Off-Plan Ownership in Dubai: What Every Buyer Should Know

Contract Registration

• When do I receive the Pre Title Deed when buying an off-plan property in Dubai?

  When buying an off-plan property in Dubai, a Pre-Title Deed is typically issued after the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed and the Oqood registration fee (DLD transfer fee) is paid. This Pre-Title Deed, often referred to as the initial contract of sale, serves as proof of the buyer’s legal interest in the property during the construction phase. The final Title Deed is issued by the Dubai Land Department only once the property is completed and all payments have been settled by the buyer.  

• When will I receive my Oqood registration certificate after buying an off-plan property?

  The Oqood Registration Certificate, often referred to as the initial contract of sale or Pre-Title Deed, is issued after the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed and the Oqood registration fee (DLD transfer charges) is paid.

• Is it mandatory to register an off-plan property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)?

  Yes, it is mandatory under Dubai Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Real Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai that all off-plan property sales must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).According to this law, the developer is required to register the sale in the interim (Oqood) registry, and either the developer or the buyer must pay the Oqood registration fee (DLD transfer charges) in order to obtain the Oqood Certificate 

• What documents are required to receive the pre-title deed or Oqood certificate?

  To receive the Pre-Title Deed (Oqood Certificate) for an off-plan property in Dubai, the following documents and steps are typically required: 

  • A copy of the booking form issued by the developer 
  • Buyer’s passport copy 
  • Emirates ID copy (for residents) 
  • Signed Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) 
  • Payment of the Oqood registration fee (DLD transfer charges)

• Can I sell my off-plan property before receiving the final title deed?

  Yes, to sell an off-plan property in Dubai, the initial contract of sale—commonly referred to as the Oqood Certificate—is required, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer addressed to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).The NOC confirms that the developer has no objection to the resale and that the buyer has met the required payment threshold, typically 30–40% of the property value, depending on the developer’s policy.