Real estate guide
Dubai Real Estate Glossary: Key Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of Dubai property terms: DLD, RERA, Ejari, Oqood, Form A, Form F, NOC, Mollak, Trakheesi, title deed and more.
Dubai’s property market has its own vocabulary. This glossary explains the terms you will meet when buying, selling or renting, in plain English.
Authorities and systems
DLD
The Dubai Land Department, the government body that registers property, transfers and leases.
RERA
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency, the DLD’s regulatory arm, which licenses brokers and regulates developers, rents and service charges.
Ejari
The DLD system for registering tenancy contracts.
Oqood
The DLD registration system for off-plan property sales.
Mollak
The DLD system for owners’ associations and service charge budgets.
Trakheesi
The DLD permit system for property advertisements. Every listing needs a valid permit.
Dubai REST
The DLD’s official app for property services, including title deeds and the rental index.
Contracts and forms
Form A
The listing agreement between a seller and a broker.
Form B
The agreement between a buyer and a broker.
Form F (MOU)
The memorandum of understanding between buyer and seller, setting the price, deposit and timeline.
Form I
The agreement between two brokers sharing a deal.
NOC
A No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming that the property can be transferred and there are no outstanding charges.
SPA
The sale and purchase agreement, typically used for off-plan purchases from developers.
Ownership and costs
Freehold
Full ownership of the property, available to foreign buyers in designated areas. See freehold areas.
Leasehold
The right to use a property for a fixed term, often up to 99 years.
Title deed
The official document proving ownership, issued by the DLD.
Transfer fee
The 4% DLD fee on a property sale, usually paid by the buyer.
Service charge
The annual fee owners pay for building maintenance. See service charges.
Escrow account
A regulated bank account that holds off-plan buyers’ payments until construction milestones are reached.
Trustee office
A DLD-licensed centre where property transfers are completed.
Renting and finance
Rental index
The RERA index of average rents used to decide permitted rent increases. See rent increase rules.
RDC
The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, which resolves landlord and tenant disputes.
Security deposit
Money paid by a tenant at the start of a tenancy, refundable at the end subject to the condition of the property.
LTV
Loan-to-value, the mortgage amount as a percentage of the property value.
EIBOR
The Emirates Interbank Offered Rate, the benchmark for variable mortgage rates.
Snagging
An inspection of a new property to find defects before handover. See our snagging service.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and regulations change, so please confirm current requirements with our team or the relevant authority before you commit.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DLD and RERA?
The DLD is the land registry and government department for real estate. RERA is its regulatory arm, responsible for licensing and regulation.
What is Form F in Dubai?
Form F is the memorandum of understanding signed by buyer and seller once a price is agreed.
What is a Trakheesi permit?
A permit issued by the DLD that every property advertisement in Dubai must carry.
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