How to Sell Property in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide for Owners (2026)
Quick answer: To sell property in Dubai you appoint a RERA-registered agent by signing Form A, list the property with a Trakheesi advertising permit, agree a price and sign Form F (the sale MOU) with the buyer, get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer, clear any mortgage, and complete the transfer at a DLD trustee office, where the new title deed is issued. A straightforward cash sale often completes in around 30 days, and sales involving mortgages take longer.
Step 1: Value the property
Start with a market appraisal based on recent DLD-registered sales of similar units in your building or community. Pricing correctly from day one usually sells faster and for more than starting high and cutting the price later. Request a free valuation from our team.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
- Title deed (or Oqood for an off-plan unit)
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID (or power of attorney if someone signs for you)
- Service charge statement showing no arrears
- If mortgaged: a liability letter from your bank showing the outstanding balance
- If tenanted: the tenancy contract and Ejari
Step 3: Appoint an agent with Form A
Form A is the RERA listing agreement between you and your broker. It sets out the asking price, commission and length of the mandate. The broker then gets a Trakheesi permit from the DLD, which every property advertisement in Dubai must display.
Step 4: Market the property and negotiate
Professional photography, accurate floor plans and flexible viewings make a big difference. Once you accept an offer, confirm whether the buyer is paying cash or using a mortgage, because that affects the timeline.
Step 5: Sign Form F (the MOU)
Form F is the legally binding sale agreement between buyer and seller. It records the price, completion date and conditions. The buyer usually provides a security deposit, commonly 10% of the price, which the brokerage holds until transfer.
Step 6: Get the developer NOC
The developer or master community issues a no-objection certificate confirming there are no outstanding service charges or dues. The fee is commonly between about AED 500 and AED 5,000, depending on the developer, and issuance usually takes a few working days.
Step 7: Clear the mortgage (if any)
If your property is mortgaged, the outstanding loan must be settled before or at transfer. Often the buyer’s funds or the buyer’s bank pay off your lender directly. Your bank then releases the mortgage and hands over the original title deed. Allow extra time for this step.
Step 8: Transfer at the DLD trustee office
Both parties, or their representatives with power of attorney, attend a registered trustee office. The buyer hands over manager’s cheques for the price and fees, the DLD registers the transfer, and a new title deed is issued in the buyer’s name, usually the same day.
Step 9: Close out
- Hand over keys, access cards and parking cards.
- Close or transfer your DEWA account and settle the final bill.
- Cancel your Ejari if you lived in the property yourself. If it is tenanted, the tenancy continues with the new owner.
Selling costs at a glance
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Agency commission | As agreed in Form A, commonly up to 2% + VAT |
| Developer NOC | About AED 500–5,000 |
| Mortgage early settlement (if any) | Set by your bank, capped by UAE Central Bank rules |
| DLD transfer fee (4%) | Customarily paid by the buyer in Dubai, but negotiable |
| Capital gains tax | None for individuals |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a property in Dubai?
From signing Form F, a cash sale often completes in about 30 days. Sales involving a mortgage on either side typically take longer.
Can I sell my property in Dubai while it has a mortgage?
Yes. The outstanding loan is paid off at or before transfer, usually from the buyer’s funds or the buyer’s bank, and your bank then releases the mortgage.
Do I pay tax when I sell property in Dubai?
Individuals do not pay capital gains tax on property sales in Dubai. Your costs are mainly agency commission, the developer NOC and any mortgage settlement fees.
Can I sell a property with a tenant in it?
Yes. The tenancy contract stays valid and transfers to the new owner. A buyer who wants to move in must follow the legal notice rules to recover the property.
Can I sell from outside the UAE?
Yes. You can appoint a representative through a power of attorney, attested if it is signed abroad, to sign Form F and attend the transfer for you.
Thinking of selling? Get a free valuation, read our Dubai property selling guide, or see why sell with Ideal Homes.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Procedures and fees are set by the Dubai Land Department, developers and banks and may change. This article is general information, not legal advice.