How to Sell Your Property in Dubai: Process, Documents and Costs
Selling in Dubai follows a set sequence. Knowing it in advance avoids the delays that cost sellers money.
1. Price it correctly
Overpricing is the most common reason a property sits unsold. Base your price on recent sales of similar units in your building or community, not on other owners’ asking prices. A free valuation gives you a realistic figure. See also how to value your property.
2. Prepare the property and documents
- Title deed, passport and Emirates ID.
- If mortgaged: the outstanding balance and your bank’s settlement procedure.
- If tenanted: the tenancy contract. A tenant is entitled to stay until the lease ends, and to 12 months’ written notice if the buyer wants to move in.
- Clear any service charge arrears — the developer will not issue an NOC otherwise.
3. List it
You sign a listing agreement (Form A), and the property is advertised with a permit from the regulator. Good photographs and an accurate description matter more than anything else at this stage. You can list your property with us in a few minutes.
4. Agree the sale and sign Form F
When a buyer’s offer is accepted, both sides sign Form F — the sale contract — and the buyer lodges a deposit cheque, normally 10% of the price.
5. Apply for the NOC
You apply to the developer for the No Objection Certificate. Fees vary by developer, typically from a few hundred to a few thousand dirhams.
6. Settle the mortgage
If there is a loan, it must be cleared before or at transfer — either by the buyer’s funds through a blocking procedure at the trustee office, or by you. Check your bank’s early-settlement fee.
7. Transfer
At the trustee office you receive manager’s cheques for the price and the buyer receives the new title deed.
What the seller pays
- Commission, where applicable — usually 2% plus VAT.
- The developer’s NOC fee.
- Mortgage early-settlement fee, if any.
- Any outstanding service charges and utility bills.
The 4% DLD transfer fee is normally paid by the buyer.
Need to sell quickly?
If time matters more than the last few percent, read how to sell property fast in Dubai — and price for a quick sale from day one rather than reducing later.
Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), your bank or your advisor before you commit — this guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.