Dubai Real Estate Glossary

Last updated: October 2026 · Regulated by the Dubai Land Department · BKB Signature Properties - RERA ORN 95485.

Off-plan

A property purchased directly from a developer before or during construction, typically with staged payment plans and lower launch prices than ready inventory.

Oqood

The interim off-plan registration issued by the Dubai Land Department that records a buyer's rights to an off-plan unit before the title deed is issued at handover.

Ejari

The RERA-run tenancy registration system that makes every Dubai rental contract legally enforceable and is required for visa applications, DEWA connections and dispute resolution.

DLD (Dubai Land Department)

The Dubai government authority that regulates all property transactions in the emirate, collects the 4% transfer fee and issues title deeds.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)

The regulatory arm of the DLD that licenses brokers and developers, approves service charges and oversees escrow accounts, off-plan registration and tenancy disputes.

ORN (Office Registration Number)

A unique number issued by RERA to a licensed real estate brokerage. BKB Signature Properties operates under ORN 95485.

Escrow account

A government-monitored bank account into which all off-plan buyer payments must be deposited. Funds are released to the developer only when construction milestones are verified, protecting buyers if a project is delayed or cancelled.

Freehold

Full and permanent ownership of both a property and its land. Available to all nationalities in designated Dubai freehold zones such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

Leasehold

The right to use a property for a fixed period, usually up to 99 years, while the land itself remains owned by the original UAE national landowner or master developer.

Handover

The point at which a completed off-plan unit is transferred from the developer to the buyer, including final inspection, snagging, DLD registration and title deed issuance.

Snagging

A pre-handover inspection of a new-build property to identify defects - cosmetic or structural - that the developer must repair before the buyer accepts the keys.

Assignment

The transfer of an off-plan sale contract from the original buyer to a new buyer before handover. Requires a developer NOC and payment of the DLD transfer fee.

NOC (No Objection Certificate)

A letter issued by a developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges or contractual issues on a unit, required before a resale, mortgage or handover can complete.

Title deed

The official ownership certificate issued by the Dubai Land Department once handover is complete and the DLD transfer fee has been paid.

DEWA

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority - the utility provider every buyer or tenant must register with to activate power, water and cooling in their unit.

Service charge

The annual community and building maintenance fee set by the master developer and approved by RERA, typically AED 10-30 per sq ft depending on community and amenities.

Payment plan

The staged installment schedule for an off-plan purchase - usually a 10-20% down payment, construction-linked installments and a balance due at handover, sometimes extended post-handover.

Post-handover payment plan

A payment structure where a portion of the purchase price - often 40-60% - is paid over 2-5 years after receiving the keys, easing cash-flow for investors.

Golden Visa

A 10-year renewable UAE residence visa granted to investors who own property worth AED 2 million or more, and to select professionals, students and entrepreneurs.