Real estate purchase and sale transactions support services in the UAE

About real estate purchase and sale transactions in the UAE

Signing a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) is a crucial step when buying residential real estate, commercial premises, or a house to obtain a residence permit in the UAE. Correct and timely execution of documents under the purchase agreement will help protect you from potential future issues. Since such a transaction requires specific knowledge and skills, we recommend engaging experts to quickly achieve the desired outcome and minimize your risk. The accumulated experience allows Alliance Business Advisors specialists to quickly complete real estate purchase or sale transactions in Dubai or any other Emirate.

To prepare, verify, and legally register the transfer of property ownership in the UAE, clients seek professional assistance from business consulting companies. As part of our purchase and sale transaction support service, we will assist you with all aspects of the property registration process at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the relevant authority in another emirate. When you choose our legal support package for real estate purchase and sale transactions, you can be sure of our comprehensive support at all stages of the transaction.

Legal System of Real Estate Ownership in Dubai

Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 (as amended in 2019) “On Real Estate Registration” regulates real property registration and ownership in Dubai. This law governs residents' rights and opportunities to own real estate in the Emirate. Expats are allowed to purchase properties in certain designated areas that have been created specifically for this purpose (purchase or long-term lease by foreigners).

Step-by-step guide to the real estate transaction process

Step 1: Seek professional help

To save time and effort spent on studying the vast amount of information related to the legal registration of property ownership in the UAE, we recommend that you immediately hire a licensed real estate agent from our consulting company. Real estate transactions in the UAE have distinct characteristics, ranging from property valuation to specific requirements of local legislation, which differ between the main territory of the Emirate and the free zones. Therefore, to work in this field, a real estate agent must have a license from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), a sector of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This document confirms that the specialist has the necessary knowledge and experience and complies with UAE laws.

The process begins with a preliminary consultation with our experts, who will explain the parties' rights and obligations and outline all stages of the transaction.

Step 2: Property inspection and comprehensive check

Ownership check: before drafting documents, our specialists carefully review the property title documents to verify ownership and legal rights. If the property is under construction, we assess the developer's reliability and contractual obligations. For commercial properties, we also verify the seller's background to confirm the seller’s legal capacity/authority to sell, and that the transaction complies with applicable requirements. All of this helps to limit potential risks.

Step 3: Preparing the documents

Here are the documents you will need to transfer ownership of the property:

Title Deed;
Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer confirming that there are no legal disputes or outstanding debts;
Original identity documents (passport, residence visa, Emirates ID) of both the buyer and seller;
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU/Form F) defining the transaction and agreements of both parties.

Depending on the specifics of the transaction, additional/other documents may be requested.

By choosing Alliance Business Advisors to support your real estate transaction, you can count on timely and transparent service that meets all applicable legal requirements.

Still have questions?

Complete the feedback form on our website, and our managers will provide you with all the necessary expert information to address your questions.

Fees and commissions when buying and selling real estate in the UAE

In addition to the transaction cost, real estate transactions in the UAE involve various fees and commissions that should be factored into the paperwork.

Transfer of ownership fees: charged by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) when transferring ownership. The standard rate is 4% (of the property value specified in the contract).
No Objection Certificate (NOC) fee: typically required by the developer/owners’ association before the transfer to confirm there are no outstanding dues.
Trust Office fees: this fee is paid to the trust center where the land registry is located (similar to a notary).
Brokerage fees: a fee charged by the real estate agents who handled the transaction, usually between 2% and 3% of the property value.

Conclusion

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in the UAE, contact Alliance Business Advisors for professional assistance in this matter. We will provide you with maximum protection against risks and challenges, full compliance with local laws, and the fastest possible processing. You can count on our assistance at every stage of the transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need the help of a consulting company to complete a sale and purchase transaction?

In the vast majority of cases, parties to a real estate sale and purchase transaction have neither special knowledge of the procedures prescribed by law nor relevant experience in conducting such transactions. If a person decides to handle the formalities of a real estate purchase and sale transaction in the UAE on their own, they will inevitably encounter significant difficulties with documentation, meeting deadlines, paying fees, and other issues. As a result, the process will take a long time, be complex, and may not achieve the desired outcome. However, with support from our consulting professionals, you can avoid this and achieve quick results with no issues.

Can foreigners own real estate in the UAE?

In the UAE, foreigners have certain restrictions on real estate ownership. However, there are many areas in the country where foreigners are permitted to buy and sell real estate without restrictions. Our consultants will provide detailed information on these areas and what you will need to purchase residential or commercial real estate there.

How can your company assist with real estate transactions in the UAE?

We provide our clients with the following services:

Advice on legislation governing the local market.
Verification of title deeds and other documents of the other party.
Drafting of preliminary and main contracts for the sale and purchase of the property.
Representing the client's interests before local authorities.
Supporting communication between the buyer and seller.
Detailed consulting at all stages of the process.
Verifying the correctness of the process and re-registration of ownership rights.

How long does it take to complete a real estate transaction in the UAE?

The standard timeframe for completing a real estate transaction is approximately two weeks, provided all steps are completed correctly and on time. In urgent situations, the time frame can be reduced to one week. With our support, you can complete everything as quickly as possible.

How much does legal support for a real estate transaction in the UAE cost?

Our legal support services are charged at the industry-standard rate, typically 0.5% to 1% of the property value.