Process guide
Buying property in Dubai: the process, costs and paperwork
The mechanics of a Dubai purchase are fast — a ready-property transfer can close in two to four weeks — but the order of steps and the fees attached to each are where buyers lose money. Here is the full sequence.
Off-plan: reservation to handover
You sign a reservation form and pay a booking deposit, usually 5–10%. The developer issues the Sale and Purchase Agreement, which is registered with the Dubai Land Department under Oqood at 4% of the purchase price plus administrative fees.
Instalments follow the construction milestones written in the SPA. Payments go into a project escrow account regulated by RERA — verify the escrow account number against the RERA project record before transferring anything.
At completion the developer issues a handover notice, you inspect and snag the unit, settle the final instalment, and title is transferred.
Ready property: MOU to title transfer
Buyer and seller sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) with a 10% deposit held by the agent or a registered trustee. If there is a mortgage on the property, the seller clears it and obtains a liability letter.
The developer issues a No Objection Certificate. Both parties attend a registration trustee office where the DLD transfer is executed and the new title deed is issued the same day.
The real cost stack
Budget 6–8% above the purchase price: DLD transfer 4%, trustee office fee AED 4,000–5,000, agency commission 2% plus VAT, mortgage registration 0.25% of the loan if financed, and the first year of service charges.
For off-plan, add developer administrative fees and, where applicable, the cost of a snagging survey before you accept handover.
What to verify before signing
Developer track record on delivered projects, not announced ones. Escrow registration. The exact service charge for the building. Whether the payment plan is milestone-linked or calendar-linked — calendar-linked plans keep running even if construction stalls.
FAQ
Do I need to be in Dubai to buy?
No. A purchase can be completed remotely through a notarised power of attorney, though most buyers attend or visit at handover.
What are the total fees when buying in Dubai?
Plan for 6–8% of the purchase price including the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, trustee fees, agency commission and registration costs.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?
Yes, several UAE banks lend to non-residents, typically at 50–60% loan-to-value with higher rates than resident financing.
Does buying property give me a UAE visa?
Property investment from AED 2 million can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, subject to current eligibility rules and title conditions.
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