Secondary Sales Process for Cash Buyers in Dubai

Buying a resale property in Dubai with cash is one of the fastest ways to secure ownership. Here is exactly how the process works, step by step.

1. Legal Eligibility

Foreign buyers may purchase property in Dubai within designated freehold areas, including Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, and Business Bay.

Ownership structures include:

• Freehold - Complete ownership of property and land
• Leasehold - Typically 99-year lease; rarely available to foreigners

2. Funds and Proof

• Maintain the full purchase amount ready, ideally in a UAE bank account
• Deposits and final payments are made via UAE bank manager’s cheques
• You may need to provide: passport copy, recent bank statements, and source of funds declaration

Tip: Having funds available locally in a UAE bank account speeds up the entire transaction.

3. Licensed Agent

• RERA-licensed agents handle secondary market transactions
• Commission is typically 2% of purchase price plus VAT
• Always verify your agent’s RERA licence number before proceeding

4. Due Diligence

Before signing any agreement, make sure you:

• Verify the Title Deed with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
• Check for outstanding service charges, mortgages, or disputes
• Review community annual service charges (AED 8-25 per sq.ft)
• Consider appointing legal counsel for additional verification

5. Agreement (MoU - RERA Form F)

• Both parties sign RERA Form F (MoU) upon agreed terms
• Buyer provides a 10% deposit via manager’s cheque
• The remaining balance is paid at the DLD transfer appointment

6. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• The developer issues a NOC after the seller clears all outstanding dues
• Cost: AED 500-5,000 (varies by developer)
• Timeline: 3-7 working days

7. Final Transfer at DLD / Trustee Office

At the transfer appointment:

• Buyer pays the balance via manager’s cheque
• Additional costs at transfer:
  • 4% DLD transfer fee
  • AED 580 Title Deed issuance
  • AED 4,000-5,000 trustee/admin fee
• New Title Deed is issued the same day

8. After Transfer

• Collect keys and access cards
• Register utilities: DEWA, district cooling (AED 2,000-5,000 typical)
• Pay annual service charges
• Optional: home insurance (0.1-0.3% of property value annually)

Typical Buyer Costs

Item	Amount
Deposit	10% (applied toward purchase price)
DLD Transfer Fee	4% of property price
Trustee/Admin Fee	AED 4,000-5,000
Agent Commission	~2% of property price + VAT
NOC Fee	AED 500-5,000
Title Deed	AED 580
Annual Service Charges	AED 8-25 per sq.ft
Utility Connections	AED 2,000-5,000

Timeline

Step	Duration
Negotiation and MoU	1-2 weeks
NOC	3-7 working days
DLD Transfer	1-2 weeks
Total	2-4 weeks

Quick Steps Recap

1. Select property in freehold area
2. Ensure funds are available
3. Appoint a RERA-licensed agent
4. Complete due diligence
5. Sign MoU and pay 10% deposit
6. Obtain NOC from developer
7. Attend DLD transfer and pay balance
8. Collect Title Deed, register utilities, move in

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