GUIDE TO SELLING PROPERTY IN DUBAI
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1. Enhance Your Property’s Appeal
To sell your home quickly and at a higher price, it’s essential to present it in the best possible condition. Address any visible cracks, flaws, and maintenance issues, clean it thoroughly, repaint if necessary, and ensure the garden is well-maintained. Buyers often lack the imagination to see the potential, so it’s crucial to handle repairs in advance.
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Market Analysis
A real estate professional will perform an on-site analysis of the current market conditions and provide pricing recommendations based on the property type, location, and development status. Our agents will devise a strategy to maximize your property’s selling potential.
DXBinteract offers online tools with trustworthy data on past transactions, rentals, and other relevant information to help you make informed pricing decisions for your property.
3. List Your Property with a Reputable Real Estate Firm
To list your property, you need to sign Form A or Contract A by the Dubai Land Department and provide a copy of your passport or Emirates ID and title deed. This form is legally required to sell or advertise any property in Dubai. It outlines all the requirements and is a contract between the seller and broker. The broker will then apply for marketing permission to advertise the property.
4. Market Your Property Effectively
Effective marketing is vital to selling your house. Listings with professional photos and descriptions, upgraded to a premium level, are more likely to sell within the first four weeks. Our agents use email and social media campaigns to reach a wider audience. Choose an agent knowledgeable in various marketing platforms and equipped with premium tools to enhance exposure. We ensure every detail is covered to promote your property to its full potential.
5. Showcasing the Property to Potential Buyers
Your property consultant will arrange viewings with interested parties. Our expert will keep you informed about new leads and negotiate with prospective buyers on your behalf (with your approval on the price range). It’s important to provide the agent with unrestricted access to increase the number of potential buyers. This also ensures a smoother experience for the buyer.
6. Agreement Between Seller and Buyer
Once a buyer is interested, the price and terms of the sale should be negotiated. A qualified agent is essential to help both parties reach an agreement based on factual data and market trends. Including a cheque for the 10% deposit can demonstrate the buyer’s seriousness. After agreeing on the terms, both parties will sign a memorandum of agreement, also known as an MOU and Form/Contract F. This can also be done electronically using SMS and OTP, eliminating the need for printing and scanning.
Typically, the buyer will provide a 10% security deposit, which the agency retains until the transfer. Ensure that the agency or its sales progression/conveyance department understands the timeframe and processes to ensure a smooth transaction.
7. Handling Mortgage Sellers
Before the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued, the buyer must settle the seller’s mortgage, involving the bank. It’s advisable to start this process with your bank or lender as soon as you sign an MOU. The bank will provide a liability letter upon request, which may take up to two weeks.
At the Dubai Land Department Trustee office, a procedure ensures the buyer is protected from paying off the seller’s mortgage. If the buyer is securing financing, the buyer’s bank will work with the seller’s bank to ensure a smooth transaction.
8. Applying for the NOC
All parties will meet at the developer’s office to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), necessary for the sale. Some developers support online applications. The developer will check for any outstanding service charges or instalments, which must be cleared. A fee, typically between AED 500 and AED 5000 plus VAT, is required.
A developer’s representative may inspect the property before issuing the NOC. If there are any issues, the seller will be notified to make the necessary changes. Some developers may also require a deposit from the buyer, refundable upon presenting the new title deed. Processing time can vary from one to five business days or longer, depending on the property type, developer, and community.
9. Disconnecting Utilities
Begin the process of disconnecting utilities by contacting service providers like DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). All parties should be aware of the transfer and finalization date to avoid delays. This can usually be done online and takes 24 to 48 hours.
10. Finalizing the Sale
After obtaining the NOC, all parties can meet at the Dubai Land Department trustee office to transfer property ownership in exchange for payment. The purchase price must be paid via a manager’s cheque payable to the seller on the transfer date. Manager’s cheques are also required for the 4% transfer fee and an administrative fee, which is AED 4,000 plus VAT for ready properties over AED 500,000 or AED 5,000 plus VAT for off-plan properties.
For lower-priced properties, the fees are slightly less. Once all procedures are completed, a new title deed will be issued in the buyer’s name. The buyer will settle any prepaid service charges or rental amounts with the seller on a pro-rata basis.