Buying a new-build villa in Al Barari is exciting, but the paperwork can feel opaque. You may hear terms like Oqood and title deed and wonder what each means for your rights. If you want clarity before you commit funds or schedule handover, you are in the right place. In this guide, you will learn the difference between Oqood and a title deed, the step-by-step path to ownership in Al Barari, the documents and fees involved, and how to avoid delays. Let’s dive in.
Oqood vs title deed: the essentials
Oqood is the Dubai Land Department’s registration of an off-plan sale. It records your signed agreement with the developer while the villa is being built. This gives regulatory visibility and helps protect you under Dubai rules, including escrow oversight and developer obligations. It is not the final proof of ownership.
Title deed is the DLD-issued document that proves you legally own the property. It lists the owner, unit details, and any mortgage. You need the title deed to exercise full ownership rights, including selling, mortgaging, and registering as the owner with utilities.
The bottom line: Oqood records your contractual right during construction. The title deed confirms you as the legal owner after completion and final registration.
How ownership works in Al Barari
Off-plan purchase and Oqood
You sign an off-plan sales agreement with the developer. The developer registers the sale in the DLD’s Oqood system. Ask for the Oqood registration number and a copy of the registered document. Pay installments to the regulated escrow account and keep every receipt.
Construction and oversight
During construction, DLD and RERA oversight applies to escrow usage and progress. You should monitor updates from the developer and keep a file of payment records and Oqood status.
Completion and snagging
When the developer notifies practical completion, you attend a snagging inspection. Use a checklist or hire a professional surveyor. After you accept the unit condition and complete due payments, you receive a handover letter and keys.
Developer clearances and certificates
The developer secures completion or occupancy certificates and internal NOCs from community management and service providers. The unit should be free of third-party encumbrances before transfer.
Final DLD registration and title deed
You, the developer, and if applicable your bank, complete the transfer with DLD. The DLD issues your title deed showing you as owner and any mortgage entry. Fees apply at this stage, and timing can vary if a mortgage is involved.
After handover
Register utilities, confirm service charges, and complete community registrations. If you are overseas, ensure your representative holds an acceptable power of attorney for any remaining steps.
Documents and parties to prepare
Key parties you will deal with
- Buyer or buyer’s corporate entity
- Developer and Al Barari community management
- Dubai Land Department for Oqood and title registration
- Bank or lender if you use a mortgage
- Conveyancer, legal advisor, or authorized representative with POA
- Utility providers for DEWA and district cooling if relevant
Common documents for transfer and handover
- Passport copy for each buyer and UAE visa copy if applicable
- Emirates ID copy if resident
- Original sales agreement and Oqood registration details
- Payment receipts for all escrow installments
- Developer NOCs and handover letter
- Completion or occupancy certificate
- No encumbrance or lien confirmations
- Mortgage pre-approval and loan documents, plus bank consent for transfer
- Power of attorney if you will not attend in person, attested as required
- Any VAT-related documents if applicable
- Snagging report and handover acceptance signed by both parties
Fees to budget for
- DLD transfer fee. In Dubai, this fee is widely known as 4 percent of the sale price. Confirm current policy and who pays under your contract.
- Oqood registration fee. DLD charges administrative fees for registering off-plan sales. Confirm the schedule and payment responsibility.
- Mortgage registration and lender administration fees if you are financing.
- VAT considerations. Many residential transfers are treated differently from commercial transactions. Confirm VAT treatment with the developer and your tax advisor for your specific deal.
- Developer and community fees. Expect final service charges, NOC or community transfer fees at handover.
Note: Fee amounts, timing, and who pays can differ by contract. Always reconfirm with DLD, the developer, and your bank before transfer.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Assuming Oqood equals ownership. Oqood confirms the off-plan contract. Legal ownership starts when the title deed is issued.
- Missing completion certificates. Without the developer’s completion or occupancy certificates, DLD cannot finalize the title deed. Ask for written timing and status.
- Unpaid dues or documentation gaps. Outstanding service charges, utilities, or missing NOCs can block transfer. Keep all receipts and track NOCs early.
- POA problems for overseas buyers. Use a DLD-acceptable power of attorney with any bank-required language. Complete attestations in advance.
- Rushed snagging. Document defects before acceptance, agree remedies and timelines in writing, and keep a signed snag list as part of your handover file.
- Mortgage timing. Banks need time to prepare and register the mortgage. Align your drawdown, valuation, and DLD appointment to avoid delays.
Al Barari handover checklist
Before handover
- Verify your Oqood registration number and keep a copy.
- Keep full escrow payment receipts and bank confirmations.
- Confirm the developer’s timeline for completion certificates and DLD transfer.
- Lock in financing and confirm mortgage registration steps with your lender.
- If absent, prepare a DLD-acceptable POA and complete any attestations.
- Request the Al Barari community handover process and NOC requirements.
At snagging and handover
- Attend a detailed inspection of finishes, MEP systems, external works, and landscaping.
- Create a snag list with clear remedial deadlines and sign it with the developer.
- Obtain the official handover letter stating the unit condition and obligations met by the developer.
Immediately after handover
- Collect developer NOCs and completion or occupancy certificates.
- Confirm the DLD appointment for title deed transfer and bring required documents.
- Pay remaining installments and agreed DLD or transfer fees.
- Coordinate mortgage registration with your bank if applicable.
- Transfer utilities and set up billing contacts.
- Register with community services and confirm service charge procedures.
- Retrieve the issued title deed and verify owner names, plot or unit number, area, and mortgage entries.
Timing: what to expect
The period between Oqood and title deed depends on construction completion, developer certificates, clearances, and your financing. It can take weeks to months after handover notice. Mortgage registration can add time, so plan your DLD appointment around lender readiness.
Practical guidance for overseas buyers
- Use an experienced conveyancer or authorized representative with a DLD-acceptable POA.
- Align your bank’s internal timelines with handover dates to prevent last-minute delays.
- Keep a single digital file with Oqood details, receipts, NOCs, certificates, and your snag list.
- Ask the developer for written milestone dates and confirmation of any outstanding conditions.
The takeaway
Think of Oqood as your bridge during construction and the title deed as the finish line. If you keep tight records, confirm certificates and NOCs early, and align your lender and DLD timing, your transfer in Al Barari should feel smooth and predictable. If you want a discreet, hands-on adviser to coordinate the process and protect your interests from first reservation to title deed, connect with Leigh Williamson.
FAQs
What is Oqood in Dubai real estate?
- Oqood is DLD’s registration of an off-plan sale that records your contract with the developer and payment obligations, but it is not final proof of ownership.
What is a title deed in Al Barari transfers?
- The title deed is the DLD-issued document that proves you own the villa and lists any mortgage, and it is required to fully exercise ownership rights.
How long to get a title deed after handover?
- The timeline varies based on completion certificates, developer clearances, documentation, and any mortgage registration, often weeks to months.
Can the title deed be delayed by the developer?
- Yes, if completion or occupancy certificates, NOCs, or encumbrance clearances are pending, or if any service charges or payments remain unpaid.
What fees should I expect at DLD transfer?
- Expect a DLD transfer fee, Oqood administrative fees, possible mortgage registration and bank charges, and developer or community fees, all subject to your contract.
Can I complete Al Barari transfer from abroad?
- Yes, by appointing an authorized representative with a properly executed and attested POA that is acceptable to DLD, the developer, and your bank if relevant.
