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Work with a real estate company you trust
Handling the complexities of property transactions and legalities in Dubai can be daunting and take up a lot of time. Working with experts who know the market and process can save you time and effort. A trusted real estate company will also have a strong network of buyers to help sell your property faster.
With decades of experience in buying and selling homes under our belt, we know how to simplify the process and deliver the best outcomes for our clients. Let our expertise work for you.
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Get Your Property Valuation Right
Pricing your property correctly is one of the most important steps in the selling process. The price you set directly affects buyer interest and how quickly your property sells, so getting it right is crucial. To ensure accurate pricing, a professional market appraisal from a trusted real estate agent is essential.
At Hamptons International, our Valuations and Research team conducts appraisals in line with the regulations of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Our experts are fully accredited and recognised by RERA and ARRA, ensuring we meet the highest industry standards while delivering reliable, accurate valuations.
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Sign the agent agreement
Before listing your property, you’ll need to sign an agent agreement. This involves completing Form A, a required RERA document that formally authorises the agent to broker your property. Form A includes important details such as property specifications, agent commission, service charges, payment schedules, mortgage status (if applicable), and listing details.
Once signed, Form A is submitted to the Dubai Land Department’s Trakheesi system for approval. After approval, a permit number is issued, which must be included in all marketing materials for your property.
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Marketing your property
With everything set up, the next step is to market your property effectively. Making your property visible to as many potential buyers as possible is crucial. Start by cleaning, completing basic maintenance, and adding simple decorative touches to enhance its appeal.
Your agent will then list your property on leading property portals, the agency’s website, and social media platforms. High-quality photos and a compelling description are key to capturing interest. Online marketing plays a big role in promotion, with strategies like paid premium tools, targeted ads, and email campaigns ensuring your property gets maximum exposure to the right audience.
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Showing your property to potential buyers
Your agent will manage enquiries and schedule viewings with interested buyers. To leave a lasting impression, keep your home in top condition and ensure it’s ready for viewings at all times.
A smooth and welcoming viewing experience can make all the difference. Allowing easy access for agents and buyers helps facilitate the process and creates a positive impression as well as increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
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Negotiating the terms
Once a serious buyer is interested, both the buyer and seller must agree on the price and terms through negotiations managed by the agents. This is where having a skilled agent is essential. They will present a strong case based on market data and trends to help both parties reach a fair agreement.
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Sign the memorandum of understanding
Once an agreement is finalised, both the buyer and seller must sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), also referred to as Form F. This document details all the agreed-upon terms, including the price, property specifics, selling costs, names of both parties, transfer date, and other critical contract elements.
The Form F becomes a legally binding agreement as soon as it is signed by both parties, with the agent serving as witnesses. At the time of signing, the buyer is required to pay a 10% security deposit as a commitment to the purchase.
In case the seller has a mortgage, the buyer must settle it before a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued. The seller’s bank will provide a liability letter, which can take up to two weeks to process. To save time, it’s best to start this step as soon as the MOU is signed.
- For cash buyers:The Dubai Land Department Trustee office can block the property to protect the buyer while the seller’s mortgage is cleared.
- For buyers with a mortgage:The buyer’s bank will work directly with the seller’s bank to handle the process smoothly.
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Apply for an NOC (No Objection Certificate)
To finalise the sale of any property in Dubai, an NOC must be obtained from the property developer and submitted to the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The NOC confirms that there are no outstanding debts or liabilities owed to the developer.
The cost of obtaining an NOC varies between AED 500 to AED 5,000, depending on the developer.
To apply for an NOC, you will typically need:
- The title deed (or Oqood for off-plan properties)
- A copy of your Emirates ID
- A copy of the signed Form F
Once obtained, the NOC ensures a smooth transfer of ownership and compliance with legal requirements.
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Transfer of property
Once the NOC is issued, the buyer, seller, and agent must visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Trustee office to officially transfer ownership in exchange for payment. During this step, the buyer pays the remaining balance of the purchase price, while the seller settles the transfer fees to the DLD. After the process is complete, a new Title Deed is issued in the buyer’s name.
To ensure a smooth transfer of ownership, you will need to bring several key documents. These include Form F (MOU), the NOC from the developer, a copy of the Title Deed, and cheques for both the seller (covering the remaining purchase price) and the DLD (typically 4% transfer fee).
Additionally, both the buyer and seller must provide their original passports, visas, and Emirates IDs. Once all documents and payments are submitted, the ownership transfer is finalised, completing the sale.
Quick Recap on Fees for Selling a Property in Dubai
When selling a property in Dubai, it’s important to understand the fees involved. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fee: 4% of the sales price, plus an AED 580 admin fee.
- Property Registration Fee: AED 2,100 for properties under AED 500,000 and AED 4,200 for properties over AED 500,000.
- Mortgage Discharge Fee: Typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,500.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Costs range from AED 500 to AED 5,000.
- Sales Progression Fee: Varies based on the transaction.
- Agency Fee: Generally 2% of the sales price.
Understanding these costs will help you plan better for your property sale.
Advantages of Listing Exclusively
When you choose to list your property exclusively with one trusted real estate agent, you simplify the entire selling process. Exclusive listings mean your agent is fully dedicated to marketing your property and finding the right buyer. They can create a bespoke online and traditional marketing strategy that will make sure your property stands out in such a competitive market as Dubai.
Exclusive listings often attract serious buyers who value the streamlined process, and you’ll avoid the confusion of dealing with multiple agents. At the end of the day, it’s about giving your property the attention it deserves to get the best results.
Work with Hamptons International
Selling a property is a big step, and having the right team by your side can make all the difference. At Hamptons International, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of Dubai’s property market. From setting the right price to handling the details of marketing, negotiations, and finalising the sale, we’re here to give personalised all-in-one solutions.
Our team is passionate about what we do, and we’re proud of our proven track record of helping clients achieve their goals. With Hamptons International, you can sell with confidence, knowing your property is in trusted hands. Let’s make your selling journey a successful and stress-free one.