How to sell a property in Dubai
The whole process step by step: from valuation and documents, through Form A and Form F agreements, to the NOC and the transfer at the Dubai Land Department. No jargon, with costs and order.
Selling a property in Dubai is orderly and predictable, once you know the sequence. It starts with a valuation and ends with the transfer of ownership at the Dubai Land Department and a new title deed issued to the buyer. Below is the whole path, with the documents and costs, in plain language.
Selling step by step
Selling in Dubai is predictable, once you know the sequence of steps. It starts with a valuation and ends with the transfer of ownership and a new title deed issued to the buyer.
Below is the whole path gathered in one place, so you can take it in before you begin.
- Valuation. You set a realistic price on the basis of completed transactions, not listings.
- Agreement with an agent. On an exclusive mandate you sign Form A, which puts the price and the sales plan in order.
- Preparation and marketing. Photography, a description, a legal listing (Trakheesi) and reaching buyers.
- Offers and negotiation. You choose a buyer and agree the terms.
- Form F (MOU). You sign the sale agreement, the buyer pays a deposit, usually 10%, with a trusted intermediary.
- Developer NOC. The developer confirms there are no arrears and consents to the transfer.
- DLD transfer. Ownership passes, the transaction is settled and a new title deed is issued to the buyer.
When you see the whole route at once, no stage takes you by surprise. Let us go through it together, from the first step to the last.
The documents you will need
Missing documents are the most common reason a sale is delayed. Preparing them in advance can shorten the whole thing by weeks.
Below are the papers usually needed on the seller’s side.
- The title deed to the property.
- An identity document, and for a non-resident also a power of attorney, if a representative is acting.
- The tenancy and Ejari details, if the property is let.
- With a mortgage: the current balance and the bank’s terms for releasing the charge.
If you gather them early, the transfer goes much faster. Note down what you have to hand and we will point out what is still missing for the transfer.
Selling costs, who pays and how much
Before you decide, it is worth working out what will really be left in your pocket after the sale. The net result comes down to several costs on both sides of the transaction.
The table below shows their typical breakdown and who usually covers them.
| Cost | Who usually pays | Order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Agent’s commission | the seller | usually 2% of the price |
| NOC fee (developer) | the seller | a few thousand AED |
| Mortgage release, where there is one | the seller | per the bank |
| DLD transfer fee | usually the buyer | 4% of the price |
| Transfer office (trustee) | usually shared | fixed, a few thousand AED |
The exact sums and the split are settled before the transaction. Ask for a full cost breakdown and you will know the net result before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions.
Where do I start when selling a property in Dubai?
With a sound valuation based on completed transactions. The right price from the outset decides whether the sale goes quickly or the listing sits for months.
How does Form A differ from Form F?
Form A is an agreement between an owner and an agent to sell, usually on an exclusive mandate. Form F (MOU) is the sale agreement between the seller and the buyer, signed before the transfer.
How much does it cost to sell a property in Dubai?
On the seller’s side it is usually a commission of around 2%, the developer’s NOC fee and any mortgage release. The DLD transfer fee of 4% is most often covered by the buyer.
How long does a sale take from offer to transfer?
With cash and a complete set of documents it can be short, counted in weeks. A mortgage on the buyer’s side, arrears or missing papers lengthen the process. So we prepare the documents in advance.
Do I have to be in Dubai to sell?
No. A sale can be carried out remotely on the basis of a power of attorney. We cover this separately on our page for non-resident sellers.
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Want to go through this with no surprises? We will guide you step by step.
From valuation to the DLD transfer. With clear costs and one person to contact.