Dubai Land Department (DLD) Guide
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the Emirate's official real-estate regulator — it registers every property title, licenses every broker via its RERA arm, and collects the 4% transfer fee on every sale. Every Dubai property transaction, off-plan or ready, must pass through the DLD to be legally recognised.
What the DLD does
- Registers all Dubai property titles (title deeds for ready, Oqood for off-plan)
- Licenses brokers and brokerages via RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
- Collects the 4% DLD transfer fee on every sale
- Operates the Dubai REST app — the official title-verification and transaction platform
- Maintains the Ejari lease-registration system for all rentals
Fees the DLD charges buyers
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 4% of purchase price | On title transfer |
| Admin fee | AED 580 | On title transfer |
| Title deed issuance | AED 250 | On completion |
| Oqood registration (off-plan) | AED 3,000–5,000 | On SPA signing |
| Ejari (rental) | AED 220 per year | On lease start |
How to verify a Dubai property title yourself
- Download the Dubai REST app (Apple / Google Play).
- Register with Emirates ID (residents) or passport (non-residents).
- Search 'Verify Title Deed' and enter the property's certificate number.
- DLD returns the current registered owner, plot number, and any charges.
- For off-plan, verify the developer's escrow-account status in the same app.
Why DLD registration matters for foreign buyers
A Dubai property is not legally yours until the DLD issues the title deed (ready) or Oqood (off-plan). Any 'sale' completed outside the DLD system — cash, off-market, no escrow — offers no legal protection.
Miri Homes always handles DLD registration on the buyer's behalf. Australian clients receive their title deed / Oqood as a signed PDF within 5–10 working days of transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dubai Land Department?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the Emirate's official real-estate regulator, responsible for title registration, broker licensing (via RERA), and collecting the 4% transfer fee on every sale.
How much is the DLD transfer fee?
4% of the property purchase price, plus AED 580 admin. Off-plan Oqood registration is a separate AED 3,000–5,000.
How do I verify a Dubai property title?
Use the Dubai REST app. Enter the title deed number and the DLD returns the current registered owner, plot number and any encumbrances.
Is the DLD the same as RERA?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is a sub-entity of the DLD. RERA regulates brokers, escrow accounts and developer registrations; DLD registers titles and transactions.