procedures required for investment within Myanmar.
Units of measurement
Traditional Burmese units of measurement are still in everyday use in Myanmar, although the government has announced that it is preparing for the country’s transition to the metric system. For example, you may find gold measured in ticals (roughly half an ounce), while a pyi is used to measure agricultural products, such as rice or wheat. For real estate purposes, imperial measurements – feet and inches – are normally used. Condominiums for example, range in size from around 400 square feet to 2,000 square feet.
Public holidays
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of public holidays in Myanmar. It’s good to keep a track of these days, as shops or schools may be closed and extra traffic on the streets.
Thingyan
Thingyan Festival, also known as Water Festival, is the Burmese Buddhist New Year. The festival usually falls in mid-April. Be mindful of huge amounts of extra traffic and expect to be routinely drenched with water around this time.
Kayin New Year Day
The Kayin (or Karen) are one of Myanmar’s largest ethnic groups, centred in a state to the country’s south east, but this public holiday is celebrated all over Myanmar. New years day is passed on a lunar calendar.
Buddhist Lent
Buddhist Lent, or Vassa, is an important period in the Buddhist calendar, comprising three lunar months. Usually Vassa begins in July and is celebrated with a public holiday known as the Full Moon Day of Waso. In October, the end of Buddhist lent is marked with another public holiday, known as Full Moon Day of Thadingyut. Around this day the Lighting Festival of Myanmar takes place, with street stalls, fireworks and decorations.
Independence Day
In its long history, Myanmar was colonised by both Britain and Japan. Independence day on 4 January is a celebration of patriotism, with a presidential address, parades and songs.
Union Day
Union day is celebrated on 12 February to mark the day in 1947 that the Panglong Agreement was ratified. The agreement drew together the various tribes and ethnic groups under the union and granted full independence from Britain.
Peasants Day
Each year 2 March is a public holiday on the anniversary of a government coup in 1962 by General Ne Win, an important historical figure in Myanmar. He served two terms as the country’s Prime Minister and was the head of state from 1962 to 1981.
Armed Forces Day
Celebrated on 23 March, Armed Forces Day marks the beginning of the Burmese army's resistance to Japanese occupation in WWII. The day usually features displays of Myanmar's military forces.
May Day
Since 1931, May 1 is a public holiday celebrating worker’s day, as marked in many places around the world.
Martyr’s Day
19 July commemorates the 1947 assassination of General Aung San and seven other leaders of the pre-independence interim government.
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Introduction to Myanmar real estate