The DLD steps
- Form A. You sign the agency agreement with us, as your licensed agency.
- Form F. You and the buyer sign the sale contract, with the price, the deposit and the transfer date.
- Developer NOC. The developer confirms that there are no outstanding service charges or other dues.
- Mortgage release. If the property is mortgaged, the loan is settled and the bank releases its charge.
- Transfer. Ownership is registered in the buyer's name at a DLD trustee office.
Each step is explained in detail in our guide on how to sell property in Dubai.
Seller documents
You will need the title deed, your passport (and Emirates ID if you have one), Form A, Form F and the developer NOC. With a mortgage, add your bank's liability letter. If someone signs for you, add a power of attorney that is notarised and legalised for use in the UAE.
Costs
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 developer NOC fee and, with a mortgage, the bank's release fees. The trustee office and title deed fees are paid at the transfer by the party agreed in Form F. Our guide to selling costs in Dubai lists each item with its source.
Your case
| Case | Extra step | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Off-plan | developer NOC, Oqood registration, minimum share of the price paid to the developer before resale set by your SPA and the developer | Sell off-plan |
| Mortgaged | bank liability letter and mortgage release | How to sell property in Dubai |
| Tenanted | existing tenancy contract and its Ejari registration | FAQ |
| You live abroad | power of attorney | Sell from abroad |
Off-plan. If your unit has not been handed over, you assign your developer contract to the buyer instead of transferring a title deed, and the sale is registered in Oqood.
Mortgaged. The loan is settled as part of the transfer, and we confirm the balance with you on the first call.
Tenanted. A property with a tenant can be sold. The tenancy affects which buyers it suits, and when the buyer can move in depends on the tenancy contract and the applicable rules.
Abroad. An attorney can sign for you and attend the transfer.
Dubai and the other emirates
Dubai sales are registered with DLD. Other emirates have their own authorities and fees. In Abu Dhabi, for example, sales are registered on DARI, the platform of ADREC. See selling in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently asked questions
Which documents does the DLD need?
DLD needs the title deed, the identity documents of both parties (passport, and Emirates ID for residents), the signed Form F and the developer NOC. If the property is mortgaged, add the bank's liability letter and, once the loan is settled, its release letter. If you use an attorney, add the power of attorney.
What does selling in Dubai cost?
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.
How long does it take?
There is no fixed time. It depends on finding a buyer, the documents, the developer NOC, any mortgage and the trustee transfer appointment.
Can I sell with a tenant in place?
Yes. A tenanted property can be sold, and the existing tenancy contract continues with the new owner subject to the tenancy contract and applicable rules. Tell us about the tenancy on the first call so we can present the property to suitable buyers.
Do I need to be in Dubai for the transfer?
No. You can give someone a power of attorney to sign and attend the transfer at the trustee office for you. See selling from abroad.
How is selling in Dubai different from Abu Dhabi?
Dubai sales are registered with DLD at a trustee office, while Abu Dhabi sales are registered on DARI, the platform of ADREC. The fees and the off-plan registration differ too. See selling in Abu Dhabi.
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