Essential Arabic Real Estate Terms
1. Title Deed (Sahifat Al Milkiya - صحيفة الملكية)
The title deed is an official document that establishes ownership of a property. It is issued in Dubai by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Before buying an asset, one should always verify the title deed.
2. Freehold (Milkiya Hurra - ملكية حرة)
Freehold properties convey absolute ownership of the property and the land on which it is built to the buyer. Foreign individuals can buy freehold properties in specific parts of Dubai.
3. Leasehold (Haq Al Intifa'a - حق الانتفاع)
Leasehold properties give ownership for a limited period, ranging from a few decades, such as 30 years, to 99 years. After the termination of the lease period, ownership is reverted to the landowner.
4. Ejari (إيجاري)
It is the official contract registration system for rents in Dubai. This system provides legal protection for both tenants and landlords in their leasing arrangements; it is mandatory for every rental agreement.
5. Oqood (عقود)
Oqood is the online application system for Dubai Land Department's registration of UAE off-plan property sales. It ensures the transparency of property transactions between buyers and developers.
6. Down Payment (Al Duf'a Al Oula - الدفعة الأولى)
It refers to the first installment that occurs as a cost when the property is bought. In Dubai, this down payment usually falls between 20% and 50% because expat buyers typically have at least a 20% minimum down payment for ready properties.
7. Service Charges (Rasoom Al Khidmaat - رسوم الخدمات)
These are charges that the residents of the building or community pay to manage the common areas, such as security, landscaping, janitorial services, etc.
8. Developer (Al Mottawer - المطور)
The company is responsible for building and selling the property. It is paramount to choose a developer with a good reputation and strong credentials.
9. No Objection Certificate (NOC - شهادة عدم ممانعة)
The NOC is one document needed while selling or transferring ownership of property. The developer issues it to prove no outstanding payments or disputes.
10. Mortgage (Rahn Aqari - رهن عقاري)
A mortgage is a loan that banks and other financial institutions extend to house property buyers.
11. Trakheesi (ترخيصي)
Trakheesi, the licensing system for brokers and real estate professionals in Dubai, is a crucial phrase in UAE real estate. Through the DLD website, it enables transactions and provides services such as agency licenses, advertising permits, and broker E-cards.
12. Makani (مكاني)
Makani, which translates to "my location," For buildings in the United Arab Emirates, Makani is a 10-digit smart addressing system. It helps with GPS or smartphone navigation by providing accurate geo-tagged places.
13. Tawtheeq (توثيق)
Tawtheeq verifies tenancy contracts in Abu Dhabi, just like Ejari does in Dubai. It guarantees easy processing of visas, parking permits, utility connections, and rental registrations. Online renewals are available.
14. Musataha (مساطحة)
A public-private partnership that permits investors to build on land they have leased for a maximum of 50 years without acquiring ownership. Assets return to the government at the end of the period.
Familiarising yourself with these Arabic real estate terms will most definitely help with your real estate journey. Whether you're ,buying a property in Dubai as a home or investment, understanding these key terms will help prevent confusion among all parties involved.
