Property Buyer’s Checklist – Dubai

1. Define Your Purpose

• Holiday home, relocation, retirement, or investment

• Short‑term rental (Airbnb), long‑term rental, or personal use

• Preferred areas (Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, Business Bay, Arabian Ranches)

2. Set Your Budget

Include:

• Purchase price

• Dubai Land Department (DLD) fees (4%)

• Trustee office fees

• Agency fees (typically 2%)

• NOC fees

• Service charges (annual)

• Maintenance and utilities

• Property management (if renting)

3. Choose the Right Location

Evaluate:

• Proximity to beaches, metro, malls, schools

• Rental demand (tourism vs long‑term residents)

• Community amenities (pools, gyms, parks)

• Traffic and commute times

• Developer reputation

• Future infrastructure plans

4. Appoint a RERA‑Licensed Real Estate Agent

Your agent should:

• Be registered with RERA

• Provide market comparables

• Understand developer histories

• Assist with negotiations and paperwork

• Guide you through DLD requirements

5. Hire a Conveyancing / Property Lawyer (Recommended)

They can:

• Review contracts

• Verify title and ownership

• Check developer compliance

• Manage transfer documentation

• Protect your interests during the transaction

6. Obtain a UAE Bank Account (Optional but Helpful)

Useful for:

• Mortgage payments

• Service charge payments

• Utility bills

• Rental income

Foreign buyers can still purchase without one, but it simplifies ownership.

7. Understand Financing Options

For non‑UAE residents:

• 20–25% minimum down payment

• Mortgage cap rules apply

• Higher interest rates than UAE residents

• Income verification required

• Some banks specialise in expat financing

Cash purchases are common for speed and simplicity.

8. Conduct Full Due Diligence

Verify:

• Title deed authenticity

• Developer reputation and track record

• Service charge rates

• Building maintenance history

• Rental restrictions

• Community rules

• Pending construction or future phases

For off‑plan:

• Developer escrow compliance

• RERA project registration

• Payment plan structure

• Completion timeline

9. Arrange Inspections (For Ready Properties)

Check:

• AC performance

• Plumbing and electrics

• Finishing quality

• Appliances

• Balcony and window sealing

• Parking allocation

• Building common areas

Dubai’s climate makes AC and insulation checks essential.

10. Understand All Purchase Fees

Include:

• DLD Transfer Fee (4%)

• Trustee Office Fee

• Agency Fee (2%)

• Oqood Fee (for off‑plan)

• NOC Fee

• Service Charges (per sq ft, varies by community)

• DEWA connection fees

Your agent or lawyer should provide a full cost breakdown.

11. Review Service Charges

Service charges vary widely by community. Check:

• Annual cost per sq ft

• What’s included (security, pools, gyms, landscaping)

• Reserve fund contributions

• Past increases or disputes

High‑amenity communities often have higher fees.

12. Understand the Buying Timeline

Typical stages:

• Offer accepted

• Form F signed

• NOC request

• Transfer appointment at trustee office

• Title deed issued

Timeline: 2–6 weeks for ready properties.

Off‑plan timelines depend on construction progress.

13. Check Rental Regulations

If planning to rent:

• Register tenancy with Ejari

• Understand short‑term rental licensing (DTCM)

• Check building rules for holiday rentals

• Comply with tourism tax requirements

• Consider property management services

14. Plan for Ongoing Ownership Costs

Include:

• Service charges

• Utilities (DEWA)

• Chiller fees (if applicable)

• Internet/TV

• Insurance

• Maintenance and repairs

• Property management (if renting)

15. Consider Residency Options

Property ownership may support:

• 2‑year renewable residency visa (minimum property value applies)

• 10‑year Golden Visa (for qualifying investments)

• Family sponsorship options