Glossary: Dubai property terms explained simply
Buying in Dubai means meeting many abbreviations and technical terms. This glossary explains them in plain words, sorted alphabetically. Every term has its own anchor so you can link to it directly.
Branded Residence
A residential development created under the name of a luxury or hotel brand and often operated by it, with concierge and hotel services. Buyers usually pay a premium over comparable homes. More in our luxury property guide.
BRN (Broker Registration Number)
A broker's personal RERA registration number. Only brokers with a valid BRN may broker property in Dubai. It can be verified in the authority's official apps.
DEWA
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the utility for power and water. The housing fee is also collected via the DEWA bill (VERIFY). Registration requires a title deed or Ejari.
DLD (Dubai Land Department)
Dubai's land registry and real estate authority. It registers all transfers, issues title deeds and collects the 4% transfer fee. See purchase costs.
DTCM
The former name of Dubai's tourism authority (now the Department of Economy and Tourism), which issues holiday home permits. Short-term letting is not allowed without it. More in our rental guide.
Ejari
Dubai's official tenancy registration system. Every long-term lease must be registered; only then can utilities be connected, for example. Ejari protects both landlord and tenant.
Emirates ID
The official identity card for UAE residents. You receive it with a residence visa such as the Golden Visa. It is needed for bank accounts, leases and official matters.
Escrow
A trust account into which buyers pay off-plan instalments. The developer only receives funds according to construction progress. Before each payment check the account belongs to the registered project.
Form A / Form B
Standard brokerage agreements: Form A is signed by the seller, Form B by the buyer with their broker. They define services and commission. They are part of the regulated resale process.
Freehold
Full ownership of property and land without time limit. Foreigners may buy in designated freehold areas. Ownership can be inherited and freely sold.
Golden Visa
A ten-year residence visa available to, among others, property owners from AED 2m. It can include family members. Details in our Golden Visa guide.
Handover
The transfer of a completed property to the buyer. Before it, the handover payment is due and snagging takes place. At handover you receive the keys and can let the property.
Housing Fee
A Dubai Municipality fee charged via the DEWA bill and based on rent or rental value (VERIFY current rates). It is not a property tax but part of running costs.
Leasehold
A time-limited right of use, often up to 99 years, without land ownership. It is rarer than freehold in Dubai but exists in some areas. Check term and renewal rules carefully.
Makani
Dubai's official addressing system with a ten-digit number per building entrance. It helps with deliveries, authorities and emergencies. The number is usually displayed on the building.
Mortgage registration
With financing, the mortgage is registered with the DLD for a fee of 0.25% of the loan plus admin fee (VERIFY). See our financing guide.
MOU / Form F
The preliminary contract in a resale between buyer and seller. It sets price, deposit (often 10%) and deadlines. NOC and transfer at the DLD follow.
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
A developer certificate required before a resale. It confirms no outstanding service charges or payments. The developer charges a fee for it.
Off-Plan
Buying a property before or during construction directly from the developer. Payment is in instalments under a plan. More in our off-plan guide.
Oqood
The DLD's interim register for off-plan purchases. Oqood registration officially records your purchase before the title deed is issued on completion. The DLD fee is usually due at this point.
Payment plan
The contractual schedule of off-plan instalments, e.g. 60/40 or 80/20 (share before/after handover). Instalments are often linked to construction progress or dates. Check you can meet each one.
Post-handover payment plan
A plan where part of the price is paid after handover, often over two to five years. Rental income can help cover instalments. The title deed is sometimes only issued after full payment.
Power of attorney
A power of attorney lets a trusted person handle appointments such as the DLD transfer for you. Powers issued abroad usually need legalisation and Arabic translation (VERIFY).
Ready property
An already completed property that can be occupied or let immediately. It is usually bought on the secondary market. Advantage: you see what you buy.
RERA
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency, part of the DLD, which regulates Dubai's property market. It licenses brokers and developers, supervises escrow accounts and publishes the rental index. Popolari Estates is RERA-registered.
Secondary market
The market for resales between private owners, as opposed to first sales by developers. MOU/Form F, NOC and DLD transfer apply. Prices can be compared directly with similar properties.
Service Charge
Annual fee for maintenance, security and common areas, calculated per square foot. RERA approves the amount, which varies widely by building. It reduces net yield.
Snagging
The defect inspection before or at handover. Defects are reported to the developer for rectification. An independent inspector often finds more than a layperson.
SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement)
The purchase contract, especially for off-plan purchases from developers. It covers unit, price, payment plan, completion date and remedies for delay. Read it fully before signing.
Title Deed
The DLD certificate proving your ownership. It is issued after full payment or transfer, today mostly digitally. Its authenticity can be verified in official apps.
Trakheesi
Dubai's permit system for property advertising. Every listing needs a Trakheesi number or it is not permitted. If missing, be cautious.
Matching projects from our portfolio
Personal advice
Your questions, straight to Maximilian.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Oqood and title deed?
What does RERA regulate?
Do I need a NOC when buying?
What does freehold mean for foreigners?
Where can I find more answers?
This article is for general information only and does not replace tax or legal advice.