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FAQ's

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold properties ?

Freehold properties grant full ownership rights to the buyer, while leasehold properties offer ownership for a fixed term, typically up to 99 years.

Penalties for breaching a tenancy contract depend on the terms outlined in the agreement. It’s crucial to review the contract and seek legal advice if necessary.

The time required to complete a property transaction in Dubai depends on various factors, including the type of property and whether it is being purchased with cash or through a mortgage. Here’s an overview:

Cash Purchases

  • Timeline: 2 to 7 business days.
  • This is the fastest option, as no bank approvals are needed.
  • Once the buyer and seller agree, the transaction involves obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and registering the property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Mortgage Purchases

  • Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes longer).
  • The timeline extends due to additional steps, including:
    • Bank approval for the buyer’s mortgage.
    • Property valuation and report issuance (3 to 5 working days).
    • Bank settlement for any existing mortgage (if applicable).
  • Once these steps are completed, the transaction can move to the NOC and title deed registration stages.

Off-Plan Property Purchases

  • Timeline: Variable, depending on the developer’s processes and project completion.
  • If buying directly from the developer, the registration process may be streamlined.
  • If the property is resold before handover, a NOC (no objection certificate) is required from the developer.
An escrow account is a secure account where buyers’ payments are held, ensuring funds are used solely for the property’s construction, protecting buyers’ interests.

Yes, selling a mortgaged property is possible. The outstanding mortgage amount must be settled, either by the seller or the buyer, before or during the transfer process.

Required documents include the original title deed, a No Objection Certificate from the developer, identification documents, and, if applicable, a mortgage release letter.

Commissions are typically agreed upon between the client and the agent, with the prevailing custom being around 2% of the sale price for sales and 5% of the annual rent for rentals.

Consider the company’s reputation, range of services offered, fees, and their knowledge of the local market to ensure effective management of your property.

Generally, property owners can rent out their properties; however, it’s essential to comply with local regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and adhering to tenancy laws.

Property registration is conducted through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or an authorized trustee office  where the buyer and seller complete the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees to transfer ownership.

RERA was established in 2007 as part of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), it plays a pivotal role in regulating, managing, and promoting Dubai’s real estate sector. Its primary aim is to create a transparent, efficient, and sustainable property market while protecting the rights of all stakeholders, including buyers, sellers, tenants, and developers.

Service charges are annual fees paid by property owners to cover the maintenance and upkeep of common areas and facilities within a development.

Using a broker in Dubai real estate simplifies the process, saving you time and effort. Brokers have in-depth market knowledge, access to exclusive properties, and the expertise to negotiate the best deals.. They guide you through legal requirements, ensuring compliance and a smooth transaction and for off plan properties you don’t pay the broker the developer does. With DSQ Real Estate, you benefit from tailored advice, comprehensive property management, and expert investment insights

Yes, you can purchase property in Dubai with cash; however, it is essential to follow the regulations set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The standard payment method for property transactions is through a manager’s cheque. On the transfer day, the buyer submits a manager cheque in the name of the seller as per the agreed price in the Unified Contract F. Additionally, it is standard practice to present a security cheque (not cashable) in the name of the seller which is equal to 10% of the selling price and is kept in the custody of the brokers until the successful transfer is completed. If you wish to pay by cash and the seller agrees, this method is considered a side agreement between the buyer and seller. To comply with DLD regulations, the seller must provide a Court Declaration confirming they have received the selling price. This declaration can be arranged through any typing center or notary office and must be submitted to the DLD on the transfer date in order to accept it and issue the title deed under the Buyer’s name as new owner. By adhering to these steps, you can ensure a smooth and compliant transaction. Always consult with your conveyancer or legal advisor to avoid any complications.

Here is the list of freehold areas where you can buy and own a property in Dubai:

  • Business Bay
  • Discovery Gardens
  • Down Town
  • Dubai Festival City – Badia Phase 1 & 2
  • Dubai Festival City – Hillside
  • Dubai Festival City – Marsa
  • Dubai Investment Park
  • Dubai Marina
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Dubai Sport City
  • Green Community DIP
  • Greens
  • IMPZ (Int. Media Produc. Zone)
  • International City
  • International City CBD
  • JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
  • JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers)
  • Jumeirah Village
  • Jumeirah Village ( Triangle )
  • Layan Community
  • Old Town
  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Barsha Heights (Tecom)
  • The Lakes
  • Ibn Battuta Gate
  • Jumeirah Village ( Circle )
  • Sky Court Tower – Dubai land
  • The Views
  • Burj Khalifa Tower
  • Remraam
  • Jumeirah Heights
  • Green Community Motor City
  • Arjaan
  • Masakin Al Furjan
  • Dubai Outsource Zone
  • Up Town Motor City
  • Warsan Fourth
  • DIFC-LIMESTONE HOUSE
  • DIFC-LIBERTY HOUSE
  • DIFC-Sky Gardens
  • DIFC-INDEX TOWER
  • DIFC-Park Tower
  • Ritaj Project – DIP
  • Queue Point ( Dubai Land )
  • Ewan Project – DIP
  • Wadi Al Safa 3
  • Project ( Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah )
  • Dubai Residence Complex – Dubai Land
  • Dubai Festival City – Badia Phase 3
  • City Walk
  • Dubai Culture Village
  • Badrah Project
  • Al Waha Project
  • Damac Hills
  • The Polo Residence (Meydan)
  • Palazzo Versace
  • D1 Tower
  • Dubai Studio City
  • Legends
  • Town Square
  • Al Barari
  • Arabian Ranches 1
  • Falcon City
  • Jumeirah Islands
  • Meadows
  • Springs
  • The Villa (Dubai Land)
  • Emirates Hills
  • Jumeirah Park
  • Al Furjan
  • Jebel Ali Village
  • Jumeirah Golf Estate
  • Mudon Projec
  • Arabian Ranches 2
  • Project ( Dubai Sustainable City )
  • Project ( Mira )
  • Warsan Village
  • Veneto Project
  • Al Thanyah First

Even though in the last few years, the government has allocated some projects within a few non-freehold areas as freeholds, these areas are, in general, considered as non-freehold.

  • Abu Hail
  • Al Awir
  • Al Baraha
  • Al Buteen
  • Al Daghaya
  • Al Ehibab
  • Al Garhoud
  • Al Mamzar
  • Al Muhaisna – Fourth
  • Al Muraqqabat
  • Al Murar
  • Al Muteena
  • Al Nahdah
  • Al Qusais
  • Al Ras
  • Al Rigga
  • Al Sabkha
  • Al Tawar
  • Al Waheda
  • Al Warga-BLD
  • Ayal Nasir
  • Hor Al Anz
  • Hor Al Anz-East
  • Mirdif
  • Naif
  • Port Saeed
  • Rigga Al Buteen
  • Mirdif (Shorooq Mirdif Project)
  • Mirdif (Ghoroob Mirdif Project)
  • AL Kheeran
  • Mirdif (Up Town Mirdif Project)
  • Ras Al Khor (Samari Project)
  • Al Ghurair Centre
  • Al Mamzar Centre
  • Abu Hail
  • Al Baraha
  • Al Khawaneej
  • Al Mamzar
  • Al Mezhar
  • Al Muhaisna
  • Al Muteena
  • Al Qusais
  • Al Rashidya
  • Al Tawar
  • Al Waheda
  • Al Warga
  • Hor Al Anz
  • Mirdif – Complexes
  • Mirdif – Individual
  • Nad Al Hamar
  • Nad Shamma
  • Warsan 2
  • Mirdif (Shorooq Mirdif Project)
  • (Complexes) Al Garhoud
  • (Individual) Al Garhoud
  • Dubai Creek Club
  • Oud Al Muteena
  • Al Badaa
  • Al Barsha
  • Al Hamriya
  • Al Hudaiba
  • Al Jaddaf
  • Al Jafeliah
  • Al Karama
  • Al Mankhool
  • Al Qouz
  • Al Refaa
  • Al Sofouh
  • Al Souq Al Kabeer
  • Al Wasl
  • Jumeirah
  • Madinat Dubai Al Melaheyah
  • Oud Metha
  • Satwa
  • Trade Center 1
  • Trade Center 2
  • Umm Hurair
  • Umm Suqeim
  • Al Qouz (Alkhail Gate Project )
  • Al Safa
  • Dar Al Wasl
  • Al Badaa
  • Al Barsha – Individual
  • Al Barsha – complexes
  • Al Hudaiba
  • Al Jafeliah
  • Al Manara – Complexes
  • Al Manara – Individual
  • Al Mankhool
  • Al Quoz Residential
  • Al Safa – Complexes
  • Al Safa – Individual
  • Al Sofouh
  • Al Wasl
  • Jumeirah – Complexes
  • Jumeirah – Individual
  • Satwa
  • Um Al Sheif
  • Umm Suqeim – Complexes
  • Umm Suqeim – Individual
  • Emirates Golf Club
  • Nad Al Shiba
  • The Galleria
  • Al Muntazah Complex – Jebel Ali

The emirate’s RERA has introduced numerous measures that needs to be met by developers to make sure the off plan project is completed. Of those measure, the developer must own 100% of the land belonging to the project. Additionally, they must either deposit 20% in escrow account, make a down payment of 20% as bank guarantee, or at least 20% construction completion before selling the off plan property. The regulatory arm of Dubai Land Department than requests contractors to submit a 10% performance guarantee.

It’s crucial that buyers do through research and advise looking the developer’s track record as well as reputation. Make sure the developer, project and project’s Escrow account are all registered in the Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Regulatory Arm (RERA).

Security deposit 5% of the annual rent paid by the tenant in advance and held in reserve in the event of the depositor failing on a contractual obligation to protect the Landlord in a real estate lease. It covers Loss of Rent, Damage to the Property, Lost of Security Keys and Repairs that are not wear and tear.

  • Studio Apartments: Typically range from 330 to 700 square feet.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartments: Generally between 500 and 1,300 square feet.
  • 2-Bedroom Apartments: Usually span from 1000 to 2,000 square feet.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartments: Often range from 2000 to 6,000 square feet.
  • 3-Bedroom Townhouses: While specific average sizes can vary, they typically offer more space than apartments, often starting around 2,000 square feet and increasing based on design and location.
  • 4-Bedroom Townhouses: These units are larger, with sizes frequently beginning at approximately 2,500 square feet and varying depending on the development.

Please note that these figures are approximate, and actual unit sizes can vary based on the specific development, location, and design preferences.

Disputes can be resolved through the Rental Disputes Center, a judicial body in Dubai that handles rental conflicts between landlords and tenants.

You can verify a broker’s license through the Dubai Land Department’s website or the Dubai REST application, which lists all approved real estate brokers. 

In general a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the UAE is an official document issued by an organization, entity, or authority that states they have no objection to a particular individual or organization proceeding with a specified action. NOCs are commonly required across various sectors and scenarios in the UAE, including real estate, employment, business setup, and more.

In real estate An NOC is a document issued by the developer stating they have no objections to the sale or transfer of the property, ensuring all obligations have been met by the seller and their are no outstanding payments or disputes.

Dubai does not impose property taxes; however, there is a one-time Land Department fee of 4% of the property’s purchase price when you transfer the property on someone else’s name

  1. Find a Buyer: Market your property and agree on a price with the buyer.
  2. Sign MOU: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the buyer.
  3. Apply for NOC: Request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
  4. Ownership Transfer: Meet at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for the ownership transfer and receive payment.
  5. Settle Dues: Clear any outstanding service charges or mortgage (if applicable).

Using a trusted agent simplifies the process and ensures compliance with regulations.

Choose the Property: Find the property you want and agree on the price with the seller.
Sign the Agreement: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of the sale.
Pay the Deposit: Pay a deposit (usually 10%) to secure the property.
Apply for NOC: The seller applies for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
Transfer Ownership: Meet at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to transfer ownership. Pay the purchase price and 4% transfer fee.
Get Title Deed: Receive the title deed in your name.

It’s recommended to use a trusted agent to guide you through the process.

Steps to Buy an Off-Plan Property in Dubai:

Research & Choose: Pick a property type, location, and developer.
Reserve: Pay a booking  fee  2% and submit ID documents.
Pay deposit: usually around 24% this includes the 4%  DLD fee
Sign Agreement: Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
Payments: Pay in installments based on the developer’s plan.
Wait for Completion: Follow construction updates.
Handover: Inspect the property, make final payments, and get the keys.
Move In or Rent Out: Use the property as desired.
Key Tip: Work with a reputable developer and understand the payment plan.

Watch our youtube video in the link below which explains the buying process of an off plan property in detail

To sell an off-plan property before completion, you typically need to have paid a certain percentage of the property’s value (usually around 30-40%) and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, once you have a buyer and have agreed a price then you will both have to Visit the DLD or its authorized centers and transfer the property officially to the buyer’s name, usually you will have a broker with you to assist and guide you through the process.

Investing in off-plan properties often offer lower prices, flexible interest free payment plans and the potential for significant capital appreciation upon project completion.

Yes, foreigners can purchase property in designated freehold areas in Dubai. These areas allow full ownership rights without the need for local partners or sponsors.