How to:
Buy in Dubai

The first and most important thing to do is set a budget. If you are a cash buyer, you also need to ensure that the funds are UAE-accessible when the time comes to transfer.

If you need a mortgage then having a reputable mortgage advisor on your side is a must. They can arrange bank pre-approval, which will dictate your spend. Don’t forget, a minimum 20% deposit is required for mortgage approval.

Once you’ve set your budget, find a trustworthy RERA-qualified broker (ask to see customer testimonials as well) who can find your dream home or investment property. You will need to sign a Form B contract with your broker to formalise offer negotiation representation.

Get mortgage pre-approval and have your 10% unit deposit ready, so you can fast-track negotiations once you’ve found the perfect property and are ready to make an offer.

Once both parties are agreed on price, they will enter into a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which RERA calls Form F. The MoU must include full details of the contract you are entering into (such as rent paid or service charges due) as well as the agreed length of time until formal transfer. This is done via the Dubai Brokers App and you will also need to hand over a current dated cheque, made out to the seller for 10% of the total unit price. A post-dated commission cheque made out to the brokerage you are using is also required at this stage.

Professional conveyancing services are usually required to assist with the sales process. A good conveyancer will hold your hand every step of the way.

Prior to the purchase, the seller will need to obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer that built the property. This is your assurance that the property is free from any outstanding service charges.

If there is already a mortgage on the property you are purchasing, you will need to go through a ‘blocking’ process. The seller is obligated to obtain a liability letter from their bank, after which you will visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to ‘block’ the property. This is done through four cheques: one in the name of the seller’s bank for the outstanding mortgage; one in the name of the seller for the remainder of the purchase price; one in the name of DLD to cover the 4% transfer fee; and a final manager’s cheque* made out to the agency. *A manager’s cheque is a secure payment order (cheque) issued by the bank to an individual who has purchased said cheque.

On property transfer day, you will meet at the broker’s office, along with your conveyancer and the seller. Property purchases can only be made in cash or by manager’s cheques, so don’t forget to have these ready. You will also need the 4% transfer fees cheque for DLD. Once the transfer is completed and the sale is DLD registered, you will receive your new title deed and property keys/access cards.

Congratulations, you are now a homeowner! One final task is to make sure all utilities are registered under your name.