With its rapid development and ambitious infrastructure projects, Dubai’s real estate market has seen remarkable success over the years. Another important factor has been the government’s commitment to developing the real estate sector and creating a business-friendly environment for investors.
Dubai Land Department – DLD is one of the government’s initiatives that have simplified the process of buying property, reduced transaction costs and provided a range of incentives to encourage real estate investors. Let’s find out more about DLD and its services that ensure stability in Dubai’s real estate sector.
What is Dubai Land Department
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the government entity responsible for overseeing and regulating the real estate sector in Dubai. The department was established in 1960 and since then, it has played a crucial role in the development and growth of the real estate industry in the Emirate.
The main purpose of DLD is to ensure the transparency and efficiency of the real estate market in the city. Whether you are renting or buying a villa in Dubai, the department protects the rights of property owners, tenants and investors. Moreover, DLD is also responsible for creating and implementing policies and regulations related to real estate registration, ownership and transfer.
One of the key functions of the DLD Dubai is to maintain the official land registry of Dubai, which includes all records of property ownership and transfers. The department also operates a comprehensive system for registering and tracking real estate transactions in the Emirate.
Key Services Offered by the Department of Land and Property in Dubai
In addition to its regulatory functions, the DLD also provides various services to the public, such as issuing property ownership certificates, conducting property valuations and offering legal and advisory services related to real estate matters.
The DLD has several key departments and branches, including the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which oversees the licensing and regulation of real estate brokers and companies in Dubai. There is also a Rental Disputes Centre, which provides dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers a wide range of services to the public. Some of the main services offered by the DLD include:
Property Registration
The DLD is responsible for registering all properties in Dubai, which includes issuing ownership certificates and maintaining an official land registry. This service enables real estate developers in Dubai to open an escrow account and get the approval to sell the property off-plan. The property registration fee in Dubai is AED 150,000. Other charges include:
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
Transfer of ownership
The DLD facilitates the transfer of property ownership in Dubai between buyers and sellers. This includes verification of the property ownership, registering the transfer of ownership and issuing updated ownership certificates. The service charges to transfer the property in Dubai are:
- For each title deed: AED 250
- A land map fee: AED 100
- For the unified map with Dubai Municipality: AED 325
- Apartment and villa map fee: AED 250
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
Title Deed Data Service
22 services come under this category. The DLD issues title deeds to property owners, which serve as legal proof of ownership. You can request contract cancellation, property exchange, registration of inherited property, and transfer of ownership, among others.
Valuation Services
The DLD offers property valuation services, which can be used by property owners to determine the market value of their properties. This service helps real estate agents determine a home value for their clientele. Besides, the DLD property valuation service helps potential investors in finding out the mortgage value, applicable taxes and other crucial details. You can do a property valuation in Dubai through the Dubai Rest App (Android | iOS) and request a property valuation in Dubai.
Mortgage Registration Service
When buying an apartment in Dubai on a mortgage, the DLD offers mortgage registration services. The service allows property owners to register mortgages on their properties. The fees for mortgage registration in Dubai are:
- 0.25% of the mortgage value
- Title deed issuance fee for a normal mortgage: AED 250
- Title deed issuance for a conservative mortgage: AED 250
- Knowledge fees: AED 10
- Innovation fees: AED 10
- Service partner’s fees that need to be paid:
- AED 4,000 service fee +VAT
- AED 5,000 service fee +VAT (for initial sale registration called Oqoodi)
Real Estate Brokerage Licensing
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Department of the DLD issue licences to real estate brokers and companies operating in Dubai. To become a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to take admission to the RERA-approved Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers at Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) and complete a four-day training course.
- The DREI training course fee is AED 3,000
Besides, you can also get your broker’s licence renewed from here. The renewal fee is AED 520.
E-Services
The DLD provides various e-services, including online payment of fees, tracking of property transactions and accessing property-related documents.
Property Auction Services
The DLD holds public auctions for the sale of properties, which individuals or companies can purchase.
Rental Dispute Resolution
The DLD’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centres (RDC) provide dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants in Dubai. You can file a rental dispute in Dubai just by visiting the official website of DLD and following the steps mentioned on the Rent Dispute Resolution Portal. Besides other charges, 3.5% of the annual rent must be paid as the rental dispute registration fee in Dubai.
Property Lease Valuation
Dubai Land Department also offers property lease valuation services. The lease valuation service allows you to identify the actual value of your vacant properties, according to Law No. 43 of 2013. You can request a lease valuation to set up the rental value of your home. You need to get the property rental value certificate by paying the mentioned fee:
- AED 2,000 per unit and AED 10,000 maximum
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
The payment can be made via Noqodi debit or credit card.
Legal and Advisory Services
The DLD offers legal and advisory services related to real estate matters, including property ownership, leasing and dispute resolution.
Registration for Rent-to-Own Properties
Rent-to-own property in Dubai is a process where a property buyer makes a down payment in the form of monthly rent. However, at least 5% or less upfront amount is required in the rent-to-own payment scheme. To register rent-to-own property in Dubai, the following service fee:
- Tenant: 0.25% of the rental amount
- Buyer: 2% of the sale price
- Seller: 2% of the sale price
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
Developers are required to pay AED 1,000 for self-registration on the Oqood Portal.
Dubai Land Department Contact Details
The department of land and property in Dubai is located in the old district of Dubai, Deira.
- Address: Baniyas Road, Near Etisalat Building
- Dubai Land Department contact number: 800-4488
- Office working hours: from 07:30 am to 3:30 pm | Monday to Thursday and from 07:30 am to 12:00 pm | Friday
- The Customer Service is reachable via phone, email and live chat from Monday to Friday: 07:30 am to 4:30 pm
FAQs
What services does the DLD offer to property buyers and sellers?
DLD offers a wide range of services, including:
- Property registration
- Title deed issuance
- Real estate valuation
- Ejari tenancy contract registration
- Mortgage registration and cancellation
- Property transaction verification
- Real estate dispute resolution (via RERA and the Rental Disputes Centre)
What is the Dubai REST app?
Dubai REST (Real Estate Self Transaction) is a digital platform by DLD that allows users to conduct real estate transactions, verify ownership, register Ejari and access other property services—all from their mobile device.
What is Oqood and when is it used?
Oqood is a service used primarily by developers to register off-plan property sales with DLD. It ensures buyer rights are protected before the final title deed is issued.
This is all about the Dubai Land Department and its key services. The Dubai Land Department plays a critical role in promoting and regulating the real estate sector in Dubai and is seen as a key contributor to the city’s success as a global real estate destination. Additionally, one can obtain every service from the DLD’s official website or the Dubai REST application.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle’s real estate blog to get more updates on the Dubai Land Department’s projects.
