STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SELLING REAL ESTATE IN DUBAI

1. Prepare Your Property for Sale

First impressions matter. Enhancing the appearance of your property gives you a better shot at a quicker sale and a higher price. Repair any visible damage or maintenance issues, apply a fresh coat of paint if needed, and make sure the space is clean. For villas, don’t forget to tidy up the garden. Remember: most buyers aren’t seasoned investors — they need help visualizing the potential of a property. The goal is to make it as move-in-ready as possible.

2. Get a Professional Property Valuation

A knowledgeable real estate agent will visit your property and assess its value based on factors like location, size, layout, and recent sales in the area. Correct pricing is key — too high and you scare off buyers, too low and you leave money on the table. Your agent may also use tools like DXBinteract.com to compare with recent transactions, rental yields, and other real-time market data.

3. Legally List Your Property

To officially list your property in Dubai, you’ll need to sign Form A (also known as Contract A) with your agent. This is a legal requirement from the Dubai Land Department. You’ll also need to submit a copy of your title deed (or Oqood), passport, and Emirates ID. The broker then obtains a marketing permit to advertise the property across various platforms.

4. Market Your Property Effectively

The first four weeks are critical — most homes sell during this period if marketed correctly. High-quality professional photography, well-written descriptions, and premium listings on property portals are essential. Good agents also leverage social media, email marketing, and targeted ads to broaden exposure. Premium marketing tools often help your listing stand out from the crowd.

5. Arrange and Conduct Viewings

Your agent will schedule and manage property viewings for potential buyers. A professional agent does more than just open the door — they’ll highlight features, answer questions, and provide insights into the property and neighborhood. Make sure they have easy access to the property and all the necessary documents. A smooth viewing experience builds buyer confidence and increases the likelihood of a sale.

6. Negotiate and Agree on Sale Terms

When an interested buyer makes an offer, your agent will handle negotiations to align both parties on price and terms. A serious buyer usually provides a 10% deposit cheque as a sign of commitment. Once terms are finalized, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Form F, which can also be done digitally via OTP and SMS. The deposit is held securely by the broker until the transaction is complete.

7. If You Have a Mortgage on the Property

If your property is financed, the buyer must clear your outstanding mortgage before proceeding. To speed things up, request a liability letter from your bank as soon as the MOU is signed — this can take up to two weeks. If the buyer is paying cash, a blocking process can be initiated at the DLD Trustee Office to protect the mortgage repayment. If the buyer is taking a loan, both banks coordinate the settlement.

8. Apply for the NOC (No Objection Certificate)

You’ll apply for the NOC at your developer’s office, or online if available. This certificate confirms that all service charges are paid and that any property modifications have been approved. NOC fees range from AED 500 to AED 5,000 + VAT, depending on the developer and property type. Some developers also require a refundable deposit from the buyer. If modifications were made without approval, the developer may request rectification before issuing the NOC.

9. Disconnect Utilities

Contact service providers like DEWA to schedule disconnection of water and electricity services. This step should align with the agreed transfer date. Most disconnections can be requested online and are completed within 24–48 hours.

10. Final Transfer at Dubai Land Department

Once the NOC is issued, the buyer and seller meet at a DLD-approved trustee office for the official transfer. The buyer provides manager’s cheques for:

• The full purchase amount (payable to the seller)

• The 4% DLD transfer fee

• The trustee office admin fee, which varies:

  • AED 4,200 + VAT for ready properties over AED 500,000

  • AED 2,100 + VAT for ready properties under AED 500,000

  • AED 5,250 + VAT for company-owned property

  • No trustee fee for off-plan properties, as transfers are handled directly by developers.
    After completion, the DLD issues a new title deed to the buyer. Service charges and rents already paid are usually split between buyer and seller on a pro-rata basis.

11. Re-check Your Price with DXB Interact

Before sealing the deal, double-check current market trends with tools like DXB Interact. It gives you data on property values, transaction history, and pricing fluctuations. Making an informed pricing decision at the final stage ensures you remain competitive and helps secure serious buyers.