Dubai’s real estate market is still going strong in 2025, with lots of great opportunities for both end users and buyers. But you need to know the procedure for property registration in Dubai if you want to legally own it and protect your investment. Getting the registration process right is important whether you are buying a house that is ready to move into or an apartment that hasn’t been built yet.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the whole procedure for property registration in Dubai. It covers the role of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the paperwork you need, the prices, and buyer advice.
1. Choose the Property
The first step in the process of registering homes is picking out the right property. Whether you’re looking for flats, villas, or business space, Dubai has a lot to offer in both freehold and leasehold places.
Tip: Before making a deal to buy, always check the property’s state on the REST app from the Dubai Land Department or by using the RERA registration number. This step makes sure that the property is ready to be sold and meets all the legal requirements, which keeps things from getting complicated.
Read our in-depth guide on investing in Dubai real estate to learn about area trends and how to measure return on investment (ROI).
2. Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
Once you’ve made up your mind, the next step in the Procedure for Property Registration is to make the deal between the buyer and seller official.
- Off-Plan Real Estate
When a block is still being built, the SPA is made directly between the buyer and the developer. This agreement spells out other important details, such as the payment schedule, penalties for delays, and the schedule for building.
- ready for purchase
When buying a finished home, the buyer and seller usually sign Form F, which is also called the Memorandum of Understanding. A registered real estate broker helps them do this. This paper lists the price, the date of transfer, and the terms of the sale.
Tools Needed
- valid passport (with a
- copy of the visa if relevant)
- Emirates ID for locals
- Authority of Attorney (should one be applicable)
- signed SPA/form F
- Developer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) for secondary sales
- For ready properties, original title deed
3. Make the Payment
How the money is paid for depends on the type of land.
Property Off-Plan
When buyers make payments, they go straight into the developer’s trust account at set times. RERA keeps an eye on these records to make sure that the money goes only to the building project.
Prepared Land
A bank transfer or manager’s check is usually used to pay the seller. If there is a debt, the bank will settle the payment right away with the seller’s bank while the deal is being registered. The buyer generally puts down a deposit at Form F. This deposit, usually 10%, is held by the registration trustee until the title deed is transferred.
4. Submit Documents to the DLD
The next procedure for property registration is to send in the necessary paperwork. Everything that needs to be turned in must be done either:
- A DLD Registration Trustee Office or
- Dubai REST App (digital registration)
The DLD looks over the property information, makes sure the buyer and seller are who they say they are, and checks to see if there are any outstanding bills or mortgages.
At the DLD Trustee Office, the buyer must pay all fees before the title record is given out, after the paperwork has been checked. It includes a 4% DLD transfer fee based on the property value, an administrative fee of AED 4,000 for properties worth more than AED 500,000, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) fee of AED 500 to AED 5,000, a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount plus AED 290 (if financing is involved), and a real estate agent commission of around 2%.
These fees are paid to the developer. All fees must be made in full for the registration process to be complete. Unless otherwise agreed upon in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), most of the costs are usually covered by the buyer.
6. Receive the Title Deed
- Once everything is checked out and paid for, the DLD will give you a digital title deed. Buyers could also get a paper copy if they asked for one.
- For off-plan buyers, the DLD makes an Oqood Certificate instead of a title deed. This certificate gives you temporary ownership until the building is finished. Once the building is done, it is changed into a full title record.
Title Deed Comprising:
- Property location and description
- name of the owner
- Plot or unit numeral
- Area Dimensions
- Dates of registration and DLD stamp
7. Key Authorities Involved in the Procedure for Property Registration
Figuring out what each person or group does in the Procedure for Property Registration can help owners get through it more easily.
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The main organization in charge of all property deals and registrations. DLD makes sure that rules are followed, verifies ownership, and gives out title papers.
Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
As a part of DLD, RERA keeps an eye on developers, agents, and escrow accounts to make sure that real estate deals are clear and follow the law.
Developer
For off-plan properties, the developer gives the SPA, updates on the building, and the NOC that is needed to issue the title deed.
Registration Trustee Centers
These are DLD-approved places where buyers and sellers can go to register in person, hand in paperwork, and pay fees.
8. Tips for Buyers: Navigating the Procedure for Property Registration Smoothly
Buying a home in Dubai can go smoothly if you do things the right way and watch out for a few important things. With the DLD’s REST App, it’s easy to see if the creator is registered with RERA and if the project has been certified.
It is also very important to only work with licensed real estate agents to avoid fraud and deception. Lastly, read the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) very carefully to make sure that all of the terms are fair and clear. This includes dates, penalties, and what happens if someone doesn’t follow through or is late. This will help you stay out of trouble with the law and stop fights from happening again.
If you want to use a mortgage to pay for your home buy, you need to get a pre-approval letter from your bank before you sign any papers. This will keep the financing process from taking too long. You can help make sure everything is clear by asking your provider for a full cost sheet.
Also, don’t forget to include in your budget any costs that come up after the buy price. These may include registration, trustee, broker, and mortgage fees. For ready-to-move-in properties, you should always get a full property inspection. If you can, you should also ask for a property condition report that meets RERA standards so that you can get an accurate picture of the unit’s state and avoid unexpected repair costs.
Often Asked Questions (FAQs)
Of course. Freehold areas, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah, allow expats to own land. A property can be registered in the same way by both locals and people from other countries.
Yes, indeed. Legally, a person doesn’t own a property until they successfully register it with the DLD. UAE law says that deals that aren’t registered can’t happen.
Once all the forms and funds are in order, the DLD Registration Trustee Office can finish the job in a few hours. It might take one to two business days for digital entries through the REST App.
This is a temporary ownership certificate for homes that aren’t yet built. It proves the buyer’s right to own the property once the project is finished and registered.
Yes, the REST App now lets people in Dubai register their smart properties. Using digital signatures and e-payments, buyers can do most of the process from afar.
Join The Discussion