Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transfer Property Ownership in Dubai

Whether you’re buying, selling, gifting, or inheriting a property in Dubai, understanding how to transfer property ownership is critical. Dubai’s real estate market is globally recognized for its transparency and efficiency, but the transfer process involves several legal and administrative steps.

This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know to successfully transfer a property—whether it’s a ready home, off-plan unit, or commercial space.

1. Understand the Type of Transfer

The process varies slightly depending on the type of transaction:

• Sale and purchase
• Gift or family transfer
• Inheritance
• Corporate transfer or restructuring

This guide focuses mainly on standard sale and purchase transfers, but we’ll briefly touch on other types.

2. Required Documents for Ownership Transfer

Before heading to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), ensure you have:

From Buyer & Seller:

• Original Title Deed
• Valid passports and Emirates IDs
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
• Signed sale and purchase agreement (SPA)
• Payment proof (bank drafts or confirmation of funds)
• Clearance of service charges from developer (if applicable)
• Mortgage settlement confirmation (if seller has a loan)

3. Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If the property is located in a freehold area, the developer must issue an NOC allowing the transfer.

Process:

• Visit the developer's office (e.g., Emaar, Damac, Nakheel)
• Pay an NOC fee (usually AED 500–5,000)
• Developer may inspect the property or check for outstanding payments

NOCs are usually issued within 3–5 working days.

4. Visit a DLD-Approved Trustee Office

Dubai Land Department has outsourced many of its services to Trustee Offices for convenience.

At the office:

• Submit all documents
• Buyer and seller sign transfer documents
• Buyer pays 4% DLD transfer fee (based on property price)
• Pay AED 580 title deed issuance fee
• If a mortgage is involved, an additional AED 290 fee applies

The transaction is processed instantly, and the new Title Deed is issued on the spot.

5. Payment Process

For Cash Buyers:

• Payment is typically made via manager’s cheque issued to the seller
• Cheques are handed over at the Trustee Office during transfer

For Mortgage Buyers:

• The bank must settle the seller’s mortgage before transfer (if applicable)
• Buyer signs the new mortgage contract
• The bank disburses funds after transfer is complete

Banks and agents handle most of the back-end processes, but a trusted agent ensures everything is coordinated.

6. Title Deed Issuance

After payment and signing:

• The DLD system updates the ownership record
• The buyer receives a new electronic Title Deed
• Ownership is now legally transferred

If the property is off-plan, the buyer receives an Oqood Certificate instead, and the final Title Deed is issued upon handover.

Optional: Power of Attorney (POA)

If either party cannot attend in person, a Power of Attorney can be used. It must be:

• Notarized (in the UAE) or attested by the UAE Embassy abroad
• Accepted by DLD and Trustee Offices

This is common for overseas investors.

Other Types of Property Transfers in Dubai

Gifting (Family Transfers):

• Must be between first-degree relatives
• Requires proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
• DLD charges 0.125% fee of property value instead of 4%
• Additional admin and trustee fees apply

nheritance:

• Requires legal ruling or succession certificate from Dubai courts
• Processed under Sharia Law unless a DIFC Will exists

Tips for a Smooth Property Transfer

• Use RERA-registered agents to ensure paperwork is accurate
• Confirm DLD fees and charges before the appointment
• Schedule early—some Trustee Offices have long wait times
• Ensure service charge clearance from the developer to avoid delays
• If buying off-plan, confirm that the developer is registered with RERA and the project has an escrow account

Where to Find Trustee Offices in Dubai?

Some of the major DLD Trustee Offices include:

• Al Barsha
• Business Bay
• Dubai Marina
• Al Twar
• Deira

You can find an updated list on the Dubai Land Department website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does a property transfer take in Dubai?
A: The actual transfer at the trustee office takes 30–60 minutes if all documents are in order.

Q: Can foreigners transfer property in Dubai?
A: Yes, foreigners can buy and sell in designated freehold zones and transfer ownership like UAE nationals.

Q: What if the property is mortgaged?
A: The mortgage must be settled or transferred before the title deed can be updated.

Q: What is the total cost of transferring property?
A: Approx. 4.5–5% of the property value (DLD fee + admin costs + agent commission).

Final Thoughts

Transferring property ownership in Dubai is efficient and highly regulated, making it secure for both local and international buyers. With clear steps, proper documentation, and guidance from a registered agent, the entire process can be completed within a day once all is in order.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or gifting a property, understanding these steps helps ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction.

Need Help with Property Transfer in Dubai?

At DSX Properties, we guide buyers and sellers through every step—from document prep to Title Deed issuance.
Let us simplify your property transfer.

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