What is Oqood? Oqood, which means “contracts” in Arabic, is a government online system for registering off-plan property sales in Dubai. This system was introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to simplify and secure the registration process for these transactions. It ensures that buyers, sellers, and developers comply with legal procedures.
Oqood enables the electronic registration of all off-plan property sales agreements between developers and buyers. By registering through Oqood, buyers secure legal protection for their investment even before the final Title Deed is issued. This digital system is particularly crucial for off-plan purchases, where the buyer pays for the property in instalments during construction.
The Purpose of the Oqood System The main objective of Oqood is to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency when purchasing off-plan properties. Given the growing popularity of these investments in Dubai, the system ensures that transactions are properly documented, protecting both buyers and developers.
Thanks to Oqood, buyers can:
- Register their off-plan property contracts
- Transfer ownership to another buyer before the project is completed
- Be confident that their investment is protected under Dubai’s legal framework
For developers, Oqood is an important tool for tracking property sales and maintaining transparent records.
Why is Oqood Important?
- Buyer Protection The Oqood system ensures that off-plan purchase agreements are properly registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), meaning the transaction is legally recognised and the risk of fraud is minimised.
- Transparency Thanks to the central registration of all sales in the Oqood system, buyers have a clear overview of their contracts and the project’s construction progress.
- Legal Certainty Every transaction is recorded, which provides buyers with legal backing in the event of a dispute with the developer or a third party.
- Ability to Transfer Ownership Buyers can sell or transfer their off-plan property to another buyer even before construction is complete, allowing for flexible investment management.
Oqood vs. Title Deed
- Oqood
- A preliminary registration for the sale of an off-plan property.
- Confirms the agreement between the buyer and the developer during the construction phase.
- A temporary document valid until the property is completed.
- Title Deed
- Issued after the property is completed and handed over to the buyer.
- The official legal document confirming full ownership.
- Registered with the Dubai Land Department as the final proof of ownership.
How does Oqood registration work?
- Project Registration by the Developer Before any off-plan property can be sold, the developer must first register the entire project with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Signing the Agreement between Buyer and Developer The buyer and developer sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which specifies the price, payment schedule, completion date, and other terms.
- Registration in Oqood The developer then enters the sale details into the Oqood system, including information about the buyer, the property, and the payment plan.
- Payment of the Oqood Registration Fee The buyer pays the Oqood registration fee, which is 4% of the purchase price and is payable to the Dubai Land Department. Once paid, the registration is complete.
- Issuance of the Oqood Certificate After successful registration, the buyer receives an Oqood Certificate, which serves as legal confirmation of the property’s registration until the final Title Deed is issued.
- Transfer of Ownership (Optional) If a buyer wishes to sell their property before the project is completed, they can transfer it to another buyer through the Oqood system, subject to approval from the developer and the DLD.
- Issuance of the Title Deed Upon project completion, the buyer is issued a Title Deed, which confirms their full ownership of the property.
Oqood Registration Fees The standard registration fee is 4% of the purchase price, payable to the Dubai Land Department. Additionally, administrative fees for processing the registration may be charged by developers or real estate agencies.
💡 Recommendation: Always review your purchase agreement carefully to understand all fees associated with the Oqood registration.
Benefits of Oqood for Buyers and Developers
- For Buyers:
- Legal Certainty – ensures the investment is protected.
- Transparency – an overview of the property’s status during construction.
- Flexibility – the ability to transfer the property before completion.
- For Developers:
- Simplified Sales Process.
- Transparent Sales Records.
- Compliance with UAE legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oqood
- Is Oqood mandatory for all properties in Dubai? No, Oqood only applies to off-plan properties. For completed properties, a Title Deed is registered directly.
- Can I sell my off-plan property before completion? Yes, through the Oqood system, you can transfer ownership to another buyer before the project is completed, provided the developer allows it.
- How long does it take to get an Oqood certificate? Usually a few days after all requirements have been met and the fees have been paid.
Conclusion The Oqood system is a key element of the Dubai real estate market, especially for off-plan investors. It provides a secure, transparent, and efficient way to register sales agreements, protects the rights of buyers, and helps developers manage their projects.
If you are considering buying an off-plan property in Dubai, understanding Oqood will help you navigate the process and ensure your investment is legally protected from start to finish.