Dubai Property Transfer Checklist - What to Bring on Transfer Day
A practical checklist of every document and payment you need to bring to the trustee office on property transfer day in Dubai.
Transfer day at the DLD trustee office is the final step - after months of searching, negotiating, and paperwork, you walk in and walk out an owner. But it only works smoothly if you arrive prepared. Here is the complete checklist.
Documents Required: Buyer
- Original passport (all pages) - a photocopy is not sufficient
- UAE residence visa (if a UAE resident) - original or copy stamped by relevant authority
- Emirates ID (if a UAE resident)
- Signed and dated MOU / Form F - the purchase contract you signed with the seller
- NOC from developer - required for secondary market transactions in strata/master communities (not required for off-plan purchases direct from developer)
- Mortgage offer letter - if buying with a bank mortgage, the bank representative may attend or the letter must be presented
- Power of attorney - only if you are not attending in person; must be notarised and attested
Documents Required: Seller
- Original passport
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Original title deed - must match the property details exactly
- NOC from developer - seller obtains this and presents it at transfer
- Any outstanding service charge clearance - some trustee offices require proof there are no arrears beyond what is in the NOC
- Power of attorney - if not attending in person (note: some trustee offices require the seller to attend in person regardless)
Payments to Prepare
All payments at the DLD trustee office are made by manager’s cheques (also called bank drafts or cashier’s cheques) - personal cheques are not accepted. Ask your bank for manager’s cheques a minimum of 2-3 business days before transfer day.
Your agent will confirm the exact amounts and payee names, but here is the standard breakdown:
| Payment | Payable To | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of purchase price | Seller | Purchase price minus 10% deposit |
| DLD Transfer Fee (4%) | Dubai Land Department | 4% of purchase price |
| DLD Admin Fee | Dubai Land Department | ~AED 5,250 |
| Title Deed Fee | Dubai Land Department | AED 250 |
| Trustee Office Fee | Trustee office | ~AED 4,000-5,250 |
| Agent Commission (2%) | Agency (if not already paid) | 2% of purchase price |
For mortgage purchases: Your bank will issue a separate manager’s cheque to the seller for the loan portion directly. You bring your deposit portion.
On the Day
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early - trustee offices can be busy, especially mornings
- Bring original documents, not just copies - trustees will verify originals
- Confirm with your agent the day before that the seller has the NOC and all documents ready
- The transfer appointment itself typically takes 30-60 minutes
- You receive the title deed in your name before you leave
- Seller hands over keys at the trustee office or immediately after
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect payee name on manager’s cheques - the cheque must match the exact legal entity name (individual vs company)
- Wrong amount - always get confirmed figures from your agent, not estimates
- Forgetting the NOC - transfer cannot proceed without it in secondary market deals
- Assuming the seller will bring everything - verify with your agent the day before that both parties are ready
- Not having Emirates ID (residents) - some trustees require it for residents
Pro tip: Arrive early, bring two copies of everything, and confirm all manager’s cheque payee names in writing with your agent 48 hours before transfer day. Surprises on transfer day are avoidable.
Questions about what to prepare for your specific transaction? Message me on WhatsApp - I’ll make sure you’re ready.