Abu Dhabi and Dubai compared
The two emirates follow the same logic: a sale agreement, the settlement of dues and any mortgage, and a registration that moves ownership to the buyer. The authority, the platform and the fees differ.
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | ADREC, DARI platform | DLD, trustee offices |
| Registration fee | a percentage of the contract value set by the current ADREC schedule, plus an e-services fee | a percentage of the price set by the current DLD schedule |
| Off-plan | the developer registers the sale on DARI | Oqood interim register |
If your property is in Dubai, see selling in Dubai.
The steps in DARI
- Application. The sale and purchase registration is submitted on DARI.
- Documents. The parties upload their identity documents (Emirates ID or passport), the sale agreement and the valuation form required by DARI.
- Fee. The registration fee and the e-services fee are paid on the platform.
- New title. Once the sale is approved, the new title deed is issued in the buyer's name.
If the property is mortgaged, the loan is settled and the bank releases its charge before registration. DARI charges a separate fee for that step under the current schedule.
Off-plan in Abu Dhabi
Off-plan sales in Abu Dhabi are registered on DARI by the developer. Whether you can assign before handover depends on your developer contract, the developer's consent and the registration rules for that property. We check those conditions in your documents before presenting the unit to buyers.
Costs
The main cost is the DARI registration fee under the current schedule for the contract value, plus the e-services fee. The split between seller and buyer is agreed in the sale agreement. With a mortgage, add the mortgage release fee and any bank charges. We compare the figures with the current ADREC schedule before you sign.
Who can own and sell
Foreign nationals can own property in Abu Dhabi in designated investment zones. If you own property there as a foreign national, you can sell it, and the buyer must also be eligible to own in that zone. Ownership rules depend on the zone, so we check the title and DARI requirements before taking the case.
How we help
We help you sell property in Abu Dhabi to cash buyers on our list. We do not buy property ourselves. Sellova is a brand of CARPE DIEM REAL ESTATE L.L.C (RERA ORN 33387). On the first call we review the property type, any mortgage and whether it is off-plan. If you live outside the UAE, see selling from abroad. How a cash buyer prices a unit is explained on the cash proposal page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the sale registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
The sale registration fee follows Abu Dhabi's current registration rules. The applicable amount and any split between buyer and seller are recorded for the transaction.
Who pays the registration fee?
Buyer and seller agree the split in the sale agreement. Settle it before the application is submitted, so the registration is not held up.
Can I sell off-plan in Abu Dhabi before handover?
It may be possible, depending on the developer contract, the developer's consent and the registration rules that apply to the property. We check those conditions before presenting it to buyers.
Which documents does DARI need?
DARI needs the identity documents of both parties (Emirates ID or passport), the sale agreement and the valuation form required for the registration. If the property is mortgaged, add the bank's liability letter and mortgage release.
Can a foreigner sell property in Abu Dhabi?
Foreign nationals can sell property in designated investment zones if the ownership and buyer eligibility requirements are met. We confirm the relevant rules for the property before taking the case.
Do I need to travel?
Often not. A representative may attend under a power of attorney, subject to the authority’s requirements. The required form depends on the authority handling the sale.
Own property in Abu Dhabi?
Tell us about it and we will help you sell.