Dubai’s real estate market has achieved unprecedented success in the recent past. It is safe to credit this success due to Dubai’s continuous real estate growth and ambitious infrastructure projects. Dubai real estate sector saw a massive 22% growth in sales transactions in Q3 as compared to the same period in 2022.
A crucial contributing factor to this success has been the Dubai government’s dedication to advancing the real estate sector and promoting a business-friendly atmosphere for investors.
One such initiative is the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It is a government-run organization which has
- Streamlined property acquisition processes,
- Lowered transaction costs, and
- Offered various incentives to promote real estate investment.
Here is a detailed guide on the Dubai Land Department, the services it offers, and everything you need to know.
What is Dubai Land Department (DLD)?
The DLD, commonly known as Dubai Land Department, actively monitors and regulates Dubai’s real estate sector as a government entity.
Established in 1960, it has played a phenomenal role in the development and growth of the Emirate’s real estate industry.
DLD’s primary objective is to ensure transparency and efficiency within the Dubai real estate market. Whether individuals are renting or purchasing residential or commercial properties in Dubai, the department actively safeguards the rights of property owners, tenants, and investors.
Additionally, DLD assumes responsibility for formulating and implementing policies and regulations related to real estate registration, ownership, and transfer.
Another key role the Dubai Land Department plays is maintaining the official land registry of the city. It includes all records of property ownership and transfers. The department has a comprehensive system for registering and tracking real estate transactions throughout the Emirate.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) Organizations and Sectors
Dubai Land Department has further organizations (branches) that work together to achieve DLD’s overall objectives. Here are those organizations.
Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
RERA, functioning as the regulatory arm of DLD, regulates and supervises Dubai’s real estate sector. It ensures that all real estate activities in the Emirate adhere to the laws and regulations set by the DLD.
Real Estate Development Sector
The Real Estate Development sector plays a pivotal role in boosting real estate investment in Dubai. Its responsibilities include
- Organizing and promoting investment initiatives
- Regularly sharing industry knowledge to encourage informed decision-making within the real estate sector.
Real Estate Registration Sector
The Real Estate Registration Sector is dedicated to maintaining a transparent property landscape. It is responsible for the standardized registration and verification of property ownership in Dubai.
Corporate Support Sector
Operating as a backbone to the various sectors and organizations within DLD, the Corporate Support Sector provides essential support services. Its role is integral in ensuring the seamless functioning of the entire department.
Dubai Real Estate Institute
As the educational arm of DLD, the Dubai Real Estate Institute’s key role is to enhance the skills and knowledge of real estate professionals in Dubai. Through training and education programs, it aims to improve the standards and expertise within the industry.
Rental Dispute Center
It serves as the judicial arm of DLD. The Rental Dispute Center has the crucial responsibility of resolving rental disputes between owners and tenants in Dubai. With a focus on fair and just resolutions, it contributes to maintaining a harmonious rental environment within the city.
Services Offered by Dubai Land Department
DLD works in collaboration with the departments mentioned above. Here are the major services offered by the Dubai Land Department.
Important note: The charges/fees mentioned here may increase or decrease from time to time. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the charges/fees be confirmed by the concerned departments.
1. Property Registration
In Dubai, the DLD has the responsibility of registering all properties. It may include everything from the issuance of ownership certificates and the maintenance of an official land registry.
Through this service, real estate developers in Dubai can establish an escrow account and obtain approval to sell off-plan properties.
The property registration fee in Dubai is AED 150,000, and additional charges may include:
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
2. Transfer of Ownership
The DLD facilitates the seamless transfer of property ownership in Dubai, managing the process between buyers and sellers. It includes
- Verification of property ownership,
- Registration of ownership transfer, and
- Issuance of updated ownership certificates.
The service charges for transferring property in Dubai are as follows:
- For each title deed: AED 250
- Unified map with Dubai Municipality: AED 325
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Land map fee: AED 100
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Apartment and villa map fee: AED 250
3. Mortgage Registration Service
When purchasing a property in Dubai through a mortgage, the DLD provides mortgage registration services. This service enables property owners to officially register mortgages on their properties.
The associated fees for registering mortgage in Dubai include the following:
- 0.25% of the mortgage value
- Title deed issuance fee for a conservative mortgage: AED 250
- Title deed issuance fee for a standard mortgage: AED 250
- Innovation fees: AED 10
- Knowledge fees: AED 10
And the service partner’s fees, which is
- AED 4,000 service fee + VAT
- AED 5,000 service fee + VAT (applicable for initial sale registration, referred to as Oqoodi)
4. Valuation Services
Dubai Land Department is also responsible for property valuation in Dubai. Property owners in Dubai can easily use this service to determine the market value of their properties.
This service is not only helpful for Dubai real estate agents in determining home values for their clients but also provides essential information for potential investors.
The DLD’s property valuation service also helps in calculating mortgage values, applicable taxes, and other critical details.
In order to initiate a property valuation in Dubai, individuals can utilize the Dubai Rest App (available on Android and iOS) to submit a property valuation request.
5. Title Deed Data Service
This category consists of 22 different services provided by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). For example, this service issues title deeds to property owners that serve as legal documentation affirming ownership. Some other services include:
- Requesting contract cancellations,
- Property exchanges,
- Registration of inherited property, and
- Transfers of ownership, among others.
6. Licensing For Real Estate Brokerage
Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Department of Land and Development (DLD) are responsible for granting licenses to real estate brokers and companies operating in Dubai.
To qualify as a real estate agent in Dubai, individuals must enroll in the RERA-approved Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers offered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) and successfully complete a four-day training program.
The cost of the DREI training course is AED 3,000. Additionally, individuals can also initiate the renewal of their broker license through DREI, with a renewal fee of AED 520.
7. E-Services
The Dubai Land Department offers various online services as well. Some examples include:
- Property transaction tracking
- Online fee payment
- Property-related document access
8. Property Auction Services
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) organizes public auctions for the sale of properties, providing an opportunity for individuals or companies to acquire them.
9. Rental Dispute Resolution
DLD offers dispute resolution services, allowing individuals to address rental disputes in Dubai. To initiate the process, individuals can file a rental dispute through the official DLD website by following the steps outlined on the Rent Dispute Resolution Portal.
The rental dispute registration fee is 3.5% of the annual rent, and the dispute filer may have to pay for other charges as well.
10. Property Lease Valuation
The Dubai Land Department also provides property lease valuation services. It enables property owners to determine the accurate value of their vacant properties as per Law No. 43 of 2013.
A property rental value certificate can be obtained by requesting a lease valuation. Here are the charges for obtaining a property rental value certificate.
- AED 2,000 per unit, with a maximum of AED 10,000
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
Payments can be facilitated through Noqodi, credit, and debit cards.
11. Legal and Advisory Services
DLD provides legal and advisory services related to real estate matters, such as
- Property ownership,
- Leasing, and
- Dispute resolution.
Concerned parties can connect with DLD for these services.
12. Registration for Rent-To-Own Properties
The rent-to-own property process in Dubai involves a property buyer making a down payment through monthly rent, with a minimum upfront amount of 5% or less. To register for rent-to-own properties in Dubai, the following service fees apply:
- Tenant: 0.25% of the rental amount
- Seller: 2% of the sale price
- Buyer: 2% of the sale price
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
Developers opting for self-registration on the Oqood Portal are required to pay AED 1,000.
How to Contact the Dubai Land Department?
Here are details related to the DLD office and contact number.
- Address: Baniyas Road, close to Etisalat Building, Deira.
- Office working hours: Monday to Thursday (07:30 am to 3:30 pm)and Friday (07:30 am to 12:00 pm).
- DLD contact number: 800-4488
- Official DLD Website: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/#/
You can contact the customer service department via live chat, email, and phone from 07:30 am to 4:30 pm (excluding weekends).
FAQs—Dubai Land Department
- What is the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and how does it contribute to Dubai’s real estate success?
Dubai Land Department (DLD) is a government entity monitoring and regulating the real estate sector in Dubai. Established in 1960, it plays a key role in boosting growth, ensuring transparency, and implementing policies for property registration, ownership, and transfer.
- What services does Dubai Land Department (DLD) offer, and how can individuals benefit from them?
DLD provides essential services such as property registration, transfer of ownership, mortgage registration, valuation services, and more. These services contribute to a transparent property landscape, facilitating seamless property transactions in Dubai.
- Can you explain the key organizations within the Dubai Land Department and their roles?
DLD comprises organizations like the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the Real Estate Development Sector, the Real Estate Registration Sector, the Corporate Support Sector, the Dubai Real Estate Institute, and the Rental Dispute Center. Each plays a crucial role in regulating, developing, and supporting Dubai’s real estate ecosystem.
- How can individuals engage with the Dubai Land Department for real estate-related matters, and what online services are available?
Individuals can engage with DLD for services like property registration, online fee payment, and accessing property-related documents. The department also offers e-services for property transaction tracking.
Summing it up
Here is everything you need to know about the Dubai Land Department. When buying, renting, or selling a property in Dubai, doing everything on your own can be overwhelming.
One of the best ways to overcome this is to hire a licensed real estate agent. Feel free to give us a call for a consultation.
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