Purchasing real estate in the United Arab Emirates is a clear, well-regulated process designed to be simple and transparent for international investors. Buying directly from a developer offers one of the safest and most convenient ways to enter the Dubai property market — with minimal legal risk and a fully digital procedure.

Below is a step-by-step overview of how the process works, what documents you’ll receive, and how long each stage typically takes — from initial reservation to obtaining full ownership (Title Deed).

1. Presale and EOI: Securing Your Property Before Official Launch

Many Dubai developers start with a pre-launch or EOI (Expression of Interest) phase before the official release of a new project.

What this means:

• The project has not yet been formally registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
• Developers begin collecting preliminary interest from potential buyers.
• Buyers submit a refundable EOI deposit, typically between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000.
• The deposit remains refundable until the buyer selects a specific unit.

Why this stage matters:

• Prices are usually 10–15% lower than launch prices.
• Buyers get priority access to the best units by view, floor, and layout.
• Early investors gain an advantage for potential future resale.

Timeline: Around 1–3 weeks before the official sales launch.

2. Booking Form: The Beginning of the Transaction

Once official sales open, units are allocated to those who have submitted EOIs.

At this stage:

• You select your preferred apartment.
• You sign the Booking Form — the first legally binding document in the process.
• You make the initial payment, usually 10–20% of the purchase price.

The Booking Form serves as your official reservation confirmation. Based on it, the developer prepares the main contract — the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA).

Preparation period: Up to 3 months.

3. Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA): The Main Legal Contract

The SPA is the formal contract between the buyer and the developer.

It includes:

• Project details, layout, and completion date.
• Payment plan and installment schedule (if applicable).
• Obligations and rights of both parties.

Once signed, the SPA is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to ensure full legal protection.

4. Oqood: Interim Property Registration

After SPA registration, buyers receive an Oqood certificate — a temporary ownership document issued by the DLD for properties still under construction.

Oqood serves as:

• Official government confirmation of ownership.
• Legal basis for reselling the property before handover.
• Eligibility proof for a Golden Visa (for properties valued from AED 2 million and above).

Timeline: Typically 2–4 weeks after SPA registration.

5. Title Deed: Final Proof of Ownership

Once construction is completed and the building receives its occupancy permit, the Oqood is converted into a Title Deed— the final certificate of ownership.

The Title Deed:

• Is issued digitally by the DLD.
• Grants full ownership rights with no restrictions.
• Confirms 100% ownership under your name.

Timeline: Immediately after completion and handover, usually 1.5 to 3 years depending on the project.

Can You Buy Property Remotely?

Yes. The entire process — from EOI to Title Deed — can be completed remotely and online.
All you need is a valid passport. No UAE residency, visa, or personal presence is required.

Summary of the Buying Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI deposit)
2. Booking Form (reservation)
3. Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
4. Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
5. Oqood issuance
6. Construction phase
7. Handover inspection
8. Title Deed issuance

Typical Timeframe

• EOI deposit — 1 to 3 weeks before launch
• Booking Form — on the launch day
• SPA preparation — up to 90 days
• Oqood registration — 2 to 4 weeks
• Construction — 1.5 to 3 years
• Title Deed issuance — immediately after project completion

Want to know which projects are currently in the presale stage?
Contact us — we’ll help you find the best opportunities and manage your purchase from start to finish, even if you’re outside the UAE.