Calculate proceeds, not just the headline price
A sale price is not the cash you will necessarily receive. Start with the agreed total consideration, subtract amounts that must settle your developer or mortgage balance, and then deduct the costs allocated to you. Ask for a completion statement showing each recipient and payment date. Keep the sale price, already-paid capital and remaining developer balance separate to avoid counting the same money twice.
DLD registration and trustee charges
Checked on 3 October 2026, the DLD property-sale registration page lists a seller share of 2% and a buyer share of 2% of sale value. It also lists service-partner charges of AED 4,000 plus VAT for sales at AED 500,000 or above and AED 2,000 plus VAT below that threshold. Additional certificate, map and administrative charges depend on the service. Confirm your transaction’s applicable schedule and agreed allocation rather than assuming the buyer always pays every cost.
Developer and financing items
Request a written NOC quotation from the developer and identify outstanding instalments or clearance items. A mortgaged property may require a bank liability letter, settlement and release steps, with charges specific to the loan and lender. An off-plan transfer may involve a different registration channel from a completed-property sale. Do not use a ready-property estimate as a binding quote for another transaction type.
Optional professional services
If you appoint an agent, conveyancer, lawyer or representative, agree the scope and fee in writing before work begins. Clarify VAT where applicable, when payment becomes due and what happens if the sale does not complete. A marketplace submission does not create a brokerage appointment. Never infer that all professional work is included in a property price or in the act of publishing an advertisement.
Make room for timing adjustments
Service charges, mortgage interest, instalments and other amounts can change between the offer and transfer. Ask which date is used for apportionments and who is responsible for each outstanding item. Retain invoices and receipts so both parties can reconcile the final statement. Price negotiations should consider your actual net position, not simply the original purchase price or a discount badge.
Practical next step
Prepare a worksheet with separate columns for the charge, paying party, estimate, confirmed quote and payment date. Include a line for the amount you expect to receive after settlement. Reconcile the worksheet when the agreed price changes, rather than adjusting only the headline figure. Ask the relevant provider whether a quote includes VAT and whether a cancelled or delayed appointment creates another charge. Never treat a verbal net-proceeds figure as final while a bank balance or developer clearance is outstanding. Share an agreed completion statement with the other party through a secure channel.
Official sources and review date
Reviewed 3 October 2026. Confirm the current service requirements before signing. DLD property sale registration: Original source
DLD and RERA questions: Original source
Dubai real estate legislation: Original source
