When purchasing property in Dubai, buyers go through several registration steps, the most important being obtaining the Registration Certificate (Oqood) and the Title Deed. These documents officially confirm and secure ownership rights.
What is Oqood?
Oqood is a temporary ownership certificate issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) during the construction phase. It confirms the buyer’s ownership rights until the property is completed and the final Title Deed is issued.
Steps to Obtain Oqood
- Signing Agreements: After signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and the Agreement of Property Sale, the developer submits all required documents to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Transaction Registration: The DLD reviews the documents and registers the transaction in their system.
- Issuance of Oqood: Once the transaction is registered, the buyer receives the Oqood certificate. This document confirms the buyer’s temporary ownership during the construction phase
The Importance of Oqood
- Protection: Oqood safeguards the buyer’s rights by confirming property ownership during the construction phase.
- Transparency: The Oqood certificate includes all details about the buyer and the property, ensuring reliability in the transaction.
- Confidence in Completion: Oqood provides buyers with the assurance that their investment is recorded and protected until the final Title Deed is issued.
What Is a Title Deed?
A Title Deed is an official certificate of ownership issued after the completion of construction and the final registration of the property with Dubai’s Land Department (DLD). This document serves as formal confirmation of the buyer’s ownership of the property.
The Process of Obtaining a Title Deed
- Construction Completion: After the property is completed, the developer notifies the DLD that the property is ready for final registration.
- Verification: The DLD conducts a final review of all documents and completed construction works.
- Issuance of the Title Deed: Once the review is complete, the buyer is issued the final Title Deed certifying ownership.
Why Is the Title Deed Important?
- Final Ownership Confirmation: The Title Deed is a legal document that formally establishes the buyer as the rightful owner of the property.
- Full Legal Protection: Title Deed holders enjoy full legal protection and the right to manage their property, including selling or renting it out.
- Access to Full Ownership Rights: The Title Deed grants buyers all ownership rights, including registering the property in official government records under their name.
- Eligibility for Residency: Once the Title Deed is obtained, the owner may apply for a residency permit if certain conditions are met as outlined in the residency section
Property Owner Account on the DLD Portal
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers property owners a convenient online service — a personal account on their portal. This platform allows owners to manage their properties, access essential information, and perform various operations.
Features of the Personal Account
- Property Information: The account provides up-to-date details about the owner’s properties, including ownership status, registered documents, and rights associated with the property.
- Rental Management: Owners can monitor active rental agreements and their terms, as well as receive notifications about upcoming payments and other important events.
- Access to Documents: Key documents such as Oqood, Title Deeds, rental agreements, and sales contracts are stored in the account and can be viewed or downloaded anytime.
- Notifications and Updates: Users receive alerts about changes in property status, registrations, and other legally significant actions related to their real estate.