Frequently Asked Questions
Question about selling
Yes. Foreign property owners can freely sell their real estate in designated freehold areas in Dubai. There are no restrictions on nationality when it comes to selling property, as long as the property is registered under your name.
The selling process typically involves:
- Property valuation and pricing
- Listing and marketing the property
- Buyer negotiation and agreement
- Signing Form F (Memorandum of Understanding)
- Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
- Final transfer at the Dubai Land Department
A professional agency like Ofwan & Co Real Estate manages the entire process to ensure a smooth transaction.
The timeline varies depending on pricing, location, and market demand. On average:
- Well-priced properties: 2–6 weeks
- Higher-end or niche properties: 2–3 months
Delays can occur if the property is overpriced or documentation is incomplete.
Key costs include:
- Agency commission (typically around 2%)
- NOC fee (paid to the developer)
- Trustee office transfer fees
- Mortgage clearance fees (if applicable)
The exact costs depend on the property type and developer.
No, it is not mandatory. You can appoint a Power of Attorney (POA) to represent you during the process. Many overseas investors sell their properties remotely with full legal protection.
The correct price is based on:
- Recent comparable sales in the same building or area
- Current market demand
- Property condition and upgrades
- View, layout, and floor level
Accurate pricing is critical — overpricing can significantly delay the sale.
You will typically need:
- Title Deed
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if resident)
- NOC from the developer
- Mortgage clearance letter (if applicable)
Your broker will guide you through all documentation requirements.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued by the developer confirming that there are no outstanding dues on the property. It is mandatory before transferring ownership to the buyer.
Yes. You can sell a rented property. The buyer will inherit the tenancy contract under the same terms. This can be attractive to investors seeking immediate rental income.
Yes, in many cases you can resell an off-plan property before handover. However, this depends on the developer’s policies and the percentage of payment already completed.
No. Dubai currently does not impose capital gains tax on property sales, which is one of the key advantages for investors.
If your property is mortgaged:
- The outstanding loan must be settled before transfer
- The buyer may pay the bank directly (depending on deal structure)
- A liability letter from the bank is required
The process is coordinated between the bank, buyer, and broker.
To maximize your selling price:
- Price the property correctly from the start
- Use professional marketing (photos, listings, exposure)
- Work with experienced agents
- Keep the property well-presented
- Be flexible during negotiations
Strong positioning in the market makes a significant difference.
Why should I use a real estate agency to sell my property?Dubai’s market conditions vary by area and property type. In general, demand remains strong due to:
- Population growth
- Investor inflow
- Limited supply in prime areas
A professional assessment is recommended to determine the best timing for your specific property.
Selling through a professional agency provides:
- Accurate market valuation
- Access to qualified buyers
- Negotiation expertise
- Legal and documentation support
- Faster transaction timelines
At Ofwan Real Estate, we focus on achieving the best possible outcome while ensuring a smooth and secure selling process.
Question about renting
Yes. Foreign residents and visitors can rent property in Dubai without restrictions. A valid passport is required, and residents typically provide an Emirates ID and residence visa.
For tenants, the standard documents include:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (for residents)
- Residence visa copy
- Proof of income or employment (in some cases)
- Security deposit and post-dated cheques
Requirements may vary slightly depending on the landlord or property type.
Ejari is the official tenancy registration system regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency under the Dubai Land Department.
Yes, Ejari registration is mandatory for all rental contracts in Dubai. It is required for:
- Visa applications
- Utility connections (DEWA)
- Legal protection of tenant rights
Rent is commonly paid using post-dated cheques. The number of cheques depends on the agreement:
- 1 cheque (lower price, upfront payment)
- 2–4 cheques (standard market practice)
- 6–12 cheques (less common, higher overall rent)
Some landlords may accept bank transfers or digital payments.
- Unfurnished property: 5% of annual rent
- Furnished property: 10% of annual rent
The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to property condition.
Yes. The standard real estate agency fee is typically 5% of the annual rent.
Yes, but only in accordance with the RERA rental index. Rent increases must follow legal guidelines and require:
- Minimum 90 days’ notice before contract renewal
- Compliance with the official rental index calculator
Most rental contracts in Dubai are for 12 months. Short-term rentals are available but are typically more expensive.
Early termination depends on the contract terms. In most cases:
- A penalty of 1–2 months’ rent applies
- Written notice (usually 60 days) is required
Always review the termination clause before signing.
- Minor maintenance: usually tenant responsibility
- Major maintenance: landlord responsibility
The exact terms should be clearly defined in the tenancy agreement.
Yes, but only under specific legal conditions defined by Dubai law. Valid reasons include:
- Property sale
- Personal use by the landlord
- Major renovation
A 12-month written notice must be served through official channels.
Yes, it is possible, but:
- Options may be limited
- Some landlords require a residence visa
- Higher security deposits may apply
Short-term rentals may be more suitable in such cases.
In addition to rent, tenants should budget for:
- Security deposit
- Agency fee
- Ejari registration fee
- DEWA (utilities) deposit and activation
- Internet and TV services
- Moving costs
Once documents are ready, renting a property can be completed within 1–3 days, including:
- Agreement signing
- Payment
- Ejari registration
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) provides utilities for properties in Dubai.
After signing the tenancy contract and registering Ejari, tenants can activate DEWA online. A refundable deposit is required.
Yes. Many landlords, especially overseas investors, use professional property management companies to handle:
- Tenant communication
- Rent collection
- Maintenance
- Contract renewals
This ensures consistent income and proper asset care.
Renting offers:
- Flexibility
- Lower upfront costs
- No long-term commitment
Buying may be more suitable for long-term residents or investors seeking rental income and capital appreciation.