Dubai Real Estate Dictionary: Your Friendly Guide to Property Terms
If you’re new to buying property in Dubai, chances are you’ve heard terms like Oqood, DLD Fee, or Service Charges and thought: “What does that even mean?” Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Dubai’s property market is booming, but it also comes with its own language.
This guide breaks down the jargon into plain English with examples, so you feel confident whether you’re browsing listings or signing contracts.
Freehold vs Leasehold
Freehold: You own the property and the land beneath it. Popular with international buyers since 2002.
Leasehold: You own the property for a set term (commonly 99 years), but not the land.
Example: Freehold is common in Downtown or Palm Jumeirah, while older areas like Deira may still use leasehold.
Off-Plan Property
A property that hasn’t been built yet — you buy it directly from the developer before completion.
Example: A buyer invests in Emaar Beachfront off-plan and gains value by the time of handover.
Oqood
The Arabic word for contract. For off-plan purchases, Oqood is the official registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Think of it like registering your car — it proves the unit belongs to you before it’s built.
DLD Fee
A one-time fee to the Dubai Land Department, usually 4% of the property price.
Example: AED 2M property = AED 80,000 DLD fee.
Handover
When construction finishes and the developer officially gives you your property.
It’s like getting the keys to a new car, but instead it’s your apartment.
Service Charges
Annual fees for maintaining common areas (gardens, pools, gyms, security).
Example: AED 15–30 per sq.ft. depending on the community.
ROI (Return on Investment)
Rental income divided by property cost.
Example: AED 1M property rented at AED 80K = 8% ROI.
Escrow Account
A bank account monitored by DLD for off-plan projects. Developers only access funds as construction progresses.
Protects buyers from risk.
Title Deed
The legal document proving you own your property. Issued by the DLD.
Ejari
Online system that registers rental contracts with Dubai Land Department. Required for utilities and visas.
RERA
Real Estate Regulatory Agency, part of DLD, that regulates Dubai’s property market.
They issue licenses, regulate escrow, and protect buyers.
MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
A contract between buyer and seller in secondary sales. Often includes a 10% deposit.
Master Developer vs Sub-Developer
Master Developer: Builds communities, infrastructure (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel).
Sub-Developer: Builds towers or villas inside master communities.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Letter from a bank confirming how much you can borrow.
Tip: Always secure this before hunting properties if you’re financing.
Capital Appreciation
How much a property’s value grows over time.
Example: Buying in Dubai Hills at AED 1.5M, reselling later at AED 2M = AED 500K appreciation.
Snagging
Final inspection before handover, checking for construction defects.
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Document required from the developer when reselling a property. Confirms no outstanding dues.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Dubai’s real estate market might seem like an alphabet soup of acronyms and fees, but once you understand the basics, it becomes exciting rather than overwhelming.
At A-Mate Properties, we don’t just sell homes — we explain every step in plain language, so you always know what you’re signing, paying, and investing in.
Because in Dubai real estate, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s profit. And we’re your mate in that journey.
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