Finding the right property in a market as broad as Dubai is a milestone in itself. The market is moving faster than ever, with 226,000 transactions recorded in 2024 alone. Many buyers invest in real estate for certainty and financial protection – both of which begin with one crucial document: the title deed.
In simplest terms, a title deed is the legal document that confirms you are the rightful owner of a property in Dubai. Issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), it records all relevant details of the property, including its location, plot number, boundaries, and size, as well as the owner’s full name and identification number. It also reflects the final sale price and date of registration, as authenticated by the DLD.
The title deed is the foundation for everything that follows in the real estate journey, and verifying it against the official DLD record is an essential part of due diligence.
For buyers, deed verification confirms the seller’s legal ownership and flags any encumbrances, such as court orders, mortgages, or even fraud. As a seller, it ensures your own records are accurate and up to date before listing. Errors or missing information in the deed can cause delays at best, or legal disputes at worst.
How To Verify A Title Deed in Dubai
The good news is that the verification process in Dubai is quick, digital, and can be completed by yourself from home. There are two platforms where you can verify a title deed: the DLD’s official website and the Dubai REST (Real Estate Self Transaction) mobile app, which is available on both Android and iOS. Both services allow you to verify a deed by cross-referencing its information against the DLD’s secure database.
The DLD recently integrated blockchain technology into its records system, meaning that verifications are not only secure but also immediate.
To complete the process on the DLD website, go to ‘Services’, then ‘Popular Services’, then ‘Title Deed Verification’. You will need:
Certificate (Title Deed) Number
Year of issuance
Property type (land, villa, or unit)
Owner’s name (as printed on the deed)
On the REST app, you’ll find ‘Title Deed Verification’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
For off-plan purchases where the formal title deed has not yet been issued, the Oqood contract can be used. In this case, enter the Oqood number and year instead.
Once the information is entered, the system will display the deed’s verification status within a minute or two.
Ideally, you will see ‘valid’, which means the deed is authentic and up to date. If there’s a legal dispute, the status will read as ‘restrained’. If the deed is frozen and cannot be transferred – e.g. due to a court order – it will read as ‘blocked’.
The biggest potential red flag is a verification status that shows as ‘invalid’, which could mean the deed is either incorrect, outdated, or not officially recognised. In such cases, it’s essential to double-check the information and consult with the DLD directly or seek professional guidance before proceeding with the transaction.
Best Practices When Verifying A Title Deed
The DLD’s online verification tools are reliable and straightforward, but seasoned high-net-worth buyers often take additional steps to ensure due diligence, especially in high-value or complex transactions. A thorough cross-check is a good place to start: for ready properties, every detail listed on the title deed should precisely match the information provided by the seller. For off-plan purchases, buyers should review the Oqood registration and ensure all unit details align exactly with what’s been promised by the developer. Even minor inconsistencies should be clarified before moving forward.
For added assurance, you can request an official copy of a title deed directly from the DLD for a small fee. Issued from the source, it gives you the confirmation that the version you’ve been provided is accurate and up to date.
If the property has changed hands several times, it may also be worth requesting a Property Status Report. This DLD-issued document offers a much broader view of the property’s background, including legal activity, previous ownership, and any registered mortgages.
Working with a RERA‑registered expert, such as a Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty agent, can also make a meaningful difference. Experienced brokers understand the technical aspects of compliance and verification of real estate-related documents, guiding you through online submission or even liaising with the DLD via Power of Attorney if required. Their role is to streamline the process on your behalf, ensuring that every step is executed properly and your interests are protected.
Final Thoughts
Though it’s a small step in the buying or selling process, verifying the title deed is your first line of defence in the face of uncertainty. It confirms ownership, flags potential legal or financial issues, and ensures that the transaction is based on accurate, official records – before any contracts are signed or funds exchanged. The process can be completed in minutes through the Dubai REST app or DLD portal, from anywhere in the world.
Through the app, you can also register Ejari, request NOCs, check service charges, and keep tabs on market trends, with no paperwork and no guesswork.
At Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, we navigate the buying and selling process with precision, drawing on decades of local experience and a global standard of care. If you're entering Dubai’s prime or super prime market and seeking expert guidance, please get in touch and a member of our team will be glad to assist you.
