DLD’s Offer and Deposit Service Explained

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is the DLD’s Offer and Deposit Service?
• Key Features of the Offer and Deposit Service
• Step-by-Step Process for Buyers and Sellers
• Benefits for Property Buyers
• Benefits for Property Sellers
• Integration with Other DLD Services
• Legal Protection and Dispute Resolution
• Real-World Use Case
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Fees and Charges
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Final Thoughts
• Call to Action (Homecubes)

Introduction

Dubai’s real estate sector is  famous for innovation, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) continues to lead with digital services that streamline transactions and build investor trust. One standout initiative is the Offer and Deposit Service, designed to formalize property offers, protect deposits through escrow, and eliminate informal, risky deal-making.

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Part of a growing suite of trusted DLD services, this platform ensures transparency, legal clarity, and a smoother experience for both buyers and sellers. In this article, we’ll explain how the Offer and Deposit Service works, its key benefits, and why it’s quickly becoming essential for secure real estate transactions in Dubai.

What Is the DLD’s Offer and Deposit Service?

The Offer and Deposit Service is a digital platform provided by the DLD that allows buyers and sellers to submit a formal offer, deposit earnest money, and secure the transaction digitally—all before signing a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA). This ensures the commitment of both parties to the transaction while remaining compliant with Dubai’s property laws.

Launched via the Dubai REST platform, this service digitizes a formerly manual process and replaces paper-based negotiations with a transparent, secure system accessible to registered real estate brokers and developers.

Key Features of the Offer and Deposit Service

Here are some of the primary features that make this DLD service essential:

• Digital Submission of Offers
• Real-time Notification to Sellers
• Deposit Management via Escrow Accounts
• Secure Platform via Dubai REST App
• Audit Trail for Each Transaction
• Integration with Dubai Brokers’ Register

These features’ goal is to minimize fraudulent activity, eliminate ambiguous verbal agreements, and foster a transparent ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Process for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers:

1. Log in to the Dubai REST app using your UAE PASS.
2. Search for the property via your broker or developer.
3. Submit an Offer specifying price, terms, and duration.
4. Deposit a Predefined Amount (usually 10% of property value) via escrow.
5. Wait for Seller Response—acceptance or rejection.

For Sellers:

1. Receive Notification of the buyer’s offer through Dubai REST.
2. Review Terms such as pricing and conditions.
3. Accept, Reject, or Counter-Offer via the platform.
4. Once Accepted, the amount stays in escrow until the SPA is signed.
5. Complete the Transaction through registered DLD channels,then apply for the move-in permit if required.

Benefits for Property Buyers

• Trust and Protection: Buyers are assured that their deposit is secure in an escrow account and not handed directly to the seller.
• Transparency: Offers are officially logged with DLD, preventing miscommunication or manipulation.
• Reduced Risk of Fraud: All brokers are verified through the DLD’s registry.
• Convenience: Everything from offer to payment is doable digitally.

Benefits for Property Sellers

• Serious Buyers Only: The deposit serves as proof of intent, weeding out unserious offers.
• Digital Efficiency: No paperwork or in-person appointments required.
• Real-Time Decisions: Receive immediate alerts when offers are made.
• DLD Oversight: A neutral party (DLD) supervises the transaction, increasing trust.

Integration with Other DLD Services

The Offer and Deposit Service seamlessly interacts with other DLD services, including:

• Dubai Brokers Register: Only licensed brokers can submit offers.
• Trakheesi System: Valid listings must have Trakheesi numbers.
• Oqood System: For off-plan property registration and sale approvals.
• Ejari System: Ensures that post-sale tenancy agreements are compliant.

Tools like Dubai’s Smart Investment Map can also help investors spot new areas while relying on secure DLD infrastructure. By integrating with these platforms, the service minimizes compliance risk and streamlines all backend processes.

Legal Protection and Dispute Resolution

Offers submitted through the DLD platform have documented timestamps and terms, which can be used as legal evidence in case of disputes. If either party fails to proceed after accepting terms, the DLD may initiate a refund or forfeit process depending on the circumstances, ensuring fairness.

The DLD also provides access to the Rental Dispute Center and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) for any formal complaints or litigation.

Real-World Use Case

Case Study:

A buyer submitted an offer for a one-bedroom apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle. The seller accepted the offer within 48 hours via the Dubai REST app. The buyer deposited 10% of the property value into escrow. Due to an unforeseen delay on the buyer’s mortgage approval, the deal was paused.

Because of clear terms and secure funds with DLD, the seller retained the offer’s validity while the buyer sorted their finances. Eventually, the sale proceeded without legal hurdles—an outcome made possible by the Offer and Deposit system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Using a Registered Broker: Only licensed agents can access the service.
• Submitting Incomplete Offers: Missing documents or unclear terms delay approvals.
• Assuming Refund Guarantees: Deposits may not always be refundable if terms are breached.
• Ignoring Expiry Dates: Offers usually have a fixed validity period.

Fees and Charges

As of the most recent update:

• Submission Fee: AED 100 – AED 500 depending on property value.
• Escrow Deposit: Typically 10% of property price (refundable or forfeited based on terms).
• Digital Transaction Charges: Minor processing fees applied via Dubai REST.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Refer to the Dubai REST app for up-to-date pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I access the Offer and Deposit Service?

Via the Dubai REST app, available on iOS and Android, using UAE PASS.

Is the deposit refundable?

It depends. If the seller rejects the offer, yes. If the buyer withdraws after acceptance, the deposit may be forfeited.

Can off-plan properties be transacted using this service?

Yes, as long as the developer is registered with DLD and the listing has a valid Trakheesi number.

Do I need a lawyer?

While the DLD ensures compliance, legal advice is recommended for high-value or complex deals.

Is this service mandatory?

No, but it is highly recommended to protect both parties and ensure traceability.

Final Thoughts

Dubai’s real estate landscape continues to evolve with the integration of advanced digital tools, and the Offer and Deposit Service from the Dubai Land Department is a prime example of this transformation. By replacing informal negotiations and risky deposits with a regulated, transparent, and legally recognized platform, the DLD is not only increasing trust in the market but also enhancing investor confidence—both locally and internationally.

This service is particularly valuable in a market like Dubai where demand moves quickly, and buyers and sellers need assurance of respect and safety for that their time, funds, and intent. For buyers, it reduces the anxiety of potential scams or seller withdrawal. For sellers, it ensures they’re only dealing with serious offers backed by real financial commitment.

Moreover, this service aligns with Dubai’s broader smart government strategy by minimizing paper-based processes, supporting real-time decision-making, and increasing compliance with real estate laws. Its integration with other DLD services such as Trakheesi, Oqood, and Ejari further streamlines the transaction lifecycle, setting a new standard for real estate transactions.

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