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Buyer's guide - How to Buy a Resale Property in Dubai

The ultimate guide for everything you need to know ⬇️
In this buyer’s guide for resale (secondary) properties, we explain how to buy a property in Dubai, step-by-step. From determining your budget to moving in. If you are looking for our off-plan buying guide, please find it here.
01

Determine Your Budget

Assess your financial capacity and include all relevant expenses in your calculations. Be mindful of extra costs, such as a 2% agency fee and a 4% transfer fee. If you intend to secure a mortgage, you’ll typically need at least 25% of the property's value as a down payment. Don’t overlook interest rates, which generally fall between 3-4% depending on the loan duration and the lender. Work closely with your agent to accurately determine and finalize your budget.

02

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

If you’re financing your purchase, getting pre-approved by a bank is crucial. It confirms your budget and strengthens your buying position. Once approved, you’ll receive a letter or email from the bank specifying the loan amount, which is usually valid for 60 days.

03

Choose a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Select an experienced agent and company you can trust. They will help you understand your budget, needs, and preferences. The more detailed you are about your requirements early on, the quicker they can find the right property for you. You can rely on our experts, connect with our team by messaging us via WhatsApp or you may book a free consultation with us here.

04

Start Viewing Properties

Your agent will guide you through communities and properties that align with your budget and preferences. Schedule viewings for multiple options until you find the perfect property.
05

Make an Offer

To increase the likelihood of acceptance, submit your offer in writing, along with a 10% deposit cheque and copies of the passport and Emirates ID of all parties who will be on the title deed.

06

Sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Once the offer is accepted, your agent will draft an MOU (also known as Form F). Review the document and, once agreed, both parties will sign it, with the buyer handing over the 10% deposit cheque.
07

Sales Progression

For mortgage buyers, the bank will need to conduct a valuation of the property, and the buyer must secure a final offer letter. If the seller has a mortgage, the buyer must settle it fully before applying for the No Objection Certificate (NOC). This process, which involves obtaining a mortgage settlement statement, may take 6-10 weeks on average.
08

Apply for your NOC (No Objection Certificate)

All parties will meet at the developer’s office to apply for the NOC. The developer will issue the NOC after confirming that all service charges have been paid and any modifications adhere to guidelines. A fee (AED 500-5,000) is required, and in some cases, the buyer may need to pay a refundable deposit. This process usually takes up to 5 working days.
09

Transfer Ownership

Once the NOC is issued, all parties will visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to complete the ownership transfer. The buyer must provide a manager’s cheque for the purchase price payable to the seller, along with cheques for the 4% transfer fee and an admin fee (up to AED 4,000). After completing the formalities, a new title deed will be issued in the buyer’s name. Any overpaid service charges will be settled between the buyer and seller pro-rata.
10

Receive the Keys and Move In

Congratulations! Once the ownership transfer is finalized, you can collect the keys and move into your new property.

Have further questions or you are looking to buy a property?, feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp.

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Prices starting at 1.5CR only!

Property prices starting at 1.5CR only!