Ruling on buying an apartment from the bank by instalments

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
Is it permissible to buy an apartment from the bank by instalments?
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Check below answers in case you are looking for other related questions:
Does he have the right to take possession of a house that was bought with his money that he used to send to his mother?
The sale was done without witnesses and the seller denies it. Is it permissible to add the names of two witnesses to the contract?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

There is nothing wrong with buying an apartment from the bank by instalments, on condition that the contract with the bank to buy the apartment should only be after the bank buys it from its first owner; if it buys it and it becomes its property, then it becomes permissible to buy it from the bank for cash or for a deferred payment. May Allaah help us all to do that which pleases Him. End quote. 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.
Your brother and well wisher in Islam

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