Oqood vs Title Deed Dubai: Off-Plan Property Registration Guide 2026

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Oqood is an interim property registration certificate for off-plan properties under construction, serving as legal proof of ownership and preventing developer double-selling. Title Deed is the permanent ownership document issued after project completion and final payment settlement. As of February 2026, Oqood registration is mandatory for all off-plan transactions (4% DLD fee plus AED 1,000-5,000 admin costs). The certificate tracks all payment plan installments (35/65, 40/60, etc.) in government databases until conversion to Title Deed at handover. Verification available 24/7 via Dubai REST App. Bond Enclave (Q2 2027 handover) and Bond Living (Q4 2027) use this protected registration system.

Buying off-plan in Dubai means navigating two critical documents: Oqood and Title Deed. One protects you during construction, the other confirms permanent ownership. Understanding the transition between them isn't just legal compliance—it's your investment shield.

Here's your complete lifecycle guide from booking to final ownership, with February 2026 regulations and costs.

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What Is an Oqood Certificate in Dubai Real Estate?

The Interim Ownership Document

Oqood (Arabic for "contracts") is Dubai Land Department's Interim Property Register for off-plan purchases—properties still under construction.

Core Functions:

Legal Proof of Rights: Even with building at foundation stage, you have registered legal interest in land and future structure

Double-Selling Prevention: Once your unit registers in Oqood system, it legally ties to your name—developer cannot resell to others

Payment Tracking: Every installment you pay under 35/65 (Bond Enclave) or 40/60 (Bond Living) payment plans records against your Oqood registration

Government Database: All transactions tracked in DLD systems, verifiable 24/7 via Dubai REST App

Mandatory Status (2026): Any off-plan sale not Oqood-registered is legally void—developer must initiate registration, buyer ensures 4% DLD fee paid

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How Much Does Oqood Registration Cost in Dubai 2026?

The Complete Fee Breakdown

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Example Calculation (AED 750K Property):

• DLD fee: AED 30,000 (4%)
• Admin fees: ~AED 3,500 (average)
• Total registration: AED 33,500

Important Note: The 4% is calculated on the original purchase price. If you resell at a premium later, the next buyer pays 4% on the new sale price.

Developer Incentives: Some developers occasionally offer "DLD waivers" as booking incentives, but standard 2026 practice requires buyer payment.

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What Is the Step-by-Step Oqood Registration Process?

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From Booking to Certificate (2-4 Weeks)

Step 1: Reservation & Booking

• Select unit (e.g., Bond Living 1BR with private plunge pool)
• Pay reservation fee (typically 5-10%)
• Sign Reservation Form/Expression of Interest (EOI)

Step 2: Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)

• Developer issues SPA—your investment "constitution"
• Details: Payment plan schedule, completion date (Q4 2027 for Bond Living), project specifications
• Review thoroughly before signing

Step 3: DLD Fee Payment

• Pay 4% DLD registration fee to trigger Oqood process
• Admin and trustee fees settled simultaneously
• Proof of payment required for next step

Step 4: Digital Upload & Verification

• Developer uploads signed SPA + payment proof to Oqood portal
• DLD reviews documents (AI-driven verification in 2026)
• Rejection rate: 11% (significantly improved from previous years)
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks for approval

Step 5: Oqood Certificate Issuance

• Receive digital Oqood certificate via email/portal
• Verify anytime using Dubai REST App
• Legal ownership protection active immediately

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What Happens Between Oqood and Title Deed?

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The Construction Protection Phase

RERA-Monitored Escrow Accounts:

All your payment plan installments don't go to the developer's general account—they enter project-specific escrow monitored by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).

Milestone-Based Release:

• Funds released only after DLD inspectors verify construction milestones
• Example triggers: 20% completion, 50% completion, 80% completion
• Developer cannot access funds prematurely

Infrastructure Tracking (DLRC Example):

Bond Living DLRC benefits from visible metro construction. As of February 2026:

• Metro Blue Line: 10% complete
• Target: 30% by December 2026
• Watching infrastructure milestones helps time resale exits for maximum appreciation

Cancellation Protection:

If a project is cancelled, escrow funds refund investors proportionally—government-enforced safety net.

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When Does Oqood Convert to Title Deed?

The Handover Transition

Completion Timeline:

• Bond Enclave Arjan: Q2 2027 expected handover
• Bond Living DLRC: Q4 2027 expected handover

The Handover Checklist:

1. Final Payment Settlement

• Pay remaining balance (65% for Bond Enclave, 60% for Bond Living)
• Options: Cash, mortgage financing, or equity pull strategy

2. Building Completion Certificate (BCC)

• Developer receives official BCC from Dubai Municipality
• Confirms project meets all regulatory standards

3. Snagging Inspection

• Professional inspection for defects
• Dubai law provides: 1-year defect liability (minor fixes), 10-year structural warranty

4. Title Deed Issuance

• Developer submits final paperwork to DLD
• Oqood registration closes
• Permanent Title Deed issued in your name
• Cost: Minor admin fees only (AED 500-1,000) if 4% paid initially

Golden Visa Eligibility:

Title Deed is a required document for AED 2M+ property Golden Visa applications—Oqood alone insufficient for this benefit.

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Can I Sell Property with Only Oqood (No Title Deed)?

The Off-Plan Resale Process

Yes, through "assignment of contract" or Oqood transfer.

Requirements:

• Minimum payment: 30-40% of property value paid (developer-specific)
• NOC required: Developer No Objection Certificate (AED 1,000-5,000, 3-10 days)
• Transfer process: DLD Trustee Office handles Oqood transfers
• Buyer assumes: Remaining payment plan installments

Example (Bond Enclave 35/65 Plan):

If you've paid 35% (construction phase complete), you can resell before handover:

• Capture appreciation from Hessa Street opening (January 2026)
• Exit before final 65% payment due
• Buyer takes over remaining installments

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The Takeaway: Your Legal Safety Net

The Oqood-to-Title Deed lifecycle represents Dubai's commitment to investor protection. Oqood serves as your legal anchor during construction years—preventing fraud, tracking payments, and providing government-backed security. Title Deed rewards you with permanent ownership recognition.

Boutique developments like Bond Enclave and Bond Living combine this regulatory transparency with architectural excellence. Your journey from Oqood to Title Deed is protected by world-class legal frameworks, RERA-monitored escrows, and milestone-based fund releases.

Whether investing in Arjan's established infrastructure or DLRC's Metro Blue Line growth corridor, understanding your legal position maximizes both security and returns.

Ready to secure your Oqood registration? Explore Bond Enclave (35/65 plan, Q2 2027 handover) and Bond Living (40/60 plan, Q4 2027 handover) with complete legal documentation and investor protection.

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FAQ’s

Q1: What is the difference between Oqood and Title Deed in Dubai?

Oqood is an interim property registration certificate for off-plan properties under construction, providing legal proof of ownership and preventing developer double-selling. Title Deed is the permanent ownership document issued after project completion and final payment. Oqood tracks all payment plan installments in Dubai Land Department databases until conversion at handover. As of February 2026, Oqood registration is mandatory (4% DLD fee plus AED 1,000-5,000 admin). Bond Enclave (Q2 2027) and Bond Living (Q4 2027) use protected Oqood systems during construction, converting to Title Deeds post-handover.

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Q2: How much does Oqood registration cost in Dubai 2026?

Oqood registration costs 4% of property price (DLD fee) plus AED 1,000-5,000 admin fees, AED 2,000-4,000 trustee fees, and AED 20-40 knowledge fees. Example: AED 750,000 property requires AED 30,000 DLD fee plus approximately AED 3,500 admin, totaling AED 33,500. Buyer pays these fees to trigger registration process. If 4% paid initially, Title Deed conversion at handover incurs only minor admin costs (AED 500-1,000). Some developers offer promotional "DLD waivers" but standard 2026 practice requires buyer payment upon SPA signing.

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Q3: How long does it take to get Oqood certificate after buying?

Oqood registration takes 2-4 weeks after signing Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and paying DLD fees. Process: (1) Developer uploads signed SPA + payment proof to Oqood portal, (2) Dubai Land Department reviews documents using AI-driven verification (11% rejection rate in 2026, significantly improved), (3) Approval issued digitally via email/portal. Investors can verify Oqood status 24/7 using Dubai REST App. Timeline depends on developer admin speed and DLD review workload. Bond Enclave and Bond Living registrations typically complete within 3 weeks.

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Q4: Can I sell property with only Oqood and no Title Deed?

Yes, through "off-plan resale" or "assignment of contract" (Oqood transfer). Requirements: (1) Pay minimum 30-40% of property value (developer-specific threshold), (2) Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from developer (AED 1,000-5,000, 3-10 days), (3) Transfer at DLD Trustee Office, (4) Buyer assumes remaining payment plan installments. Example: Bond Enclave's 35/65 plan allows resale after paying 35% construction phase, capturing Hessa Street appreciation (January 2026 opening) before final 65% handover payment. Seller keeps capital gains; buyer continues payment schedule.

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Q5: Are my payments safe with Oqood during construction?

Yes, Oqood registration triggers RERA-monitored escrow account protection. All payment plan installments (35/65, 40/60, etc.) enter project-specific escrow accounts, not developer's general funds. Money releases only after DLD inspectors verify construction milestones (20%, 50%, 80% completion). If the project cancels, escrow funds refund investors proportionally— government- enforced protection. Oqood certificate tracks every payment in Dubai Land Department databases, providing legal proof of installments. Bond Enclave and Bond Living payments are fully protected throughout construction phases until Title Deed conversion at handover.

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Q6: When does Oqood convert to Title Deed in Dubai?

Oqood converts to Title Deed at project handover after: (1) Final payment settlement (remaining 60-65% for Bond properties), (2) Developer receives Building Completion Certificate (BCC) from Dubai Municipality, (3) Snagging inspection completed (1-year defect liability, 10-year structural warranty), (4) Developer submits final paperwork to DLD. Timeline: Bond Enclave Q2 2027, Bond Living Q4 2027. Title Deed issuance costs minimal admin fees (AED 500-1,000) if initial 4% DLD paid. Title Deed required for Golden Visa applications (AED 2M+ properties)—Oqood alone insufficient for this benefit.