UAE off-plan glossary
Title deed
The official ownership document issued by the Land Department on handover, naming the buyer as the registered owner of the property.
A title deed is the legal document that records full ownership of a UAE property. In Dubai it is issued by the Dubai Land Department, normally at handover when the final balance has been settled. The title deed names the owner, lists the unit and plot details, and is required for any subsequent sale, mortgage or inheritance transfer.
FAQ
How do I check a Dubai title deed?
Use the official DLD app or the Dubai REST app and search by title deed number. You can also verify a deed at any DLD service centre by presenting the original document and your Emirates ID.
How much does a Dubai title deed cost to register?
The DLD title deed registration is part of the 4% transfer fee at handover — there's no separate charge for the deed itself. Subsequent updates (e.g. spelling change, owner addition) incur a small fixed fee, typically AED 250–500.
Do I get a digital or paper title deed in Dubai?
Both. DLD issues an electronic title deed (e-deed) accessible via the Dubai REST app, and a printed certificate. The e-deed is now the legally primary document.
Can I update names or details on my title deed?
Yes — minor updates (correcting spelling, adding a spouse) are processed at any DLD service centre. Adding or removing an owner is a partial-transfer transaction and triggers the 4% DLD fee on the transferred share.