Buying a ready property from an existing owner in Dubai follows a well-defined process supervised by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Knowing the order of the steps helps you plan your budget and timeline, and makes it easier to spot anything unusual before you commit.
1. Agree the price and terms
Once you have found the right home, the price, payment method, handover date and any conditions (for example a mortgage approval) are agreed between buyer and seller, usually with the help of their brokers. In Dubai these terms are recorded in a memorandum of understanding between buyer and seller, commonly known as Form F, and a deposit is normally held until the transfer.
2. Check the property and the seller's documents
Before signing, confirm that the seller is the registered owner, that the unit details match the title deed, and whether the property is mortgaged or tenanted. A tenancy continues under its contract, so ask for a copy of the lease and the Ejari registration if the home is rented.
3. No-objection certificate from the developer
For most units the seller requests a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the master developer, which confirms that service charges have been paid and that the developer has no objection to the sale.
4. Mortgage approval, if you are financing
If you are buying with a mortgage, your bank values the property and issues the final offer before the transfer. If the seller still has a mortgage, their bank provides a liability letter and the outstanding balance is settled as part of the transaction.
5. Transfer at a DLD trustee office
The transfer takes place at a registration trustee office authorised by the DLD. Buyer, seller (or their representatives) and any banks attend, the payments are made, and the DLD registers the new owner. The title deed is issued electronically and linked to the buyer's identity.
Costs to budget for
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the purchase price, plus administrative charges. Who pays it is agreed in the contract; in practice it is usually the buyer.
- Trustee office fee and VAT on service fees.
- Mortgage registration and bank fees if you are financing.
- Brokerage commission as agreed in your brokerage contract.
Fees are set by the authorities and can change, so always check the current schedule on the DLD website or with the trustee office before you budget.
How ORA Properties helps
Our consultants guide you through each step, coordinate with the seller's side, the developer and the trustee office, and make sure you know every cost before the transfer day.