Question 1

How do I sell my property in Dubai, step by step?

Accepted Answer

Typical path: appoint a RERA-registered agent and sign Form A (or sell privately), get a Trakheesi permit to advertise, agree a price and sign the Form F MOU with a ~10% deposit, apply for the developer's NOC, then transfer the title at a DLD trustee office where the buyer pays and you hand over keys. Allow roughly 4-8 weeks once a buyer is found.

Question 2

Do I need an agent to sell, or can I sell privately and save the 2%?

Accepted Answer

You aren't legally required to use an agent, but only RERA-licensed brokers can obtain the Trakheesi permit needed to advertise on Bayut, Property Finder or dubizzle, so pure private listing is difficult. Agents charge about 2% + 5% VAT and handle pricing, viewings, buyer-vetting and transfer paperwork. You can sell privately to a known buyer and simply meet at the DLD trustee to transfer.

Question 3

What is the seller's NOC and how do I get it?

Accepted Answer

The NOC (No Objection Certificate) is the developer's confirmation that you've cleared all service charges and they don't object to the transfer. You (usually alongside the buyer) apply at the developer's office; it takes about 3-7 working days and costs roughly AED 500-5,000 depending on the developer. Clear any outstanding service-charge arrears first, as the NOC won't be issued until you do.

Question 4

What is Form F (the MOU) and what am I committing to when I sign it?

Accepted Answer

Form F, the Memorandum of Understanding, is the binding contract between you and the buyer. It records the agreed price, the deposit (typically 10%), who pays which fees, the transfer deadline and conditions such as vacant possession. It's signed through the DLD's Dubai REST system, and the deposit cheque is usually held by the agent or registration trustee. Pulling out without cause can forfeit the deposit.

Question 5

Do I have to pay tax on the profit when I sell my Dubai property?

Accepted Answer

For individuals there is no personal capital gains tax in Dubai, so the profit on selling your home or investment property is not taxed by the UAE, and there's no seller's income tax on the gain. Note: property held through a company may fall under the 9% UAE corporate tax, and your home country may still tax the gain depending on your tax residency.

Question 6

How do I sell my property if it still has a mortgage on it?

Accepted Answer

Request a liability letter from your bank showing the outstanding balance (5-7 working days). The buyer settles your mortgage, the property is 'blocked' at a DLD trustee office in the buyer's favour, the bank releases its charge, then title transfers. Any early-settlement fee is capped at 1% of the balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower. Expect roughly 3-6 weeks overall.

Question 7

Can I sell my off-plan unit before handover?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, by assignment (transferring the SPA to a new buyer). Most developers require you to have paid a minimum share of the price first, commonly 30-40% (verify against your SPA), then issue a resale NOC for a fee of roughly AED 1,000-5,250 + VAT. The transfer is registered via Oqood at the DLD. Some developers restrict resale until a set stage, so check your contract.

Question 8

What does it actually cost me, the seller, to sell?

Accepted Answer

Main seller costs: agent commission around 2% + 5% VAT, the developer NOC fee (~AED 500-5,000), and, if mortgaged, an early-settlement fee capped at 1% or AED 10,000. The 4% DLD transfer fee is customarily the buyer's, though the MOU can split it. Also budget a few thousand dirhams for trustee/admin and clearing any service-charge arrears before the NOC.

Question 9

Who pays the 4% DLD transfer fee, me or the buyer?

Accepted Answer

By market convention the buyer pays the 4% DLD transfer fee, plus the trustee office admin fee (around AED 4,000). It isn't a fixed legal rule, so the split can be negotiated and written into the Form F MOU; occasionally sellers offer to share it to close a deal. As the seller, your own core costs are the agent commission and the developer NOC.

Question 10

How do I work out what my property is worth and price it right?

Accepted Answer

Base your price on recent comparable sales in your own building or community, not on asking prices. Free DLD transaction data is available via the Dubai REST app, Dubai Pulse and portal price-trend tools; adjust for floor, view, size, condition and upgrades. For a formal figure you can commission a RERA-approved valuation. Overpricing is the single biggest reason listings sit unsold.

Question 11

Do I need a permit to advertise my property on Bayut or Property Finder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every legal property advert in Dubai needs a Trakheesi permit from the DLD, and its number must appear on the listing across Bayut, Property Finder, dubizzle and even social media. Permits cost around AED 220 and are valid about 60 days. Only RERA-licensed brokers can issue them, which is why portal listings normally run through an agent.

Question 12

How long does it take to sell a property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A well-priced apartment in a strong area often attracts a buyer within a few weeks; villas and luxury homes can take 60-120 days. After you agree terms, the legal transfer typically adds another 4-8 weeks, longer if a mortgage (yours or the buyer's) is involved. Correct pricing and clean, ready paperwork are the biggest levers on speed.

Question 13

Can I sell my Dubai property if I live abroad and can't travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You grant a notarised Power of Attorney to a trusted representative or your broker to sign and attend the DLD transfer. If you're outside the UAE, the POA must be signed at a UAE embassy or notarised, legalised and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2026 you also need a UAE bank account in your own name to receive the proceeds.

Question 14

Can my Power of Attorney holder collect the sale money for me?

Accepted Answer

No. Under 2026 DLD/AML rules the buyer's manager's cheque must be issued to the registered owner, and proceeds must go to a UAE bank account in the seller's own name; a POA holder can no longer receive the funds on your behalf. The POA can still sign documents and attend the transfer, but open your own UAE account first (verify current wording).

Question 15

Can I send the sale proceeds to my home country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The UAE has no foreign-exchange controls and no restriction on repatriating property-sale proceeds, and there's no exit or withholding tax on the transfer itself. Funds usually reach your UAE account on transfer day; you can then wire them abroad, typically arriving within 1-3 business days. Your home country may still tax the gain, so plan for any liability there.

Question 16

How do I avoid time-wasters and check a buyer is actually serious?

Accepted Answer

Qualify buyers before viewings: ask cash buyers for proof of funds (recent bank statements) and mortgage buyers for a pre-approval letter. Lock commitment with the Form F MOU and a ~10% deposit cheque so backing out carries a cost. A good agent pre-screens enquiries. Be wary of anyone pushing to skip DLD steps, trustee escrow, or independent title verification.

Question 17

What documents do I need to sell my property?

Accepted Answer

Core documents: the original title deed (or Oqood for off-plan), your passport, plus Emirates ID and visa page if you're a resident. You'll also need the developer NOC, a signed Form A if using an agent, and the Form F MOU with the buyer. Mortgaged sellers add the bank liability letter; overseas sellers add a notarised, attested Power of Attorney.

🤝 Selling & Exit