Every off-plan term, in plain English.
Dubai real estate has its own language. Here is every word we hear from overseas buyers, defined in one screen each.
- Regulator
DLD
DLD is the Dubai Land Department — the government body that records every property transaction and project in Dubai.
- Handover
Handover
Handover is the moment a completed off-plan unit is transferred from developer to buyer. The buyer makes the final payment, receives the keys, and takes the title deed.
- Property type
Off-plan property
Off-plan property is property sold before construction is complete. Buyers pay in stages, tied to construction milestones, until handover.
- Document
Oqood
Oqood is the initial sale contract registered with the DLD for off-plan property. It acts as your proof of ownership until the title deed is issued at handover.
- Regulator
RERA
RERA is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency — the Dubai government body that regulates real estate. It sits inside the Dubai Land Department.
- Finance
RERA escrow
A RERA escrow is a bank-held account where off-plan buyer payments go. The developer can only draw from it as construction milestones are verified.
- Handover
Snagging
Snagging is the final inspection of a new property to list defects before handover. The developer fixes the items on the snag list before you take the keys.
- Document
Title deed
A title deed is the legal document proving ownership of a Dubai property. It is issued by the Dubai Land Department at handover.