Finance guide
The title deed is the single legal proof that you own a Dubai property. Here's what it is, how an off-plan Oqood becomes a final deed, how ownership transfers at the DLD, and how to verify one before you pay.
The title deed (Sanad Al Milkiyya) is the Dubai Land Department's official record that you own a specific property. It names the owner, the project and unit, the area, and the type of ownership (freehold or leasehold). It is the single legal proof of ownership — modern ones are issued electronically by the DLD.
For off-plan, your interim registration is an Oqood — it records your purchase of an under-construction unit on the DLD's off-plan system. When the project is completed and handed over, the Oqood is converted into a full title deed in your name. Ready (secondary) homes transfer directly with a title deed.
A resale transfer happens at a DLD-approved trustee (registration) office: with the developer's NOC, a settled mortgage if any, and the DLD transfer fee paid, the existing deed is cancelled and a new title deed is issued to the buyer the same day. Ownership is the deed — not the contract.
The DLD and the Dubai REST app let you verify a title deed and confirm the registered owner before you transact. Always check the deed matches the seller and the unit, and that there are no registered mortgages or restrictions, before paying anything.
Signing a sale contract (Form F) does not make you the owner — only the new title deed issued at the DLD does. Don't treat a signed MOU or paid deposit as ownership.
The deed states the ownership type. Freehold is outright and perpetual; leasehold is a long lease (commonly up to 99 years). Know which one you're buying — it's written on the deed.
Confirm the registered owner and that the unit is free of mortgages/restrictions via the DLD before handing over any money — a quick check that prevents fraud and surprises.
Until handover you hold an Oqood, not a final deed. Make sure the developer registers your Oqood correctly and converts it to a title deed at completion — chase it if it lags.