The property purchase procedure in Dubai step by step

Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner is simpler than many Poles expect — you do not need residency or a visa, and the whole process is strictly regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA. Here is what it looks like step by step.

1. Choosing the property and reservation

After choosing a property (ready or off-plan), the buyer signs a reservation form and pays a deposit (usually 5–10% of the value), reserving the property while the contract is prepared.

2. Sales agreement (MOU / SPA)

The parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding or a Sale and Purchase Agreement setting out the terms of the transaction, the payment schedule and the handover date. For resale properties it is standard to pay a deposit of about 10% of the value at this point.

3. NOC certificate from the developer (resale market)

Before the transfer of ownership, the seller must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the developer’s office — confirmation that there are no outstanding service charges and consent to the transfer of ownership.

4. Oqood registration (off-plan properties)

When buying off-plan, the property is registered in the interim Oqood register kept by the DLD, and the buyer’s payments go to an escrow account protected by law — the developer has no access to them until subsequent stages of construction are completed.

5. Transfer of ownership at a DLD trustee office

Both parties (or their attorneys) appear in person at one of the Dubai Land Department trustee offices with identity documents and proof of payment. The DLD verifies the documents, collects the transfer fee and issues a new title deed — usually on the same day.

6. Transaction costs

The main costs on the buyer’s side are: the DLD registration fee of 4% of the property value, an administrative fee (about AED 580 for an apartment, AED 430 for a plot), the trustee office fee (AED 2,000–4,000 depending on the value of the transaction) and the agency commission, usually about 2% of the property value. When buying with a mortgage, a mortgage registration fee is added.

7. Key handover

After the title deed is registered, the buyer receives the keys (ready properties) or waits for construction to be completed according to the developer’s schedule (off-plan).

Wondering whether it is a good investment? See whether it is worth buying property in Dubai →