Buying in Dubai comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the terms my clients ask about most.
The institutions
- DLD — Dubai Land Department: the government body that registers property and ownership.
- RERA — Real Estate Regulatory Agency: the DLD's regulator for agents, developers, escrow and service charges.
The documents
- SPA — Sales & Purchase Agreement: the purchase contract with the developer (off-plan).
- MOU / Form F: the agreement between buyer and seller on the secondary market.
- NOC — No Objection Certificate: the developer's confirmation that the seller has no outstanding dues, needed before transfer.
- Oqood: registration of an off-plan purchase with the DLD. Read the guide.
- Title deed: the final ownership document issued by the DLD.
- Ejari: the official registration of a tenancy contract.
The process
- Escrow account: where off-plan payments are held and released by construction progress. Read the guide.
- Handover: the moment you receive the keys of a completed property.
- Snagging: the inspection before handover. Read the guide.
- Service charge: the yearly fee for the maintenance of the building and community.
Missing a term? Ask me on WhatsApp — I am happy to explain.