Can you buy a property in Dubai without a lawyer?

Planning to stretch your investments to the most sought after city in the world right now?

Can’t blame you - Dubai’s real estate market is currently ruling in its game and is sure–fire to stay on top as every day a new record deal happens in the city. And why wouldn’t it happen - From architectural marvels, star-studded world records, world-class amenities and exquisite developments - Dubai has it all!

So, if you’ve been planning to invest but aren’t sure on how to go about it - let us tell you how! Did you know you can buy a property in Dubai without a lawyer? Although we do recommend having legal assistance, it's not too hard to manage it yourself - just follow a few simple steps and voila!

Let’s get into it…

Research and Property Selection

We highly suggest you conduct a thorough research on the Dubai real estate market, such as reading previous market reports, browsing multiple property options, and areas that meet your requirements.

Understanding the market through the report will help you identify the areas that have good returns on investment and high rental yields so you can leverage more out of your investment. Once you’ve done your homework on the market - Identify properties of interest and narrow down your choices.

Property Viewing

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it's time to arrange property viewings with the sellers or real estate agents that are representing the properties you are interested in.

We suggest taking your time when seeing a property, inspect the property carefully for repairs, mould, leakages and other concerns, ask questions, and seek clarifications regarding its condition, documentation, and any other relevant details regarding the neighbourhood.

Once you’ve identified a property that meets all your needs - we recommend sitting down to negotiate the rates to meet at the right price.

Price Negotiation

When you sit down with the seller, negotiate the price and terms of the property with them or their representative thoroughly - ask questions, study your rights as a buyer and know what you can achieve through this deal.

We highly advise researching recent property sales prices in the area to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Due Diligence

Again as all the pressure is on you - we suggest you conduct and do your own due diligence to verify the property's legal status, ownership, outstanding debts, and any other potential issues in the notary public or through the seller’s legal representative.

Request copies of their relevant documents, such as title deeds, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and building completion certificates so you can identify and confirm the property’s legal status. Once everything is clear - you know you’re in the right hands to proceed further with the deal. Although we do recommend confirming all the details to the notary public.

Sales Agreement

Once you’ve decided to go ahead with the sale, a sales agreement also known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted and we suggest you inspect and thoroughly review the sales agreement.

The MOU or Form F in Dubai is one of the RERA real estate forms which outlines the terms and conditions of the purchase. It is important to understand the agreement and seek professional advice if needed. Usually, these forms are done by your real estate agent. Once the sales agreement is ready, the buyer and seller must sign it at the Dubai Land Department.

The buyer also needs to pay a standard 10% security deposit on the property to the realtor or seller, which is returned once the property transfer is finalised. If there are changes, don’t be afraid to ask them to be made - also ensure you’ve read your rights as a buyer in the market, and are comfortable with the down payment.

Deposit Payment

Once you’ve signed the sales agreement, you’ll have to pay the agreed-upon deposit or down payment to the seller as per the terms of the sales agreement.

Once you’ve made the payment to the real estate agent or directly to the seller, it's crucial to have the payment properly documented and get a receipt.

Property Transfer

So, once you’re ready to have the property come under your name, you have to prepare the necessary paperwork for the property transfer, including the application for property registration and payment of related fees to the Dubai Land Department. As both parties are needed to be present during the transfer, we suggest you coordinate with the seller to complete the transfer process seamlessly.

For the property transfer, ensure you have the following documents ready with you:

A manager’s cheque for the property price which is payable to the seller The original identification documents of the buyer and seller (Emirates ID, passport) The original NOC issued by the developer Signed Contract F (MOU)

After the formalities are completed, a new title deed will be issued in your name!

Final Payment and Handover

As soon as your property transfer is done, we suggest arranging the final payment to be handed over to the seller as per the agreed upon payment plan or terms. Upon receiving the form of payment, ensure you’re handed over a receipt of the payment from the seller. Once complete - the seller should hand over the keys and relevant documents for the property over to you.

Post-Purchase Formalities

After completing the transaction, ensure that the property ownership is transferred to your name in the Dubai Land Department records. Update your details with the relevant authorities, such as DEWA, homeowners' associations and don’t forget to obtain your entry-permit for the community you’ve purchased the property at.

Voila - simple as that, the property is now yours!

If you would like any legal guidance on your sale, or are looking to invest - get in touch with our in-house experts or take a look at our live listings!