Oqood vs Title Deed Explained: Your Dubai Ownership Documents

By the MgtWell Property research desk. Reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

If you buy property in Dubai, two documents matter more than any other: the Oqood and the title deed. Off-plan buyers hold an Oqood certificate during construction, then receive a title deed when the home is finished. Ready-property buyers go straight to a title deed. This guide gives Oqood vs title deed explained in plain terms, with fees, timelines and how to check each one.

What is Oqood?

Oqood (Arabic for "contracts") is the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) interim real estate register for off-plan property. It was established under Law No. 13 of 2008 on the Interim Real Estate Register in Dubai. When you buy a unit that is not yet built, the developer registers the sale on Oqood, and you receive an Oqood certificate.

That certificate:

• Records you as the buyer of a specific unit in a registered project.
• Protects you against the same unit being sold twice.
• Is required before you can resell, assign or, later, mortgage the unit.
• Can support a Golden Visa application for qualifying off-plan purchases.

How Oqood registration works

1. You sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and pay the booking deposit.
2. The developer submits the sale to the DLD's Oqood system with your passport and the signed SPA.
3. The 4% DLD fee is paid, plus admin charges.
4. The DLD issues the Oqood certificate, usually delivered digitally.

Some developers register once a set share of the price has been paid. If you have not received your Oqood within a few weeks of paying, follow up with the developer and your broker.

What is a title deed?

The title deed is the DLD's final ownership document for completed property. It shows the owner's name, the property details (plot, building, unit, area) and any mortgage registered against it. It is your strongest proof of ownership in Dubai.

Ready and resale buyers receive a new title deed in their name when the transfer completes at a DLD trustee office. Off-plan buyers receive one after handover.

Oqood vs title deed explained: key differences

From Oqood to title deed at handover

When construction finishes, the developer receives a completion certificate and invites buyers to handover. The Oqood is then converted into a title deed. The usual sequence is:

1. Completion notice from the developer.
2. Final payment, whether in cash, by mortgage, or by starting a post-handover plan.
3. Snagging inspection and handover documents. See our snagging and handover checklist.
4. Service charges and utility deposits paid.
5. Title deed issuance by the DLD. Industry sources quote an issuance fee of AED 580.

According to one developer's guidance, title deeds are typically issued within 30 to 90 days after handover when paperwork and payments are complete. Delays usually come from missing documents or unpaid fees rather than construction.

Note on post-handover plans: if you still owe the developer money after handover, the title deed may be issued with the developer's interest recorded, or held until you finish paying. Ask how your developer handles this before you sign.

Do you pay the 4% twice?

No. On an off-plan purchase, the 4% DLD fee is paid once, at Oqood registration. Converting Oqood to a title deed at handover involves smaller charges, such as the issuance fee, not another 4%. If you later resell, the new buyer's purchase attracts its own transfer fee. Full detail in Dubai property buying costs.

Selling while you hold an Oqood

Many investors sell, or "assign," off-plan units before completion. In that case the DLD transfers the Oqood to the new buyer. Developers usually set conditions, such as a minimum percentage of the price paid, and issue a NOC for a fee. The new buyer pays the DLD fee on their purchase.

How to verify each document

• Ask for the original or digital copy, and check the names, unit number and area match your SPA or MOU.
• Verify through the DLD's official channels, such as the Dubai REST app or DLD website, rather than relying on a screenshot from a seller.
• For resales, confirm the seller named on the title deed is the person you are dealing with, or that their power of attorney is valid.
• Check for mortgages registered against the property before buying a resale unit.

Why this matters for international buyers

If you are buying from abroad, these two documents are your proof of ownership. Keep secure digital and paper copies, and share them only with your licensed broker, lawyer or bank. If your property is worth AED 2 million or more, you will also need them for the Golden Visa.

General information, not tax/legal advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your country.

How MgtWell helps

We track Oqood registration after you buy, and coordinate the handover and title deed process with the developer and the DLD. Learn more about our after-sales and handover service.

Frequently asked questions