Buying property in Dubai is a dream come true for many. With the helpful regulations and laws that facilitate the process, it's basically like shopping online, except your cart total has a few more zeros.
But here's the plot twist: have you ever thought about reselling your property? Is it as breezy as clicking "add to cart", or does the Dubai property market have a few surprise checkpoints you didn't see coming?
But here's the plot twist: have you ever thought about reselling your property? Is it as breezy as clicking "add to cart", or does the Dubai property market have a few surprise checkpoints you didn't see coming?
What Makes Reselling Different – The Process
1.The No Objection Certificate (NOC)
If you decide to sell your unit, you need to obtain a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the developer, which typically costs between AED 500 and AED 5,000 and is borne by the seller.
The NOC confirms that you have settled all required payments, such as service charges and maintenance fees. It is also a mandatory document for DLD to transfer the property to the buyer’s name.
2.Transfer Fees: Who Pays What?
The transfer process is handled by DLD. Both parties must be present at the DLD office to complete the transaction. The buyer will need to pay the Dubai Land Department's transfer fees, typically 4% of the property's value, and any additional administrative charges.
The good news? Usually, the buyer pays this fee in full, but sometimes the buyer and seller may agree to split the fee. This is where your negotiation skills come in handy.
3.The Mortgage “Situationship”
Still got a mortgage to pay off? There is nothing to worry about. You can sell your property with your unpaid mortgage. The buyer will need to block the property in their name, and the mortgage must be discharged before the transfer can be completed.
This requires coordination with your bank, the bank of the buyer (assuming they are financing) and DLD. It is achievable, but it must be timed well, and all should be communicated properly. It’s like a choreography and everyone has to move in time.
4.Selling Off-Plan Properties: A Different Story
Bought off-plan and want to exit before completion? You're not alone.
When you buy an off-plan property in Dubai, you're essentially purchasing the promise of a future home or apartment. During construction, developers often allow owners to resell their units through a process known as assignment or transfer of ownership.
Both buyer and seller must sign a transfer form, and the buyer pays the outstanding installments to the developer as per the payment plan. The original sale and purchase agreement (SPA) must also be presented at the time of resale.
Selling off-plan can actually be lucrative if the market has appreciated since your purchase, but it requires developer approval and clear documentation of your payment history.
If you decide to sell your unit, you need to obtain a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the developer, which typically costs between AED 500 and AED 5,000 and is borne by the seller.
The NOC confirms that you have settled all required payments, such as service charges and maintenance fees. It is also a mandatory document for DLD to transfer the property to the buyer’s name.
2.Transfer Fees: Who Pays What?
The transfer process is handled by DLD. Both parties must be present at the DLD office to complete the transaction. The buyer will need to pay the Dubai Land Department's transfer fees, typically 4% of the property's value, and any additional administrative charges.
The good news? Usually, the buyer pays this fee in full, but sometimes the buyer and seller may agree to split the fee. This is where your negotiation skills come in handy.
3.The Mortgage “Situationship”
Still got a mortgage to pay off? There is nothing to worry about. You can sell your property with your unpaid mortgage. The buyer will need to block the property in their name, and the mortgage must be discharged before the transfer can be completed.
This requires coordination with your bank, the bank of the buyer (assuming they are financing) and DLD. It is achievable, but it must be timed well, and all should be communicated properly. It’s like a choreography and everyone has to move in time.
4.Selling Off-Plan Properties: A Different Story
Bought off-plan and want to exit before completion? You're not alone.
When you buy an off-plan property in Dubai, you're essentially purchasing the promise of a future home or apartment. During construction, developers often allow owners to resell their units through a process known as assignment or transfer of ownership.
Both buyer and seller must sign a transfer form, and the buyer pays the outstanding installments to the developer as per the payment plan. The original sale and purchase agreement (SPA) must also be presented at the time of resale.
Selling off-plan can actually be lucrative if the market has appreciated since your purchase, but it requires developer approval and clear documentation of your payment history.
The Agent Factor: To Hire or Not to Hire?
Remember the agent who guided you through buying your property? You might be wondering, do you really need one when it’s time to sell?
While it's technically possible to sell privately, having a licensed agent can significantly streamline the process, especially if you're unfamiliar with the documentation requirements or if you're selling while living abroad.
While it's technically possible to sell privately, having a licensed agent can significantly streamline the process, especially if you're unfamiliar with the documentation requirements or if you're selling while living abroad.
Hidden Costs You Should Know
Beyond the NOC fee and potential agent commissions, sellers should budget for:
- Outstanding service charges (must be cleared before sale)
- Early settlement fees if you have a mortgage
- Utility account closures and final bills
- Potentially minor repairs or touch-ups to make the property market-ready
- Photography and marketing materials (optional but can definitely help)
Real Numbers (Examples)
In 2024, Dubai recorded 58,328 resale transactions valued at AED 155.73 billion, marking year-on-year increases of 19.3% in volume and 25.3% in value, according to the Dubia Land Department.
So, Is Reselling as Simple as Buying?
The honest answer? Not quite, but it's not dramatically different either. Buying property in Dubai is designed to be investor-friendly and streamlined because the city wants to attract international capital.
Selling requires more active participation from you because you're now the one facilitating the transaction.
Selling requires more active participation from you because you're now the one facilitating the transaction.