Buying property in the UAE is a rewarding experience when you understand the steps from the start. Many buyers, especially first-timers, get lost in the jargon: EOI, SPA, Oqood, title deed, snagging. This guide walks you through each step, from your first call with a broker to receiving the keys, with a focus on Dubai and Sharjah.
Step 1: Define your goal and budget
- Are you buying to live in, to invest, or to qualify for the Golden Visa?
- Cash or mortgage? If financing, get a bank pre-approval before searching seriously.
- Budget for extra costs: registration fees (4% as a general rule in Dubai, and a 4% standard fee in Sharjah according to Khaleej Times), administrative fees, broker commission and annual service charges.
Step 2: Choose a licensed broker
Make sure the broker and the brokerage are licensed by the competent authority in the emirate. A good broker saves you significant time: shortlisting projects that fit your goal, comparing payment plans and following up on paperwork through registration. Always ask for a clear brokerage agreement setting out the commission and services.
Step 3: Choose and verify the project
- Verify that the developer and project are registered with the competent authority.
- In Sharjah, if you are not a UAE or GCC national, confirm the project is approved for ownership under Executive Council Resolution No. (30) of 2022.
- For off-plan: confirm the project has an escrow account (Law No. 8 of 2007 in Dubai; Executive Council Resolution No. 37 of 2024 in Sharjah).
- For ready property: inspect the unit and building, and ask about service charges and any outstanding dues.
Step 4: EOI or booking
At new launches, a developer may ask for an Expression of Interest, an amount that gives you priority to choose a unit. It is not a sale contract, so get the refund terms in writing. After choosing a unit, you complete the booking form and pay the reservation amount or down payment per the developer's policy, providing your passport and Emirates ID if you have one. Always pay the developer or the approved escrow account, never a personal account.
Step 5: Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
The SPA is the most important document. Read carefully:
- The unit description, area and specifications.
- The payment schedule and dates.
- The expected handover date and what happens if it is delayed.
- Cancellation terms and penalties.
- Conditions for reselling before handover.
- Expected service charges.
If anything is unclear, consult a specialised lawyer before signing.
Step 6: Official registration
Dubai: Oqood
Off-plan sales in Dubai are registered in Dubai Land Department's interim register, Oqood. The buyer pays the registration fee (4% of the property value) to the developer to complete registration, and DLD has directed developers to start paying these fees within a maximum of 60 days. For ready property, the transfer takes place at DLD or a registration trustee office, and a title deed is issued in your name.
Sharjah: Real Estate Registration Department
Registration is completed with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, where you pay the registration fee, a 4% standard fee according to Khaleej Times, with occasional temporary discounts such as during the ACRES exhibition. Confirm the procedure and fees that apply to your case with the department.
Step 7: Track construction and payments
For off-plan, follow construction progress through developer updates and pay instalments on time into the escrow account. Keep every receipt and statement; you will need them at handover, for resale, or for a Golden Visa application.
Step 8: Handover and snagging
As handover approaches, the developer sends a notice for the final payment and any fees due. Before taking the keys:
- Inspect the unit thoroughly (snagging): walls, floors, doors, windows, plumbing, electrics, air conditioning and finishes.
- Consider hiring a professional snagging company for a detailed report.
- Record issues in writing and ask the developer to fix them within a clear timeframe.
- Ask about the warranty and maintenance periods in your contract.
Step 9: Title deed and after handover
- Receive your title deed, or confirm the interim registration has been converted to final ownership.
- Connect electricity, water and district cooling where applicable.
- Pay service charges; in Dubai this is done through DLD's Mollak system.
- If renting out, register the tenancy contract according to the emirate's system.
- If your property is worth AED 2 million or more, you may qualify for the Golden Visa, subject to conditions.
Procedures and fees can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with Dubai Land Department or the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department.
Talk to Alroya Almomayaza
With Alroya Almomayaza Real Estate Brokers, you do not walk this road alone: we support you from choosing the project and booking through registration, handover and snagging. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 558 9894 and start your property journey today.
