Title Deeds In Dubai: Everything You Need To Know

To ensure a smooth experience for all the parties involved, the UAE government has regulated all the transactions in real estate. Whether you purchase a piece of land or opt for short-term rental, there is a legal process and paperwork involved. A title deed is one of the most important documents signed during property transactions. 

Today, we will elaborate on what the title deed is, who needs to sign it and how to register it. 

What Is Title Deed

A title deed is a legal document that testifies property ownership in the name of an individual(s). It provides you with legal rights to claim, own, lease and sell the property unit. If you have purchased the property directly, the title deed will be in your name. However, if you opt for a property mortgage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will be provided with a copy of the title deed. The bank will hold the title deed until the mortgage is fully paid. 

What information can be found on the title deed?

The title deed in fact covers all the important information about the property. The deed will have information about the property identification number, location details, and the information like property owner’s name and added.
The deed will also contain information about the nationality of the property owner, description about the property like whether its a villa or an apartment and also the size and dimensions of the property.

Further, the title deed will have details like the date of issuance, and history of previous owners (if any)

This is the important information one can find on the title deed. The title deed of a property will have almost all the details and the ownership history of the property.

How can one get a copy of a title deed in Dubai?

Dubai’s DLD has made downloading of title deeds very easy and transparent. To download the title deed, one can use the app of DLD named as Dubai Rest. Using this app, one can enter the relevant information about the property and download the title deed through this app.

What is the processing time of title deeds in Dubai?

The processing time to obtain a title deed depends on the type of application you submit. If it’s a regular application, the processing time is around 30 days. This is from the date of when you have submitted all the documents and from when your application is approved.

In case, if you are in need of a title deed urgently then you can opt for an urgent application. The urgent applications are mostly processed within 3 days. The urgent applications come with a fee, and you need to check the DLD website for the latest fee.

The processing time mentioned above is only estimates, and may differ depending on the complexity of the transactions, verification of submitted documents and other factors.

Information In Title Deed

The title deed is drafted by the land department of the Emirate and, therefore, may vary from Emirate to Emirate. Generally, it contains the following information. 

• • Complete property description, including layout, size, boundaries, usage and location.

• • Full name and contact information of the owner.

• • Transfer and issue date of deed.

• • Final purchase price. 

• • Conditional clauses agreed upon by both parties (if any).

• • Official seal or stamp of the concerned department. 

Since the title deed provides legal ownership rights of the property, it is necessary to register and transfer it in your name. Failure to do so will deprive you of the right to claim ownership of the purchased property unit. ‍

How To Transfer Title Deed In Dubai

The title deed is transferred in the name of the new owner when the deal is finalized and all the payment has been received by the seller. The process of title deed verification and transfer is different for each Emirate. To elaborate on the process here we have exemplified the transfer process of title deeds in Dubai that is managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Here is the complete process of title deed transfer also known as property ownership transfer in Dubai. 

1. 1. Visit the Happiness Centre along with all the necessary documents. 

1. 1. Submit the documents and wait for the data to be entered digitally. 

1. 1. Pay the transaction fee, take the receipt and verify the transaction. 

1. 1. Receive the new title deed via email. 

The title deed can also be transferred digitally. Read our blog on how to transfer property ownership in Dubai to know the complete process. 

Required documents

The documents you need to submit the application are the following:

 

• • Letter from the transferor

• • The owner’s Emirates ID Card, or Power of Attorney (if unable to do it in person)

• • Copies of Valid Passports (non-residents)

Procedure

Here is the step-by-step guide for what to do at the DLD Service Center (service time – 25 minutes):

1. 1. Visit the Happiness Center in Dubai Land Department – Main Office
      Location: Dubai Land Department, Baniyas Road P.O.Box: Dubai 1166 Makani: 30404 94991 United Arab Emirates
      Working Hours: Monday till Thursday from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm

1. 1. Submit the required documents (completed) to the employee 

1. 1. Wait for the transaction data to be entered into the system

1. 1. Pay the fees and receive a receipt of payment

1. 1. Wait for the transaction to be verified by the employee

1. 1. Receive a link via email that contains the title deed and map

Note. Processing time for a regular application is 30 days from the date of application. For urgent applications, the processing time is 3 days from the date of application. 

Fees and payment methods

 

 

In addition to paying property transfer and registration fees to DLD, the title deed issuance fees include the following:

• AED 250 per Title Deed

• • AED 100 Land Map Fees for lands that are not subject to the authority of Dubai Municipality

• • AED 325 Land Map Fees for the unified map with Dubai Municipality

• • AED 250 apartment map or villa map

• • AED 10 Knowledge Fees for each fee

• • AED 10 Innovation Fees for each fee

Payment can be made by:

• • Cash

• • Cheque

• • Debit or Credit Card

• • ePay

FAQS

1.What are the different types of title deeds in Dubai?

In Dubai, there are two primary types of title deeds: Freehold and Leasehold. Understanding the difference between these types is vital for potential property buyers.

2.How to get Title Deed of property in Dubai?

Step 1: Visit the Customer Happiness Center located at the Dubai Land Department’s main building. Step Two: Submit the required documents to the employee and verify completeness. Step Three: The employee enters transaction data into the system. Step Four: Pay the fees and obtain a payment receipt.

3.HOW LONG DOES THE TITLE TRANSFER TAKE?

It takes 25 to 30 minutes for a title deed to be transferred. It comes with a title deed number in Dubai, which acts as a unique identifier assigned to the property.

4.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEASEHOLD AND FREEHOLD PROPERTIES?

Leasehold allows property ownership for a fixed term while freehold offers absolute ownership. Before opting for either one, consider the differences between leasehold and freehold properties in Dubai.

5.WHAT IS EJARI?

Ejari is a government-operated programme responsible for the regulation of all tenancy contracts in Dubai.

That is all prospective buyers must know about title deeds in Dubai. Looking to invest in the capital instead? Learn all about title deeds in Abu Dhabi before you commit. Stay tuned for more updates on the UAE property market!

6.IS IT BENEFICIAL TO GO FOR A MORTGAGE OR BUY IN CASH?

The first thing to consider is whether you’re buying for personal use or for investment purposes, as well as whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term investment. Having the ability to pay in cash often gives the buyer more negotiating power when it comes to sales prices, i.e. a cash discount. Furthermore, paying cash for a home eliminates the need to pay interest on a loan. The process is shorter and less expensive (mortgage fees, etc.), which benefits both the seller and the buyer. It is important to note that short-term investments always carry a higher risk.

7.CAN EXPAT PARENTS BUY PROPERTY ON BEHALF OF THEIR CHILDREN?

The minimum age for purchasing a property is 21 years old, though a minor child may be represented in a purchase transaction by parents or a legal guardian. To sell a minor’s property, however, a court order must first be obtained.