Title Deed Verification in Dubai: Your Essential Guide

What is a title deed in Dubai?

Before understanding how to verify a title deed, it is important to understand what exactly it is. 

In Dubai, a title deed is a document that serves as proof that a person owns a property in the city. Only a person who has complete rights over a property will own a title deed in Dubai. Otherwise, if a person has a mortgage on the property, the original title deed will be with the bank, and the owner will have a copy of it to keep on file. 

A title deed is not only a legal document, but also highly important for any homeowner as it allows them to access services such as activating their DEWA for utilities, renting their property, registering a tenant’s Ejari, and telecommunications. 

This is why title deed verification in Dubai is of the utmost importance as it not only helps you avoid fraudulent property owners but also confirms that a property is legally owned. 

Difference between Dubai property deed & Dubai title deed

When people think about Dubai title deed verification, they often confuse a Dubai title deed with Dubai property deed. It is important to differentiate between both concepts. 

In essence, any property owner will possess both the property title and deed. The title refers to the ownership of the property and can be held by an individual or more than two people. The deed refers to the means through which the title is transferred - think of it as a legal document through which the ownership or title of a property is transferred.

Why is it important to check the authenticity of your Title Deed?

It is very important to go through the process of verification of a title deed in Dubai because it will protect the sizeable monetary investment you will make in a property.

It will help you ensure that the property is legally owned by the person who is claiming to be the owner. It will also help you find out whether the property has any encumbrances, liens, pending dues, or other legal claims. 

Steps to verify the title deed in Dubai

This article will now address the steps one can take for the verification of a title deed in Dubai. Following these steps will help you authenticate a title deed in Dubai much better. 

1. Understanding the title deed

Before title deed verification, you should be aware that it is a legal document that is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Each property title deed comes with unique information about the property and its owner. Once you know the details that must be present in a title deed, you will be able to authenticate it better. 

2. Cross-check information

Once you have been provided with a copy of the title deed, you can cross-check the information provided on the deed with the seller or the property developer.

It is important to confirm that details such as the property’s location, size, and ownership details match the information on the deed itself. If you come across any discrepancies, you can ask for further title deed verification from the DLD. 

3. Obtain a copy from the Dubai Land Department 

You can also obtain a copy of the official title deed from the DLD for verification. You can do this by visiting the DLD’s online portal and requesting to purchase copies of the title deed. As this is the Dubai Land Department’s title deed verification, you can rest assured that it is legitimate. 

4. Validate the title deed’s registration number

This is an important step in title deed verification in Dubai; checking its registration number. Each title deed in Dubai has a unique registration number, which can be utilized to cross-check the document’s authenticity. You can cross-check the registration number on the DLD website itself. 

5. Consult a legal professional

Consulting a legal professional for title deed verification in Dubai is always a good idea as they are seasoned professionals and can guide you through the legal significance of a title deed, while also ensuring that there are no pending disputes pertaining to the property.

Legal professionals can also help you conduct due diligence on both the seller and the property. 

Review the property’s history

Ensure to go through the property’s history to check if there have previously been any transfers of ownership or any mortgages registered against the title deed.

You can conduct this form of title deed verification in Dubai through the DLD or a real estate agent. 

Engage a RERA-registered broker

It is always advised to work with a RERA-registered real estate agent, as they operate under the regulatory body’s legal framework and abide by the Dubai real estate industry’s code of conduct. This will be the final step in your title deed verification process in Dubai. 

What must a title deed in Dubai include?

In a title deed in Dubai, you will find details including: 

• Property description, such as its location, boundaries, and size. 

• The name and identity number of the property’s legal owner/s.

• The property’s most recent transfer date. 

• The property’s buying price. 

• Any factors that make it difficult for the property to be sold. 

• Any factors that may restrict the purchase of the property. 

• Seal of the Deeds Registry Office to prove that the deed has been registered in the owner’s name, along with the signing date. 

Knowing the details a title deed must include will help you in the title deed verification process. 

What is the Dubai REST App?

The Dubai REST App is the DLD’s way of ensuring that title deed verification in Dubai is made easy for all - consider it RERA’s title deed verification app. This is the app you can utilize for title deed verification from the comfort of your home, rather than having to visit an office. 

Basically, it is an app that provides end-to-end real estate services and updates for property tenants, owners, sellers, and buyers. 

How to verify title deeds through the Dubai REST App?

Here is how you can go about with title deed verification in Dubai through the Dubai REST App:

1. Open the Dubai REST App

2. Select the ‘Services’ tab 

3. Select ‘Title Deed Verification’ from the services list 

4. Enter the required information:

   1. Title deed certificate number and contract number (for Oqood) 

   2. Certificate issuance year and contract year (for Oqood) 

   3. The property type 

   4. Owner’s name  

5. Select ‘Validate’ after entering the information 

Conclusion

While the process of verifying a title deed is relatively straightforward, it can be confusing for first-time property buyers in Dubai.

It is always recommended to contact an accredited real estate agent who can guide you through the process of title deed verification and Dubai’s dynamic real estate market.

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest real estate news and updates from Engel & Völkers Dubai. Get in touch with us at dubai@engelvoelkers.com or call us at 800 355.