Property Reference
Last updated: February 2026
A plain-English guide to the Dubai property terminology you will encounter when selling. From DLD and RERA to NOC and title deeds, this glossary covers the terms that matter. All transactions are registered through the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Looking for selling guides? Browse our resource centre or read the FAQ.
Core Property Documents
The paperwork involved in buying and selling
Title Deed
The official ownership document issued by DLD for a completed, registered property. This is your proof of ownership and is required to sell. Shows property details, owner name, and any registered mortgages.
Sale and Purchase Agreement
The core contract for buying or selling property. In off-plan sales, the SPA is between buyer and developer. In resales, it is between buyer and seller, often using standard templates.
Memorandum of Understanding
A preliminary agreement between buyer and seller in resale transactions, signed before the final transfer. Sets out the agreed price, deposit, and conditions before proceeding to the trustee office.
No Objection Certificate
A document from the developer (or building management) confirming there are no outstanding service charges or issues preventing the property transfer. Required for most Dubai property sales.
NOC fees and processing times vary by developer. See our NOC and DLD transfer guide.
Power of Attorney
A legal document that authorises someone else to act on your behalf in the property transaction. Essential if you are selling from overseas and cannot attend the trustee office in person.
See our guide on selling while relocating.
Form F
The standard broker-generated contract template used in Dubai resale transactions. RERA-registered agents use Form F to document the agreement between buyer and seller before transfer.
Fees, Costs & Numbers
The costs involved in property transactions
DLD Transfer Fee
The government fee charged when property ownership changes hands. Currently 4% of the sale price. Commonly split 2% buyer and 2% seller, though this can be negotiated.
See our fees and costs guide for a full breakdown.
Trustee Fee
Administrative fees charged by the trustee office for processing the property transfer. These are separate from the 4% DLD transfer fee and vary based on the service type and property value.
NOC Fee
The fee charged by the developer to issue a No Objection Certificate. An admin fee of AED 500 is common, with other charges varying by developer and project.
Service Charges
Annual fees paid by property owners for building maintenance, security, cleaning, amenities, and management. Charged per square foot. Must be cleared before obtaining an NOC to sell.
Agency Commission
The fee charged by a real estate agent for their services. In Dubai, this is typically around 2% of the sale price, though it depends on the agreement.
Sinking Fund
Money set aside from service charges for major long-term repairs and replacements such as lifts, roofs, MEP systems, and facade works. Also called a reserve fund.
Off-Plan & Developer Terms
Terminology for properties bought before completion
Off-Plan
Buying a property directly from the developer before it is completed. The purchase is registered in Oqood, and a title deed is issued only after handover when the building is finished.
See our off-plan selling guide.
Handover
The point when the developer delivers the completed unit to the buyer. At handover, the buyer takes possession, the title deed is issued, and final payments become due.
See our selling before handover guide.
Snagging
The inspection process at or after handover where defects and finishing issues are identified for the developer to rectify. A snagging list documents all items requiring attention.
Defects Liability Period
The period after handover during which the developer is obligated to fix certain defects at no cost. Typically 12 months for finishing and longer for structural issues.
Escrow Account
A regulated project account where off-plan buyer payments are held. Developers can only access funds according to construction milestones, protecting buyers if a project stalls.
Assignment / Resale of Off-Plan
Selling your off-plan property to another buyer before completion. Requires developer approval and typically incurs a fee (often 2-5% of the property value).
Rental Market & Tenancy Terms
Terminology for tenanted properties
Ejari
RERA’s mandatory online system for registering tenancy contracts in Dubai. All residential leases must be registered in Ejari. If selling a tenanted property, the Ejari registration transfers to the new owner.
Tenancy Contract
The lease agreement between landlord and tenant, typically renewed annually. Must be registered in Ejari. When selling a tenanted property, the buyer usually inherits the existing contract terms.
See our guide on selling tenanted property.
RERA Rental Index
A reference tool from RERA used to determine fair market rent and allowable rent increases. Commonly cited in renewal negotiations between landlords and tenants.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
The utility provider for electricity and water in Dubai. Property owners must have a DEWA account for their property. When selling, the account is transferred or closed.
Vacant on Transfer
When a property will be empty at the time of sale completion. This is often preferred by end-user buyers and can command a premium over tenanted properties in some markets.
Security Deposit
Money held by the landlord against potential damage or unpaid obligations. Typically 5% for unfurnished or 10% for furnished properties.
Mortgages & Finance Terms
Terminology for financed properties
Cash Buyer
A buyer not relying on mortgage finance. Cash buyers can typically complete faster because there is no bank approval, valuation, or mortgage processing delay.
Learn more about selling for cash in Dubai.
Liability Letter
A document from the bank confirming the exact amount required to settle an existing mortgage. Essential when selling a mortgaged property, as the buyer needs to know the payoff figure.
See our guide on selling mortgaged property.
Mortgage Discharge / Release
The process of removing the mortgage from the title deed once the loan is fully repaid. Required before a clear title can transfer to the buyer. Can take 2-4 weeks depending on the bank.
Loan to Value
The mortgage amount expressed as a percentage of the property value. UAE regulations cap LTV for different buyer types. Expats typically qualify for up to 75-80% LTV on their first property.
Early Settlement Fee
A fee charged by banks for repaying a mortgage before the end of its term. UAE regulations cap this at 1% of the outstanding balance or 3 months interest.
Blocking
When a buyer’s bank places a temporary hold on a property during the mortgage approval process. This secures the property for the buyer and prevents the seller from accepting other offers.
Building, Management & Due Diligence
Terms related to property management and quality
Developer
The company that builds the property and often controls early community management. Major Dubai developers include Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, Dubai Properties, Meraas, and Sobha.
Master Developer
The entity responsible for the wider area plan, infrastructure, roads, and community design. For example, Dubai Holding is the master developer for JBR.
Owners Association / Committee
The body representing property owners in jointly owned buildings. Responsible for service charge budgets, building rules, and major decisions. Registered with and regulated by DLD.
Built-Up Area
The total internal floor area of a property, including walls. Used for pricing comparisons and service charge calculations. Different from plot area (for villas).
Plot Area
For villas and townhouses, the total land area including the building, garden, parking, and outdoor space. Larger plots typically command higher prices.
Short-Term Letting
Renting a property on a nightly or weekly basis (e.g., through Airbnb). Rules vary significantly by building and community. May need a holiday home operator licence.
Market Language & Pricing Terms
Terms used by agents, buyers, and investors
Price Per Square Foot
A common benchmark for comparing property values across different units and buildings. Calculated by dividing the total price by the built-up area in square feet.
Return on Investment / Yield
Rental return expressed as a percentage of property value. Gross yield is annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield accounts for costs like service charges.
See our guide on selling investment property.
Comparable Sales (Comps)
Recent sales of similar properties used to determine fair market value. Good comps should be in the same building or community, similar size, and sold within the last 3-6 months.
Distress Sale
A sale driven by urgency such as relocation, financial pressure, divorce, or visa issues. Distress sellers often accept below-market prices in exchange for speed and certainty.
See our financial difficulties guide.
Open Market Value
The price a property would achieve if marketed publicly through estate agents over a reasonable period, typically 3-6 months. Cash estimates may be below this in exchange for speed.
Freehold
Full ownership of property and land in perpetuity. Available to foreign buyers in designated freehold areas of Dubai. Most popular communities like Dubai Marina and Downtown are freehold.
Leasehold
Ownership for a fixed term (typically 99 years) after which the property reverts to the freeholder. Less common in Dubai than freehold.
Chain
A sequence of linked property transactions where each sale depends on another. Less common in Dubai than in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dubai property terms
What is the difference between DLD and RERA? ⭐ Essential
DLD (Dubai Land Department) is the main government body handling property registration, title deeds, and transfers. RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) operates under DLD and regulates real estate professionals, developers, and tenancy matters. When selling, you deal with DLD for the transfer and may interact with RERA-registered brokers. See our NOC and DLD transfer guide for the full process.
What is an NOC and why do I need one to sell? ⭐ Essential
An NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required from your developer before most Dubai property transfers. It confirms there are no outstanding service charges or issues preventing the sale. Processing time and fees vary by developer. Our NOC guide explains the process in detail.
What does the 4% DLD transfer fee cover? ⭐ Essential
The 4% DLD transfer fee is a government charge applied when property ownership changes hands. It is typically split 2% buyer and 2% seller, though this can be negotiated. The fee covers the official registration and title deed transfer. See our fees guide for all costs involved.
What is Form F in Dubai property sales?
Form F is a standard contract template used by RERA-registered brokers for resale property transactions in Dubai. It sets out the agreed terms between buyer and seller, including price, deposit, and timeline. Your broker will prepare this document as part of the sale process.
What is Ejari and do I need it to sell?
Ejari is RERA’s tenancy contract registration system. If your property is tenanted, the existing Ejari registration will transfer to the new owner along with the tenancy contract. If selling vacant, Ejari is not directly relevant to the sale process. See our tenanted property guide if you have a tenant.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold in Dubai?
Freehold means full ownership in perpetuity – you own the property and land forever. Leasehold means ownership for a fixed term (typically 99 years). Most popular Dubai communities like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah are freehold and available to foreign buyers.
Related Resources
Guides that explain these terms in context
🔴 Ready to Sell Your Dubai Property?
Get a no-obligation cash estimate within 24 hours. The buyer handles the NOC, DLD transfer, and all the paperwork.
No public listing commission. No obligation. Timelines subject to checks.