Buying an off plan property in Dubai can be an exciting investment opportunity. However, buyers should ensure that their purchase is correctly registered from the beginning.
This is where the Oqood system plays an important role.
Oqood is Dubai Land Department’s online platform for registering off plan property sales in the provisional property register. It records the sale before the project is completed and before a final title deed can be issued.
What Does Oqood Mean?
Oqood is an Arabic word meaning contracts.
In Dubai real estate, it refers to the digital system used by registered developers to record off plan sales agreements. Once the required information and documents are submitted, Dubai Land Department issues a provisional registration certificate.
This certificate confirms that the buyer’s off plan purchase has been recorded in the provisional register.
Why Is Oqood Important for Buyers?
Oqood gives buyers an official record of their property purchase during construction. It creates greater transparency between the buyer, developer and Dubai Land Department.
It is important to understand that Oqood registration is not the same as a final title deed. The final title deed is issued after the project is completed and the applicable contractual requirements are fulfilled.
Key Benefits
- Records the off plan sale in Dubai Land Department’s provisional register
- Creates an official digital record of the sale and purchase agreement
- Supports transparency in the off plan transaction process
- Helps buyers track the documentation connected to their purchase
- Forms an important step before the final title deed process
How Does the Oqood Registration Process Work?
The developer generally completes the registration through the Oqood portal.
Step 1: Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement
The buyer and developer sign the sale and purchase agreement. Buyers should read the payment schedule, handover date, unit details, cancellation terms and any other contractual conditions before signing.
Step 2: Developer Submits the Registration
The developer logs into the Oqood portal and submits the provisional sale registration application, property details, sale agreement and required supporting documents.
Step 3: Registration Fees Are Paid
Dubai Land Department currently lists the registration fee as 2 percent of the sale value for the seller and 2 percent for the purchaser, plus AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee.
The agreement should clearly state how these costs are paid and whether any amount is included in the buyer’s purchase price. Always confirm the latest fees with the developer or Dubai Land Department before proceeding.
Step 4: Provisional Registration Certificate Is Issued
Once the registration is approved, the buyer receives a provisional registration e certificate. This is commonly referred to as the Oqood certificate.
Dubai Land Department states that the sale and purchase agreement must be registered in the provisional register within 90 days of signing. Read the official initial sale registration service
Documents Buyers Should Prepare
The exact documents can vary depending on whether the buyer is an individual or a company. Buyers are commonly asked to provide:
- Signed sale and purchase agreement
- Valid Emirates ID for UAE residents
- Valid passport for non residents
- Contact information
- Supporting company documents where the buyer is a corporate entity
If someone is signing on behalf of the buyer, additional legal authority documents may be required.
Oqood and Escrow Accounts Are Different
Oqood and escrow accounts are both relevant to off plan purchases, but they have different functions.
Oqood records the buyer’s provisional sale in the Dubai Land Department register.
An escrow account is used to manage project funds. Buyers should ensure that payments are made through the payment instructions stated in their official sale and purchase agreement and confirmed by the developer.
Use the exact anchor text “how escrow accounts protect off plan property buyers” to link to your Dubai Real Estate Escrow Accounts blog.
What Happens After Project Completion?
When the project is completed and all requirements are met, the developer can apply to complete the provisional procedures. Dubai Land Department then issues the title deed and electronic map, subject to the applicable process and fees. Read the official title deed completion process
Important Checks Before Buying Off Plan
Before making a payment, buyers should:
- Verify the developer and project details
- Review the sale and purchase agreement carefully
- Confirm the payment plan and registration fees
- Ensure that the off plan sale will be registered through Oqood
- Keep copies of all payment receipts and signed documents
- Seek professional guidance where needed
Final Thoughts
Oqood is an important part of Dubai’s off plan property system. It helps ensure that a buyer’s purchase is formally recorded while the project is still under construction.
For investors, the best approach is to combine proper Oqood registration with careful developer checks, clear contract review and a realistic understanding of the investment timeline.
SSG Seven Properties can help you explore verified off plan opportunities and understand each stage of the buying process.
WhatsApp: Speak with SSG Seven Properties
Phone: +971 45 800 777
Email: partner@ssg7properties.com