The DLD (Dubai Land Department) is Dubai’s land registry office, which is responsible for the administration, regulation, and development of the city’s real estate market.
Main functions of the DLD:
- Property Registration and Transfer of Ownership – Every property purchase or sale must be registered with the DLD.
- Setting and Collecting Fees – Buyers pay a 4% registration fee when purchasing a property.
- Supervision of Developers and Real Estate Agencies – It issues licenses and regulates the market.
- Management of the Oqood System – Registration of off-plan (under construction) properties.
- Issuing Title Deeds – The official document confirming ownership.
- Regulation of Leases – It oversees RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency), which manages lease agreements and the relationship between tenants and owners.
If you are buying a property in Dubai, you will inevitably be in contact with the DLD – whether for registering ownership, paying fees, or verifying a transaction.
However, we will be happy to assist you with all of these steps.