From MOU to title deed: a buyer's timeline

Buying a ready home in Dubai follows a well-defined path, and knowing it in advance takes most of the stress out of the process.

1. Agree the price and sign the MOU

Once you and the seller agree on a price, the brokers prepare the Memorandum of Understanding, known as Form F. It records the price, the deposit, the timeline and who pays which fees. Both parties sign it, and it sets the terms the sale must follow until transfer.

2. Pay the deposit

The buyer usually pays a security deposit, commonly 10% of the price, held by the seller's broker as a cheque until transfer.

3. Get the developer NOC

The seller applies to the developer for a No Objection Certificate, which confirms there are no outstanding service charges on the unit.

4. Transfer at the Trustee office

On transfer day both parties, or their representatives, meet at a Real Estate Registration Trustee office. The buyer pays the DLD transfer fee of 4% of the price, the balance is paid to the seller, and the new title deed is issued in the buyer's name.