Buyer guide
How to buy property in Dubai
The full Dubai purchase process in order: budget, offer, Form F, developer NOC, DLD transfer and keys — with who does what at each stage and what to check.
- Who can buy
- UAE residents and non-residents, in designated freehold areas
- Key agreement
- Form F (MOU) signed by buyer, seller and agents
- Government fee
- DLD transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price
- Where it completes
- A DLD-approved trustee office
- Proof of ownership
- Title deed issued by DLD
Step 1: Set the budget and financing first
Work out the total budget before viewing anything. The price is only part of it: the 4% DLD transfer fee, trustee and title-deed fees, agency commission and any mortgage costs all sit on top. Our buying costs guide lists each line item, and the property buying cost calculator helps you model them.
If you need a loan, get mortgage pre-approval before you make an offer. Sellers and agents take pre-approved buyers more seriously, and you will know your real ceiling.
Step 2: Choose the property and check it
Foreign buyers can own freehold only in designated areas; see freehold areas in Dubai. Work with an agent whose RERA licence you have checked (how to check a RERA-licensed agent) and confirm the advert carries a valid Madmoun QR code.
Before offering, view properly (our property viewing checklist helps), ask for the title deed copy, confirm whether the property is mortgaged, and ask for the current service-charge figure from Mollak. If it is tenanted, ask for the Ejari and tenancy contract.
| Party | Main responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Funds, pre-approval, viewing, signs Form F, pays DLD fee and own costs |
| Seller | Proves ownership, clears mortgage and service charges, obtains developer NOC |
| Agents | RERA-licensed; market, negotiate, prepare Form F, coordinate transfer |
| Developer | Issues NOC once dues are settled |
| Bank(s) | Buyer's lender values and funds; seller's lender issues liability and release letters |
| Trustee office / DLD | Checks documents and payments, registers transfer, issues title deed |
Step 3: Agree terms and sign Form F
Once price and terms are agreed, both parties sign Form F, the RERA memorandum of understanding. It records the price, deposit, completion date, who pays which fees and what happens if either side withdraws. The buyer usually hands over a security deposit cheque, typically held by the buyer's or seller's agent until transfer. Read Form F explained before you sign.
Step 4: NOC, mortgage and seller's loan
The seller applies to the developer for a no-objection certificate confirming no outstanding service charges or dues — see developer NOC explained. If you are borrowing, your bank values the property and issues the final offer. If the seller has a mortgage, their bank must be paid off at or before transfer and release a liability letter.
Step 5: How does transfer at the trustee office work?
All parties (or their attorneys) attend a DLD-approved trustee office. Payments are made by manager's cheque: the price to the seller (or part to their bank), the DLD fee and admin fees to DLD, and commission to the agent. The trustee checks identities, the NOC and payments, then submits the transfer. The new title deed is issued electronically in the buyer's name — see title deed and Oqood explained.
Step 6: What happens after transfer?
Collect keys and access cards, transfer DEWA and chiller accounts into your name (DEWA setup for owners), register with the building management for Mollak service charges, and arrange home insurance. If you plan to let the property, read our property management pages.
Common mistakes: paying a deposit before Form F is signed, not checking that the seller's name matches the title deed, assuming service charges are clear without the NOC, and leaving no buffer for fees. Buying off-plan follows a different path; compare the two in off-plan vs ready property.
Questions people ask
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-UAE nationals, resident or not, can buy freehold property in designated freehold areas. Ownership is registered with DLD in the buyer's name. See our guide to buying as a foreigner.
Do I need to be in Dubai to complete?
Not necessarily. You can appoint someone under a properly notarised and attested power of attorney to sign for you. Check the requirements with the trustee office first; our power of attorney guide explains the process.
Who pays the DLD transfer fee?
The fee is 4% of the purchase price. In Dubai the buyer customarily pays it, but Form F records the agreed split, so confirm it there. More detail in DLD transfer fee explained.
How long does a resale purchase take?
It depends mainly on the developer NOC, whether either side has a mortgage, and how quickly funds arrive. Cash deals without a seller mortgage are usually quicker. Agree a realistic completion date in Form F and track each dependency.
Talk to someone who will give you a straight answer
Tell us what you are trying to do. We reply on WhatsApp, usually the same day, and we will tell you if something is not right for you.
Enquire
Ask a question
Two minutes is enough. A consultant will reply on WhatsApp or by phone. We only use your details to answer this enquiry.
- No obligation, no pressure
- Straight answers, including when the answer is “not this one”
- Your details are never sold or shared for marketing