Developer & Process

Oqood

Oqood: The temporary Dubai Land Department registration certificate for off-plan property, replaced by a full title deed at handover.

What is Oqood?

Oqood (Arabic for "contracts") is the Dubai Land Department's registration system for off-plan property — units sold by developers before construction is complete. When a buyer signs a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with a developer for off-plan property, the developer must register the contract on Oqood within 60 days. The Oqood fee is 4% of the purchase price (equivalent to the DLD transfer fee for ready property) plus a AED 3,000 admin fee, typically paid at handover. Oqood provides legal protection: it confirms the buyer's claim against the developer and prevents the developer from re-selling the unit. Upon completion of the building and handover, the Oqood registration is converted into a full Title Deed (Mulkiya). For off-plan resale (assignment of contract), the new buyer takes over the Oqood registration via developer NOC + a 4% transfer fee.

Example

When you sign an SPA with Emaar for an off-plan apartment, the developer registers your contract on Oqood within 60 days. At handover (typically 2–3 years later), the Oqood is converted to a Title Deed in your name.

FAQ — Oqood

When do I pay the Oqood fee?+

Typically at handover (building completion), not at SPA signing. This is the equivalent of paying the 4% DLD transfer fee for ready property. The AED 3,000 admin component is sometimes paid at SPA signing.

Can I sell an Oqood-registered off-plan unit before handover?+

Yes — through "assignment" of the SPA contract. The developer must issue an NOC (typically AED 5,000–15,000); the new buyer takes over the Oqood and pays a fresh 4% transfer fee on the new sale price.