Title deed verification in Dubai - A detailed guide for property buyers

Property laws | 01.04.2025 | Benham and Reeves

Dubai’s booming real estate landscape presents lucrative investment opportunities to a global market. If you are an investor in the UAE, remember to verify the property’s title deed — an essential document for any real estate transaction.

A title deed is an official document that verifies the rightful owner of a property and protects it from any sort of disputes, fraud, or legal complications. The good news is that Dubai offers investors a well-structured real estate system designed to protect them.

Everything you need to know about title deeds in Dubai is covered in this guide by Benham and Reeves UAE. We will walk you through the meaning of title deeds, how to verify them and why they are essential for real estate transactions in Dubai.

Title deed - Explained

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues the title deed that indicates ownership of a property — it includes your name as the owner, the property’s location and size, a distinct property registration number and any outstanding mortgage or liabilities on the property.

As a property owner in Dubai, remember that for off-plan projects, you will receive the title deed once the construction is finished; however, for complete projects, the title deed is issued after DLD registration and upon receiving full payment from the owner.

Note - The Oqood Certificate is an official document issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for off-plan property projects. It acts as a temporary proof of ownership before the official title deed is issued upon the completion of the project.

Importance of a verified title deed

Picture this - You shortlisted a mansion with a private pool or a luxurious apartment with stunning skyline views; however, while sealing the deal, you discover that the property isn't 100% legitimate. Or you find out the seller wasn’t the rightful owner.

Having a verified title deed helps avoid such major errors and scams, ensures the rightful ownership of your property and restricts any unauthorised or fraudulent transactions. It further reveals any outstanding mortgages or liabilities.

There are multiple ways to verify your property’s title deed authenticity -

1. Dubai REST app (swift & easy)

Thanks to Dubai’s digital transformation, the process of title deed verification is made effortless. Download the Dubai REST App and go to the Title Deed Verification section. Enter your property details and the title deed number. Once done, hit Search to receive instant verification.

2. The DLD website

For those who’d like to check the title deed’s verification status online, visit the DLD’s (Dubai Land Department) official website. On this site, under the Services section, find Popular Services and select Title Deed Verification. Insert the details requested and instantly validate the document.

3. The Dubai land department office

There are many investors who’d prefer face-to-face assistance; for this, directly visiting the Dubai Land Department (DLD) office is ideal. Request a detailed property report, which should help you with insights on ownership history, legal status and restrictions.

4. Self-verification

Do you have a copy of the title deed from your agent or seller? Here’s how you can do a quick self-check -

• Make sure the owner’s name and property details match the contract
• Look for the DLD stamp and QR code (most important)
• If anything looks off, verify this contract using the DLD app or website

Meaning of varied verification results

When verifying a title deed, you may receive one of the following results -

• Valid indicates the deed is authentic
• Mortgaged indicates the property carries an outstanding loan
• Restrained indicates legal restrictions imposed which could restrict you from selling/transferring the property
• Blocked indicates a property that is declared frozen
• Invalid indicates that the title deed is either a fake or contains inaccurate information

Note - If your property’s title deed has any discrepancies, you can resolve this by submitting supporting documents to the DLD.

Let Benham and Reeves assist you

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a first-time property buyer in Dubai, this guide makes it clear that a title deed is an essential proof of property ownership. It’s equally important to verify this document before fulfilling any real estate transaction and safeguard your investment from legal and fraudulent troubles.

This title deed guide will assist you navigate the property laws in Dubai with confidence and make informed decisions when buying properties for sale in the UAE.

At Benham and Reeves UAE, our experienced real estate agents will help you with comprehensive guidance beyond sales. With decades of experience in international properties, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Book a one-on-one consultation with our local team today.