JSS Guide
Selling Property in Dubai — Owner's Guide
Reviewed by the JSS advisory team · Published and updated 18 August 2026 · Information sourced from developer data and published DLD fee schedules. Confirm details with official UAE sources before relying on them.
Getting a realistic valuation
A realistic valuation draws on comparable recent transactions registered with the DLD — not asking prices, which can diverge significantly from what buyers actually pay. The DLD's Transactions portal (dubailand.gov.ae) shows registered sale prices publicly. A licensed JSS adviser can provide a comparable-transaction analysis for your property type, area, and condition as a starting point.
If you are applying for a mortgage on a new property or require an official valuation, a RERA-approved valuation company will need to be engaged separately — that is a paid service typically costing around AED 3,000–3,500.
Listing and marketing
Your property should be listed across the major UAE property portals (Bayut, Property Finder, Dubizzle), with professional photography and accurate floor plan data. JSS includes listing management in our seller service. We do not list off-plan projects that belong to other developers' inventory — we present your property to buyers in our database who are looking for properties matching your specification.
Be prepared to provide: the title deed, your ID, service-charge clearance from the owners' association, and access for photography and viewings.
MOU and deposit
When a buyer is found and a price is agreed, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU — sometimes called Form F). The buyer typically pays a 10% deposit (held by the broker or a nominated third party) as a commitment. The MOU should specify the agreed price, the timeline for NOC and transfer, and the consequences if either party defaults.
NOC from the developer
For most freehold properties in Dubai, the developer must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming there are no outstanding service charges, mortgage-related restrictions, or other encumbrances on the property. The seller normally pays any outstanding service charges before the NOC is issued. Developer NOC fees and timelines vary.
DLD transfer
The transfer of title takes place at a DLD-approved trustee office. Both buyer and seller (or their PoA representatives) must be present. The buyer pays the DLD transfer fee (4% + AED 580) and trustee office fee. The seller receives the agreed sale proceeds.
Seller costs
As a seller, your main costs are: any outstanding service charges (to obtain the NOC), the developer's NOC fee, and the estate agent's commission. In Dubai, the agency commission is typically paid by the buyer at the standard 2% rate — but the specific arrangement should be agreed in writing with your broker at the start. If you have a mortgage on the property, early settlement fees may apply — check your mortgage terms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A typical secondary market transaction from accepted offer to DLD transfer takes four to eight weeks, depending on whether the buyer has a mortgage (which adds a lender valuation and approval stage) and how quickly the NOC is issued.
Yes, but the mortgage must be settled (either by the seller before transfer or as part of the transaction) before the title can be transferred. This adds complexity and sometimes timing pressure to the process.
Standard Dubai practice is that the buyer pays the agent's commission (typically 2%). However, this can vary by arrangement. Confirm in writing with your broker before instructing them.
Talk to JSS
One team, from shortlist to handover
Speak to a licensed adviser for verified availability, honest comparisons, and support through every step — in your language.