Toggle between the two paths below to see the journey that applies to you. Tick off each step as you go — your progress is saved on this device, so you can come back to it as you move through the process. Already own a property and want to sell instead? See our selling journey timeline. Before you act on any step involving an agent, seller, or developer, see our verification & safety hub for the official tools to check them yourself.
Tick off each step as you complete it — your progress is saved on this device.
Set Your Budget & Get Mortgage Pre-Approved
7–14 days (if financing)💰 Free to apply; ~1% arrangement fee if you proceed
Before you view a single property, know exactly what you can spend. If you need financing, apply for mortgage pre-approval — most UAE banks process non-resident applications in 7–14 working days, and a pre-approval letter is typically valid for 60–90 days.
✅ Do
- Get pre-approved before you start viewing — it confirms your real budget and makes your offer credible.
- Budget for total costs, not just the price — expect 6.5–8% on top for DLD fees, agency commission, and NOC charges.
- Compare non-resident LTV limits across banks — most offer 50–60%, a few go up to 65%.
🚫 Don't
- Don't assume resident mortgage rates and LTVs apply to you as a non-resident buyer.
- Don't skip pre-approval — falling for a property you can't finance wastes weeks.
Find & Verify a RERA-Registered Agent
Same dayEvery legitimate Dubai broker must hold a personal Broker Registration Number (BRN) issued by RERA. Verify this before you engage anyone — it takes under two minutes on the Dubai REST app.
✅ Do
- Verify the agent's BRN and license status on the Dubai REST app before sharing any documents.
- Confirm which brokerage they're licensed under and check the listing's Trakheesi permit.
- Work with one trusted agent per property to avoid inflated, multi-listed asking prices.
🚫 Don't
- Don't wire money or sign anything with an agent who can't produce a personal broker card.
- Don't rely on WhatsApp-only contacts with no verifiable office or BRN.
Shortlist & View Properties
1–3 weeksOnce your budget is set and you have a trusted agent, start viewing. For resale properties, this stage is also your main due-diligence window.
✅ Do
- Check that the title deed name matches the seller's ID exactly.
- Ask your agent to confirm there is no outstanding mortgage, service charge arrears, or dispute on the unit.
- View at different times of day and ask directly about service charges and building rules.
🚫 Don't
- Don't rely only on photos or video walkthroughs for a resale unit — inspect in person.
- Don't skip checking the building's service charge history — arrears can delay your NOC later.
Make an Offer & Negotiate
1–5 daysOnce you've found the one, submit a written offer through your agent. Negotiation typically covers price, included furniture or fittings, and the deposit timeline.
✅ Do
- Put every agreed term in writing, even at this early stage.
- Negotiate on the total package — price, parking, furnishings — not price alone.
🚫 Don't
- Don't rely on a verbal agreement — nothing is binding until the MOU (Form F) is signed.
Sign the MOU (Form F) & Pay the Deposit
1–3 days💰 Deposit: typically 10% of purchase price
Your agent drafts the Memorandum of Understanding — officially DLD's Form F — through the Trakheesi system. This is the binding sale agreement, and you'll pay a security deposit at this point.
✅ Do
- Use the official Trakheesi-generated Form F — not a private, non-standard contract.
- Pay the deposit into a broker's regulated trust account or an agreed secure escrow — never the seller's personal account.
- Read the penalty clause covering either party backing out before transfer.
🚫 Don't
- Don't transfer the deposit directly to the seller — insist on a trust or escrow arrangement.
- Don't sign Form F before your due diligence (step 3) is complete.
Seller Obtains the NOC
3–5 business days💰 AED 500–5,000 (developer-set, usually paid by seller)
The seller must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the original developer, confirming there are no outstanding service charges or liabilities. Without it, DLD will not register the transfer.
✅ Do
- Confirm the NOC application was submitted immediately after Form F is signed — this step commonly bottlenecks the whole timeline.
- Ask upfront for the NOC fee amount and who's paying it.
🚫 Don't
- Don't book your DLD trustee appointment until the NOC is actually in hand.
- Don't accept a verbal "it's in progress" from the seller — get the physical or e-NOC.
Final Transfer at the DLD Trustee Office
Same-day appointment💰 4% DLD fee + AED 4,000–5,000 admin + AED 580 title deed fee (+0.25% + AED 290 if mortgaged)
Both parties — or Power-of-Attorney representatives — attend a Dubai Land Department office or an approved Trustee center to complete the transfer.
✅ Do
- Bring Emirates ID or passport, the signed Form F, the e-NOC, and manager's cheques for every payment.
- If financed, bring your bank's liability or final offer letter and confirm the mortgage registration fee.
- Confirm in advance exactly how the 4% DLD fee is split between buyer and seller — it is negotiable, not fixed by law.
🚫 Don't
- Don't bring cash — trustee offices only accept manager's cheques or bank transfer.
- Don't schedule the appointment until every document above is confirmed ready.
Receive Your Title Deed
Same day (digital)Once fees are paid and documents verified, DLD issues your Title Deed — your legal, freehold proof of ownership — usually digitally and instantly.
✅ Do
- Verify your name spelling, unit number, and plot or area details on the deed before you leave.
🚫 Don't
- Don't leave the trustee office without double-checking every detail on the issued deed.
Post-Purchase Setup
1–2 weeksWith the title deed in hand, the last step is putting the practical pieces in place.
✅ Do
- Transfer DEWA (utilities) into your name and clear any final balance from the previous owner.
- Register an Ejari contract if you plan to rent the property out.
- Update your home insurance and, if financed, confirm your mortgage account is active.
🚫 Don't
- Don't assume utilities transfer automatically — DEWA move-in is a separate step you must complete yourself.
📰 Sources & Further Reading
Process, fee, and timeline details in this guide are compiled from the Dubai Land Department's official property sale registration service, Property Finder's 2026 DLD fees guide, and Property Finder's 2026 non-resident mortgage guide. Fees and timelines are indicative and can change — always confirm current figures with DLD or your agent before transacting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to buy a ready property in Dubai?
A cash purchase typically takes 2-4 weeks from signing the MOU to receiving the title deed. It takes 4-8 weeks when a mortgage is involved, mainly due to bank processing and valuation time.
What is the difference between Oqood and a Title Deed?
Oqood is the interim registration certificate issued when you buy off-plan — your legal proof of ownership while the project is under construction. The Title Deed (Tasjeel) is the final freehold ownership document, issued after full payment and handover.
How much does it cost in total to buy property in Dubai?
Beyond the purchase price, budget an additional 6.5-8%: the 4% DLD transfer fee, AED 4,000-5,000 in admin and trustee office charges, the AED 580 title deed fee, agency commission (commonly 2%), and — for resale units — a developer NOC fee of AED 500-5,000. Mortgaged purchases add a 0.25% (+AED 290) mortgage registration fee.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Every buyer's timeline looks a little different once financing, developer NOCs, or a specific payment plan enter the picture. Talk to a Dahabi Homes consultant to map your exact path — and who to verify at each step.