Buying Guides

Buying Guides to Simplify Every Step

Make smart purchases with step-by-step buying guides tailored for every product need.

Factor in all mandatory costs:
- Agency fee (2%)
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer or registration fee (4%) — these must now be paid upfront only, no longer bundled into a mortgage.
Down payment: Generally need 25% of the purchase price, although 20% may apply for UAE nationals or first-time buyers on properties under AED 5 million.
Mortgage interest rates typically fall between 3‑5% APR, depending on loan tenure and type (fixed/variable).
Pro tip: Prepare a spreadsheet breaking down:
- (a) Down payment
- (b) Agency & DLD fees
- (c) Title deed, trustee, valuation fees

(d) Total upfront liquidity required

A pre‑approval letter from your bank defines your maximum loan amount.
Lenders issue this assuming: your proof of income, liabilities, credit rating and employment details check out.
Being pre‑approved makes your offer stronger and faster to process.

Choose an agent with proven track record in your target areas — especially if looking for a luxury or off‑plan property.
The more specific you are about your budget, non-negotiables, preferred payment plans, and finalized move-in timeline — the faster they’ll filter for appropriate listings and avoid unnecessary viewing clutter.

Attend several viewings across your shortlisted listings.
Take notes or photos (per viewing rules), evaluate amenities, maintenance status, and surroundings.
Shortlist the properties that best match your criteria and affordability.

Use your pre‑approval letter and buyer profile to strengthen your position.
Include:
- 10% deposit cheque (the amount and payee should match the MOU terms),
- Passport & Emirates ID copies of all people on the title deed.

The agent prepares the Memorandum of Understanding (also known as Form F).
After review by both sides, sign and hand over the deposit (usually Post‑dated or Manager’s Cheque).
Deposit is refundable only if the seller holds up their end — read all terms carefully.

The bank arranges:
- Valuation of the property
- Issuance of final loan offer
If the property is mortgaged, the seller must get a mortgage settlement statement — can take up to 2 weeks.
Expect the entire mortgage process from MOU to offer to take about 6–10 weeks.

Both parties meet the developer to:
- Apply for the No Objection Certificate and pay the required fee (AED 0–5,000, depending on project).
- Provide proof that all service charges are cleared.
- Allow property inspection if requested.
Certain developers may require a refundable deposit, reimbursed once DLD updates their register (typically within 5 business days).

Key steps:
- Buyer pays:
  - Remaining purchase price via manager’s cheque
  - 4% DLD transfer fee via separate manager’s cheque
  - Any admin fee (up to AED 4,000)
  - Agency commission (usually 2%)
- Seller refunds the buyer for any prepaid service charges on a pro‑rated basis.
After paperwork, the DLD issues a new title deed under the buyer’s name – and you’re officially a Dubai property owner.