Process and documents
How quickly can I sell my property in Dubai?
The timing depends on finding a buyer, the documents, the developer and any mortgage. We confirm the expected steps after reviewing your case.
What documents do I need?
For a ready property you need the title deed, your passport (and Emirates ID if you have one), Form A with the agency, Form F with the buyer and the developer NOC. If the property is mortgaged, add a liability letter from your bank. If you sell through someone else, add a power of attorney that is notarised and legalised for use in the UAE. The full list is in our step-by-step guide.
What is a developer NOC and how long does it take?
A developer NOC is the developer's consent for the transfer. The developer sets its process and timing, and the NOC is needed before the sale is registered.
What are Form A and Form F?
Form A is the agency agreement between you as the seller and the licensed agency. Form F, also called the MOU, is the standard sale contract between you and the buyer. It records the price, the deposit, the transfer date and who pays which fees. Both are standard forms issued by DLD.
Costs
What does it cost, and who pays the DLD fee?
The main cost is the DLD transfer fee, a percentage of the price set by the current DLD schedule, which buyer and seller split as agreed in Form F. On top come the trustee office fee, the title deed fee, the developer NOC and, with a mortgage, release fees. Our cost guide lists each item with its source.
Off-plan
How do I sell off-plan before handover?
You assign your rights under the developer contract (SPA), and the remaining instalments, to a buyer. The developer must agree by issuing an NOC, and the sale must be registered with DLD in the Oqood system, otherwise it is void. We help you sell off-plan units to cash buyers; see selling off-plan.
How much must be paid before I can sell off-plan?
Your SPA and your developer set this, not a general law. Many developers allow a resale once a set share of the price has been paid. The applicable threshold is set by your SPA and the developer. We read your contract and payment statement on the first call. The procedure is explained in the off-plan assignment guide.
Selling from abroad and with a mortgage
Can I sell while living abroad?
Yes. You do not need to travel. A representative holding a power of attorney, notarised and legalised for use in the UAE, can sign for you and attend the transfer at a DLD trustee office, and as a non-resident you confirm your identity with a passport. Calls, document checks and coordination can all be done remotely. See selling from abroad.
Can I sell a property that still has a mortgage?
Yes. Settling the mortgage is part of the transfer. Your bank issues a liability letter with the outstanding amount, the loan is paid off from the sale, and the bank releases the mortgage so DLD can register the new owner. We confirm the balance with you on the first call.
Cash buyers and price
How does selling to a cash buyer work?
You describe the property in a short form, and we call you to talk about price and timing. We then present it privately to cash buyers on our list whose criteria match. If you accept a proposal, you sign Form F, the developer issues the NOC and ownership is transferred at DLD. Sellova does not buy property. Read more about the cash proposal.
Is a cash sale better than listing on the portals?
A cash sale suits you better if a quick decision matters more than getting close to your asking price. It usually means no bank approval and a faster decision, often at a price below the listing price. A public listing reaches more buyers and may get closer to your asking price, but takes longer. We compare both in cash buyer or public listing.
How is the price set, and can I say no?
We look at recent transactions in your building and area, current demand from cash buyers and your timeline. A cash proposal is usually below a listing price, and it usually comes with a faster decision. You can always say no. Registering and receiving a proposal commit you to nothing. You can also start with a valuation.
Emirates and licence
Do you help outside Dubai, for example in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. We work across the UAE, and Dubai is our main market. The rules differ by emirate. In Abu Dhabi, for example, sales are registered on the DARI platform of ADREC rather than with DLD. Read about selling in Abu Dhabi or selling in Dubai.
How can I check that an agency is licensed?
A real estate agency in Dubai must hold a licence registered with DLD and RERA, with an office registration number (ORN). Ask the agency for this number and check it in the official DLD registers. Our number is (RERA ORN 33387), and you can also find it on the About page.
Your question is not here?
Call us or fill in the form, and we will answer your question for your property.