Dubai property buying checklist — UAE-Invest

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1 · Before you offer

Set your budget + get mortgage pre-approvalIf financing, a pre-approval fixes your real borrowing power before you fall for a unit.
Confirm the property is in a freehold zoneForeign freehold ownership is only allowed in designated areas — verify before committing.
Engage a RERA-registered agentCheck the broker's RERA card; it protects you and is required for a compliant deal.
Run due diligenceDeveloper track record, outstanding service charges, the title deed and any tenancy in place.

Agree the price + termsWho pays the 4% DLD fee, the agency rate, and the NOC — settle it before signing.
Sign the MOU (Form F)The standard sale agreement registered on the DLD system.
Pay the deposit (commonly 10%)Held by the agent or a trustee; non-refundable if the buyer pulls out.

Get final mortgage approval after valuationIf financing — the bank values the property then issues a final offer letter (≈ 1–3 weeks).
Seller applies for the developer NOCOnly issues once service charges are cleared — the most common bottleneck, so chase it early.
Arrange settlement of any seller mortgageThe seller's bank must release the title; coordinate this with your lender.

Book the DLD trustee-office appointmentLine it up before the NOC expires — a slipped date can mean re-applying and re-paying.
Prepare manager's cheques for the fees4% DLD transfer + admin + agency, plus the residual cash component of the price.
Attend the transfer — new title deed issuedThe old deed is cancelled and the new one issued to you the same day. That's completion.
Register Ejari + set up DEWANeeded to move in or let the unit out, and for utilities + visa paperwork.

Your progress is saved on this device only. Indicative — your exact steps depend on cash vs mortgage, ready vs off-plan, and your developer.