BUYER’S GUIDE
Understand before you buy
Clear guides to choosing and checking property, with sources, questions for your broker and attention to detail.
From your first enquiry to a decision
Your enquiry
Leave your name and telephone number. Your area, search criteria or selected project are included automatically.
A shortlist
We discuss your preferences and compare suitable properties and their purchase terms.
Viewing and checks
We clarify the condition, documents, layout and complete budget of the particular offer.
Agreeing the terms
Before any commitment, we establish the price, payment schedule, participants’ services and registration process in the UAE.
Off-plan property
Development, contract and payment plan →Documents at each stage
- First enquiry: name, telephone number and general preferences.
- Before booking: property and seller details, representative’s authority and refund terms.
- Registration: identification, the contract and documents required by the registrar for your circumstances.
- Handover: ownership documents, handover record, keys and payment confirmations.
Purchase budget: a working estimate
An example for a completed property in Dubai without a mortgage. DLD lists 2% for the buyer and 2% for the seller. Adjust the allocation if your contract differs. Enter other costs from your offer; this is not a quotation.
Example additional costs: AED 4,200 for the registration trustee (including VAT), AED 250 for the title deed, AED 250 for the plan and AED 20 in fees. Services and commission are not filled in: enter the agreed amount.
DLD · 14.09.2026 · Dubai Land Department ↗
Before booking
- The price, availability and unit number are confirmed.
- All payments, dates and refund terms are clear.
- The seller and representative’s authority have been checked.
- Payment details match the contract.
- For an off-plan property, the project, contractual date and registration procedure have been checked.
Do I need a passport for my first enquiry?
No. The form only requires your name and telephone number. Transaction documents are requested later through an agreed channel.
Can I enquire about a particular property?
Yes. Open the listing and select “Discuss this property”. Its name, link and project ID are included automatically.
Can I start without choosing a neighbourhood?
Yes. Tell us your purpose, budget and timing. We can help narrow your search.
Articles about rules and costs in Dubai apply to Dubai. Purchase conditions in other emirates are covered separately.
Buying
How to choose property in Dubai: from your goal to a shortlist
A practical selection process: purchase goal, full budget, neighbourhood, completion status and documents. What to prepare before your first viewing.
Read article →Choosing a property
Off-plan or ready apartment in Dubai: what to compare
Timelines, viewings, payment schedules and documents: comparing off-plan and ready homes without one-size-fits-all promises.
Read article →Budget
The cost of owning property in Dubai: what to budget for
Purchase price, service charges, repairs, vacancies and management: building a clear budget without unverified rates.
Read article →Documents
Checking a Dubai property: questions to ask before reserving
Listing details, authority, documents, project status and payment instructions: a sequence of checks before deciding.
Read article →Neighbourhoods
How to choose a Dubai neighbourhood for your lifestyle
Transport, waterfronts, family amenities and building density: comparing neighbourhoods through daily routes.
Read article →