5 min read
Updated: 23 Oct 2025

Property Status Enquiry Dubai: A 2025 Guide

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Key Takeaways:

A Property Status Enquiry in Dubai verifies ownership, mortgages, disputes, and construction status via the Dubai Land Department
Buyers and tenants can check property legitimacy online through the DLD portal or Dubai REST App using title deed details
The service is free when conducted directly, ensuring transparency, and protecting buyers and tenants from legal risks

With Dubai’s real estate market remaining strong in 2025 and transaction volumes near record highs, verifying ownership has become more important than ever, especially for buyers and tenants navigating a competitive and fast-paced environment.

One of the most important steps is conducting a Property Status Enquiry to verify the ownership and legal position of the property. In this guide, we take a comprehensive look at how to conduct a Property Status Enquiry, why it is so important, and what potential challenges you may face.

Table of Content

What Does Property Status Enquiry Mean?
Why Conduct a Property Status Enquiry?
How to Conduct a Property Status Enquiry in Dubai
Understanding Property Status Reports
Cost of Property Status Enquiry in Dubai
Property Status Enquiry for Buyers in Dubai
Property Status Enquiry for Tenants in Dubai
Common Issues in Property Status Enquiries
Can You Conduct an Enquiry Without the Owner's Consent?
Conclusion

What Does Property Status Enquiry Mean?

A Property Status Enquiry is a process used to verify the legal ownership and current status of a property. This process allows someone to confirm if the property that they are interested in does not have any disputes, encumbrance (a claim on the property) or any other form of legal issue.

This is essential to ensure that the property ownership is legitimate and that there shouldn’t be any legal problems that could hinder the purchase or rental of the property. In Dubai, property status enquiries are regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), making it easy for buyers, tenants, and investors to verify property ownership.

The process provides insights into:

Legal ownership of the property
Any outstanding mortgages or liens
Whether the property has any ongoing disputes
Construction status (for off-plan properties)

Why Conduct a Property Status Enquiry?

There are a number of reasons why doing a Property Status Enquiry is so important.

Reasons to do a Property Status Enquiry	Explained
Verification of Property Ownership	Before buying a property, you want to ensure that the person or business claiming ownership is the rightful owner. A Property Status Enquiry allows you to verify property ownership using official records from the Dubai Land Department.
Avoid Legal Disputes	If the property you want to buy or rent is involved in a legal dispute, this could lead to long delays and even losing money. A Property Status Enquiry can uncover any court cases or disputes on a property, helping you avoid issues down the line.
Status Of A Property	If a property is off-plan, the enquiry can help you clarify the status of a property, such as whether it is near completion or has any construction delays.
Security for Buyers and Sellers	Confirming the property status ensures that buyers are protected from fraud and all parties can confidently proceed with the transaction.

How to Conduct a Property Status Enquiry in Dubai

Thanks to Dubai’s advanced e-government systems, doing a Property Status Enquiry is a straightforward process. Here are three ways to check the status of a property.

1. Dubai Land Department (DLD) Website

The DLD has an online portal where you can check the status of a property. This is the most trusted and secure method to perform an enquiry, as it provides real-time data directly from the government.

Visit theDubai Land Department's official website.
Navigate to the "Property Status Inquiry" section.
Enter the necessary details such as the property’s plot number, title deed number, or property owner’s name.
Submit the information to receive a detailed report about the property’s ownership status, mortgages, and any legal encumbrances.

2. Dubai REST App

Dubai has launched the Dubai REST (Real Estate Self Transaction) app, which offers a mobile-friendly platform to conduct property-related enquiries, including verification of property ownership.

Download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
Register an account and log in.
Choose the “Property Status Inquiry” option and enter the required property details.
You can view all relevant ownership details and status reports instantly.

3. Through a Real Estate Agent

If you prefer not to complete the Property Status Enquiry on your own, you can work with a registered real estate agent or legal representative. They can conduct the enquiry on your behalf, ensuring that all details are accurate and valid. This option is often preferred by investors, particularly foreign real estate buyers, who are unfamiliar with Dubai's property market.

Understanding Property Status Reports

When you complete a Property Status Enquiry, you will get a detailed report which covers various aspects of the property. Here’s what to expect from a Property Status Report:

Property Status Report Sections	Explained
Ownership Details	The report will confirm the name of the legal owner(s) and the date they acquired the property. This is crucial for buyers to ensure they are dealing with the rightful owner.
Encumbrances and Mortgages	The report will reveal any financial obligations tied to the property, such as mortgages, liens, or any outstanding debts that must be settled before the transaction can proceed.
Construction Status	The report will provide updates on the construction status for off-plan properties. This will help investors and buyers determine whether the project is on schedule or if there are delays.
Disputes and Legal Cases	Any legal cases or disputes involving the property will be mentioned. This is particularly useful for avoiding properties with ongoing court cases that could affect the transfer of ownership.

Cost of Property Status Enquiry in Dubai

Wondering about the cost of a property status enquiry in Dubai? If you choose to verify property ownership yourself using the Dubai REST App or through the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) website, there is no fee, the service is completely free of charge.

However, if you prefer to work with a real estate agent to assist you with the enquiry, you may incur a service fee. This fee will vary depending on the agent and the scope of support provided, such as documentation, guidance, or handling the process on your behalf.

Property Status Enquiry for Buyers in Dubai

As a buyer, conducting a property status enquiry is a crucial step in the due diligence process. It helps ensure that the property you are interested in is free from legal complications, outstanding dues, or hidden liabilities — allowing for a smooth and secure path to home ownership.

To verify property ownership and legal status in Dubai, you can follow these steps:

Collect property details, including:
- Title deed number
- Property number
- Unit number
- Project name or developer
Use an official platform such as:
- The Dubai REST App
- The Dubai Land Department (DLD) website
- Or submit the details to your real estate agent to assist you
On either online platform, go to the ‘Property Status Enquiry’ section and enter the property details.
You’ll receive a detailed certificate or report, which may include:
- Ownership details
- Mortgage status
- Any ongoing legal cases or disputes
- Service charge payment history

This simple verification step can help you avoid costly surprises and move forward with confidence in your property purchase.

Property Status Enquiries for Off-Plan Resales

As more off-plan units approach handover in 2025–2026, buyers entering the resale market should always do their due diligence. A Property Status Enquiry can confirm:

Whether the seller is the registered owner with the developer or DLD
If there are delays in completion, changes in handover dates, or legal claims
The property's escrow registration status and payment plan obligations

For off-plan resales, it’s often advisable to conduct this enquiry alongside a review of the Oqood registration and escrow details to ensure a clean and legal transfer.

Property Status Enquiry for Tenants in Dubai

Verifying the property status is just as important for tenants as it is for buyers. A quick property status enquiry can help protect you from potential legal issues, ownership disputes, or complications related to unpaid service charges or mortgages — all of which could impact your tenancy.

To check the status of a property before signing a lease, follow these steps:

Gather key property information, such as:
- Title deed number
- Property number
- Unit number
- Project or development name
Access an official verification platform, such as:
- The Dubai REST App
- The Dubai Land Department (DLD) website
- Or consult with a real estate agent who can assist you with the enquiry
Navigate to the ‘Property Status Enquiry’ section and enter the property details.
You’ll receive a detailed report or certificate that includes:
- Ownership confirmation
- Property mortgage status
- Any ongoing legal cases
- Service charge payment history

This simple verification ensures peace of mind and protects your rights as a tenant in Dubai’s property market.

Common Issues in Property Status Enquiries

While the process of verifying property ownership is relatively straightforward, here are some common issues that can arise:

Incorrect Property Details

One of the most frequent issues is inputting the wrong property details, such as an incorrect plot number or title deed number. This can lead to incorrect reports. Double-check all details before submitting the enquiry to avoid delays.

Outdated Information

In rare cases, the information available on the DLD system may not be up-to-date. This can happen if recent transactions or legal changes have not yet been recorded. If you encounter this issue, contacting the Dubai Land Department directly or working with a legal professional is advisable.

In Dubai, the verification of property ownership doesn’t always require the owner’s consent. The property’s status and ownership details are public records so anyone with the required property details (plot number, title deed, etc.) can perform a property status enquiry. This ensures transparency in the real estate market and allows potential buyers or tenants to make informed decisions without the need for direct involvement from the property owner.

However, making a property status enquiry requires you to know certain information, like the title deed number. So, if you don’t know this information, you may need to speak to the property owner or work with a registered real estate agent who can help get the necessary information.

Conclusion

Making a Property Status Enquiry in Dubai is an important process for anyone involved in the real estate market. Whether you are buying, selling, or renting, verifying the property ownership ensures that the transaction can proceed without legal complications. By using the Dubai Land Department’s online portal or the Dubai REST app, you can easily verify property ownership, check for disputes, and ensure the property’s legitimacy.