Dubai Off-Plan Property Buyer Guide: Oqood and Escrow Checks

Off-plan property is a major part of Dubai's real estate market, but buyers should understand the official registration and escrow checks before signing a sale and purchase agreement. Dubai Land Department's Oqood and provisional registration processes are designed to record off-plan sales and protect buyer rights.

What Oqood Means for Buyers
DLD describes the initial sale registration service as a way for developers to register units sold off-plan, or land plots whose value has not been fully paid, in the provisional register. The process is handled through the Oqood portal and the output is sent to the purchaser by email.

Key Documents for Initial Registration
For individual buyers, DLD lists documents such as a copy of the sale and purchase contract, a valid UAE ID, and a valid passport for non-residents. Buyers should make sure the name, unit details, price, payment plan, and developer details match across the contract and registration documents.

Registration Timing and Fees
DLD states that the sale and purchase contract should be registered in the provisional register within 90 days from signing. Service fees include 2% of the sale value from the seller and 2% from the purchaser, plus knowledge and innovation fees. Developers may also have self-registration fees through the Oqood portal.

Why Escrow Matters
For off-plan projects, escrow accounts help keep buyer payments tied to the registered development project. DLD guidance says developers selling units off-plan are required to open escrow accounts, and project funds are deposited in the project escrow account according to the applicable rules.

Buyer Checklist Before Paying
Before paying a booking amount, check that the developer and project are registered, ask for the escrow account details, review the payment plan, confirm the promised handover terms, and keep every receipt. Buyers should also use licensed brokers and verify information through official DLD channels where possible.

Final Note
Off-plan buying can work well when the project, developer, contract, and payment trail are clear. Slow down before signing, verify every official detail, and treat Oqood registration and escrow checks as essential steps, not optional paperwork.