Insights · AXD Real Estate Dubai
Oqood Dubai — Provisional Ownership Registration at
What is Oqood in Dubai? Provisional Ownership Registration for Off-Plan
Oqood is the provisional ownership registration for off-plan purchases in Dubai — a DLD certificate that identifies the buyer as the beneficial owner of a unit still to be constructed. It is entered at the down payment in the Interim Property Register (Dubai Law 13/2008) and replaced by the final Title Deed upon completion. Registration fee: 4 % of the purchase price, customarily split 2 % buyer / 2 % developer.
Oqood vs Title Deed
| Feature | Oqood | Title Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Phase | Construction phase (off-plan) | After handover (ready) |
| Register | Interim Property Register | Real Property Register |
| Legal basis | Dubai Law 13/2008 | Dubai Law 7/2006 |
| Fee | 4 % purchase price | Included in Oqood |
| Inheritance | Yes | Yes |
| Resale | Possible with developer NOC | Free |
Structural Mechanics
1. Registration Trigger
After signing the Form-4 SPA and paying the down payment, the developer initiates entry in the Interim Property Register at the DLD. Buyer presence or a certified power of attorney is required.
2. Beneficial Ownership
With the Oqood, the buyer is the beneficial owner of the defined unit — plot number, floor, apartment layout. This entry protects against double sale by the developer and is the basis of any later resale.
3. Conversion into Title Deed
Upon building acceptance and final payment, the DLD automatically converts the Oqood entry into a Title Deed. No renewed 4 % fee — the transfer into the Real Property Register is already settled within the Oqood procedure.
DACH Investor Notes
- Verify the Oqood entry in the Dubai REST app after the down payment.
- Agree the 4 % fee splitting (2/2) bindingly in the SPA — do not accept a blanket charge to the buyer.
- For resale before handover: check NOC conditions and, if applicable, the developer's transfer fee.
- Have the Power of Attorney certified in time at the UAE consulate or by apostille.
- Before the transition from Oqood to Title Deed, work through the snagging checklist for Dubai handover — defects are documented before final payment, not after.
Sources
- Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 — Real Property Registration
- Dubai Law No. 13 of 2008 — Interim Property Register (Oqood)
- Dubai Land Department — Oqood Procedure Manual
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