How to buy resale property in Dubai: a step-by-step guide
On the secondary market you buy a finished home from its owner, and the deal takes weeks, not years. Here is every step — from choosing an agent to the new title deed — and every cost on top of the price.
Step 1. Budget and costs on top of the price
Besides the price, budget for the 4% Dubai Land Department fee, the Trustee office registration fee (about AED 2,000 + VAT for properties under AED 500,000 and AED 4,000 + VAT above), the agent's commission (usually 2% + VAT), the title deed fee and, with a mortgage, mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan) and the bank valuation. Together this is usually 6–8% on top of the price.
Step 2. The agent and checking the property
Work with a broker licensed by RERA (the BRN can be checked in Dubai REST); the listing should carry a Trakheesi permit. Ask for a copy of the seller's title deed and check the owner, unit number and area. You sign Form B with your agent; the seller signs Form A with theirs.
Step 3. Viewing, offer and negotiation
Look at the building as well as the unit: common areas, parking, the service charge (published in the DLD service charge index) and any arrears. Ask whether the unit is tenanted: an existing lease passes to the new owner, and a tenant can only be asked to leave under the tenancy law. Offers are made in writing through the agent.
Step 4. MOU (Form F) and the 10% deposit
Once the price is agreed, both sides sign a memorandum of understanding at the agent's office — RERA Form F. It sets the price, the transfer date, who pays which fees and the exit terms. The buyer hands over a deposit, usually 10% of the price, as a cheque to the seller; the brokerage holds it until the transfer. If the buyer walks away, the deposit usually goes to the seller; if the seller does, it is returned with compensation.
Step 5. Mortgage (if needed)
Get a bank pre-approval before you sign the MOU. After the MOU the bank values the property and issues a final offer letter. Non-residents can usually borrow up to 50–60% of the value, residents more. If the seller has a mortgage, their bank issues a liability letter and the loan is paid off from the purchase money on transfer day.
Step 6. NOC from the developer
The seller requests a No Objection Certificate from the developer or the management company confirming that no service charges are outstanding. The NOC fee is usually AED 500–5,000 and the certificate is valid for a limited time, so it is obtained close to the transfer date.
Step 7. Transfer at the Trustee office
Both sides (in person or through a power of attorney) meet at a registered DLD Trustee office. The buyer brings manager's cheques: to the seller for the price (less the deposit), for the DLD fee and for the Trustee fee. The office checks the documents, the DLD registers the transfer and the new title deed in the buyer's name is issued electronically the same day.
Step 8. After the deal
Collect the keys and access cards, move DEWA and any chiller account into your name and register with the building's management company. If you rent the home out, the new lease is registered in Ejari. Owning a home in Dubai can also qualify you for a property-based residence visa — see our visa article for the conditions.
How PromptEstates helps
For ready homes PromptEstates shows the price per square metre against DLD transactions in the area, the expected rental yield and the full purchase cost including every fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much do the fees add to the price?
Usually 6–8%: the 4% DLD fee, the Trustee fee, the agent's 2% + VAT, the title deed and, with a mortgage, mortgage registration and valuation.
Who pays the DLD fee on a resale?
By market practice the buyer does, but the parties can agree otherwise — it is recorded in the MOU (Form F).
Can I buy a home that has a tenant?
Yes. The lease passes to the new owner; a tenant can only be asked to leave under the tenancy law, with 12 months' notice served through a notary.
Do I have to attend the transfer in person?
No: you can act through a notarised power of attorney (POA) given to a representative in the UAE.
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