In Dubai, towers rise as fast as ambitions. The skyline changes by the month, and with it, thousands of off-plan deals are signed.
But between dream and handover lies the riskiest phase in property investment, and that’s exactly where Oqood stands guard.
Oqood, Arabic for “contracts”, is Dubai’s official off-plan registration system run by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It’s not just a document. It’s a statutory layer of legal protection that proves your purchase exists in the government’s records, shields your payments through regulated escrow accounts, and blocks the chance of your property being sold twice.
If you’re buying off-plan in Dubai, understanding Oqood isn’t optional. It’s the foundation your investment rests on.
What Exactly Is Oqood?
Oqood is your interim ownership certificate for under-construction properties. It bridges the gap between signing your Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and receiving your Title Deed at handover.
It records:
- Your name as the legal buyer.
- The property’s full details, unit, size, and price.
- Your contract terms and payment progress.
Without Oqood, your ownership is invisible in the official register, and in a dispute, invisible means vulnerable.
Why Oqood Should Be Non-Negotiable
Buying off-plan without Oqood is like parking your life savings in an unmarked vault. Here’s why it matters:
- Statutory Legal Security
Oqood locks your name against the unit in the DLD system, preventing any double sale. - Escrow-Based Financial Protection
By law, developers must deposit buyer payments into regulated escrow accounts overseen by DLD/RERA. Funds are released only when construction milestones are met. - Dispute Resolution Power
Oqood is your official proof in any legal or regulatory proceeding. - Investor Confidence
Especially for overseas buyers, it’s the government-issued guarantee that your purchase is legitimate and protected.
Oqood vs Title Deed
- Oqood: Interim proof of ownership during construction. You can’t take possession yet, but you are officially the buyer.
- Title Deed: Permanent ownership document issued after completion, full payment, and project handover.
In short: Oqood is your now. Title Deed is yours forever.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Oqood Certificate
1. Sign the SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement)
The contract between you and the developer sets out property details, price, and payment schedule.
Learn more about SPA in Dubai from our guide: Sales and Purchase Agreement in Dubai (SPA): The Complete Investor’s Guide.
2. Make the Initial Payment
Typically, a booking deposit, often 10–25% of the property value, but the exact milestone triggering Oqood registration varies by developer. Some register after the booking, others after a larger first instalment.
3. Provide the Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Signed SPA
- Proof of payment
4. Developer Registers the Sale with DLD
The developer uploads your contract and details into the Oqood system.
5. Pay the Oqood Registration Fees
- 4% of the property value (DLD registration fee)
- Knowledge & Innovation Fees: small fixed amounts set by DLD
- Admin/Trustee Service Partner Fees: vary, from a few hundred dirhams to several thousand, depending on property type and trustee service used
6. Receive Your Oqood Certificate
Usually issued digitally within a few working days once documents and fees are submitted, but timing can vary depending on developer processes and DLD workload.
Fees & Costs Breakdown
- DLD Registration Fee: 4% of the purchase price.
- Knowledge & Innovation Fees: nominal fixed charges.
- Service Partner/Trustee Fees: variable; check in advance as amounts differ between projects and service providers.
How to Check Your Oqood Status
Log in to the DLD Oqood Portal or mobile app. Search using your transaction number or property details to confirm your registration status.
Converting Oqood to Title Deed
Once construction is complete:
- Developer initiates the conversion process.
- You settle any outstanding payments.
- DLD verifies completion and compliance.
- Title Deed issued, usually within weeks.
At this stage, your ownership is permanent and fully transferable.
Selling or Transferring While Under Oqood
Yes, it’s possible to sell an off-plan property registered under Oqood, but it’s not as simple as flipping a Title Deed. You’ll need:
- Developer approval for the transfer.
- To follow DLD’s off-plan transfer process through the Oqood system.
- To pay applicable transfer/admin fees.
Practical Note on Mortgages
Some banks will finance off-plan purchases under Oqood, while others only lend once a project reaches certain construction stages. Always check with your lender early to avoid delays.
Find out more about getting a mortgage in the UAE our blog: Understanding the Mortgage Process in the UAE
Why Richmond Properties Makes It Effortless
At Richmond Properties, we don’t just secure you the right off-plan property; we secure the process. From SPA signing to Oqood issuance, we handle the paperwork, liaise with developers, and make sure your name is locked in the DLD register as fast as possible.
Every project in our portfolio is vetted for compliance, escrow account setup, and developer track record, because no investor should risk their capital on paperwork that’s missing or delayed.
Dubai rewards speed in real estate, but speed without protection is a gamble.
Oqood is more than a formality. It’s the statutory shield that keeps your investment intact while your future home or asset is still rising from the ground.
Sign your SPA, fund your initial milestone, get your Oqood in place, and invest knowing the law is on your side.
FAQs
1. What does Oqood mean in Dubai real estate?
Oqood is the interim ownership certificate for off-plan properties, issued by the DLD until the Title Deed is available.
2. Is Oqood mandatory?
Yes. All off-plan property transactions in Dubai must be registered through Oqood.
3. How much does Oqood registration cost?
About 4% of the property value plus administrative fees of AED 250–580.
4. Can I sell a property if I only have Oqood?
Yes, but it requires developer approval and a formal transfer process through the DLD.
5. How long does it take to get Oqood?
Typically, a few working days after the developer submits your details and you’ve paid the fees.
6. What’s the difference between Oqood and Title Deed?
Oqood applies to under-construction ownership; Title Deed applies to completed properties with full legal rights.