The Process of Buying Property in Dubai
Buying a home in Dubai is simpler than many international buyers expect. The process is transparent, digitised and can be completed within two to four weeks. In this guide we walk through every step, from the first orientation to the handover of the keys, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Orientation and property selection
The process begins with a thorough orientation. Augusta Properties maps out your requirements, budget and objective (own use, letting, investment or a combination). On that basis, we compile a shortlist of suitable properties.
For buyers who are not in Dubai, we organise virtual viewings via video call, including a tour of the neighbourhood, the building and the unit. Buyers who are present are accompanied personally at viewings.
In making the selection, we take into account factors such as rental yield, expected capital appreciation, service charges, the quality of the building and the developer, and the letting potential. You receive a detailed market analysis for every property.
Step 2: Negotiation and MOU
Once you have chosen a home, we negotiate the price and conditions on your behalf. The Dubai property market offers more room for negotiation than many buyers assume, a discount of 5–10% off the asking price is not unusual for existing property.
Once agreement is reached, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is drawn up, also known as Form F. This is a binding sales contract that records the following:
• The purchase price and payment conditions • The transfer date • The allocation of costs (buyer/seller) • Any conditions precedent • A penalty clause for non-performance (typically 10% of the purchase price)
Both parties sign the MOU and the buyer pays a 10% deposit to the broker or a trustee office. This amount is held in escrow until completion.
Step 3: Due diligence and NOC
After the MOU is signed, we carry out thorough due diligence:
• Verification of the Title Deed with the DLD • Checks for existing mortgages or attachments • Verification that all service charges have been paid • Checking the DEWA status (water and electricity) • Inspection of the home for defects
The seller then applies for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer. This document confirms that the seller has no outstanding payments to the developer and that the transfer of ownership may proceed. The NOC costs AED 500–5,000 and is usually issued within 3–5 business days.
With some developers (such as Emaar), the NOC can be applied for online and is available the same day.
Step 4: Transfer of ownership at the DLD
The transfer of ownership takes place at a DLD Trustee Office, an office authorised by the DLD to handle the financial settlement. There are several trustee offices in Dubai, including those of the major banks.
On the day of the transfer:
1. Buyer and seller (or their authorised representatives) appear at the trustee office 2. The buyer hands over a manager's cheque for the remaining purchase amount 3. The seller hands over the original Title Deed and the keys 4. The trustee office verifies all documents and transfers ownership via the DLD system 5. The buyer receives a new Title Deed in his or her name
The entire process at the trustee office takes around 1–2 hours. The Title Deed is usually made available digitally the same day via the DLD app (Dubai REST).
Costs at completion: • 4% DLD transfer fee (paid by the buyer) • AED 580 in DLD administration fees • AED 4,000 trustee fee • Any agency commission (2%, paid by the seller, sometimes shared)
Step 5: After completion
Once you have received the Title Deed, you need to arrange the following:
• DEWA account: transfer water and electricity into your name with the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority. This can be done online via the DEWA app or website • Empower/district cooling: for buildings with district cooling (most towers), you must register a separate cooling account • Internet connection: choose a provider (du or Etisalat) and register a subscription • Insurance: building insurance is mandatory. Contents insurance is optional but recommended • Tenancy registration: if you intend to let the home, you register the tenancy contract with Ejari (Dubai's tenancy registration system)
Augusta Properties assists you with all of these steps and can also handle the letting management if you hold the home as an investment.
Personal guidance from Augusta experts
Every situation is different. Our advisors would be pleased to discuss your requirements, entirely without obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the purchase process take in Dubai?+
The full process takes 2–4 weeks on average: 1–2 weeks for selection and the MOU, 3–5 days for the NOC and 1–2 days for completion at the DLD. For off-plan purchases the process is faster because no NOC is required.
Do I have to be physically present at completion?+
No, you can authorise a representative via a Power of Attorney. Augusta Properties can act as your representative at the transfer.
What if the seller withdraws after the MOU?+
The MOU contains a penalty clause. If the seller withdraws, he is generally obliged to pay 10% of the purchase price as compensation to the buyer. This amount is held by the broker or trustee.
Can I cancel the purchase process?+
Once the MOU is signed, the purchase is in principle binding. If you withdraw, you generally forfeit your 10% deposit. Before signing the MOU, you can walk away without obligation.
What is the difference between buying existing property and off-plan?+
For existing property, you buy via an MOU and completion at the DLD. For off-plan, you sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) directly with the developer and pay according to a payment plan. Registration with the DLD takes place via Oqood (pre-registration) and you receive the final Title Deed at handover.