Ready property or off-plan resale, the paperwork is different. Here's exactly what happens for each, from agreeing a price to the title (or Oqood) landing in your name.
A ready property and an off-plan resale go through completely different transfer mechanics, one issues a title deed through the DLD, the other reassigns an Oqood registration through the developer.
Whether you're buying or selling, the transfer runs through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and, for off-plan or mortgaged units, the developer or bank as well. Select which situation applies below to see the exact sequence.
Applies to any completed, titled unit, whether you're buying from an owner or selling one.
Buyer and seller sign the Memorandum of Understanding through a registered broker, setting the price, deposit and completion date. The buyer typically pays a 10% deposit at this stage.
The seller applies to the developer for an NOC, confirming no outstanding service charges or violations. This is the step most likely to cause delay if charges are unpaid.
If the seller has an existing mortgage, the bank issues a liability letter and the loan is settled, usually from the buyer's deposit, before the property can transfer clean.
Both parties attend a DLD trustee office (or authorise a power of attorney), the remaining balance is transferred, and the new title deed is issued in the buyer's name.
Applies when a unit hasn't been handed over yet, ownership transfers as a reassignment through the developer, not a title deed.
Buyer and seller agree the resale price and sign an assignment agreement through a registered broker, alongside the original SPA and payment plan statement.
The seller applies to the developer for permission to assign the unit. The developer checks the payment plan is up to date before approving.
Any instalments due to the developer are cleared, typically from the buyer's payment, before the assignment can be processed.
The developer updates the DLD's Oqood registry with the new owner. An interim Oqood certificate is issued in the buyer's name, the buyer now continues the remaining payment plan directly with the developer until handover.
Transfer fees are set by the DLD and split by convention, not by law, so confirm who pays what before signing.
| Fee | Amount | Typically paid by |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of price | Buyer (by convention) |
| Trustee office fee | AED 4,000 | Split or by agreement |
| NOC fee | AED 500–5,000 | Seller |
| Agency commission | 2–2.5% | Seller |
| Mortgage registration (if applicable) | 0.25% of loan | Buyer |
| Fee | Amount | Typically paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Developer assignment / NOC fee | AED 5,000–10,000 | Seller |
| DLD Oqood registration fee | 4% of price | Buyer (by convention) |
| Agency commission | 2–2.5% | Seller |
| Outstanding instalments due | As per payment plan | Buyer, deducted from payment |
On an off-plan resale, the developer's assignment fee is easy to overlook, it's charged on top of the DLD fee and varies significantly by developer, confirm it before agreeing a resale price.
We coordinate the NOC, MOU and DLD appointment on your behalf, whether you're in Dubai or not.