Condo Dubai Sale: The Ultimate Checklist Before You Buy

If you are preparing to buy a condo in Dubai, a clear checklist will save you time, money, and stress. Use this step-by-step guide to verify ownership, understand fees, benchmark service charges, and plan financing so you can purchase with confidence.

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Why a Checklist Matters

Dubai’s property market is fast-moving and highly transparent, which makes it both attractive and competitive. In the first half of 2025, the Dubai Land Department recorded 125,538 real estate transactions worth AED 431 billion (≈ USD 116.37 billion). 

For condo buyers and sellers, that level of activity means reliable price data, clear benchmarks, and plenty of comparables, but it also means you need a checklist to stay disciplined and avoid costly oversights.

Major Trends in the Condo Market

• Dominance of Apartments: Apartments continue to account for the majority of property sales in Dubai by volume, making up roughly 76% of all transactions in Q1 2025.
• Off-Plan is Leading: Primary (off-plan) sales are highly dominant, accounting for approximately 73% of the transaction volume and 66% of the sales value in Q3 2025. This indicates strong investor confidence in future developments.
• Top Selling Areas (Q3 2025): Areas seeing high apartment sales volume include:
  
  • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
  • Business Bay
  • Wadi Al Safa 5
  • Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)
• Price Segmentation: A significant portion of transactions fall in the mid-range:
  
  • 38% of sales were in the AED 1–2 million range.
  • 25% were below AED 1 million.
  • 10% were above AED 5 million (the luxury segment).

Notable Luxury Apartment Sale

• The most expensive apartment transaction in Q3 2025 was recorded at AED 174 million at Aman Residences Dubai - Tower 1.

Step 1: Confirm Freehold Eligibility and Ownership Rights

Foreign buyers can purchase condos in designated freehold zones. Start here so you do not waste time on ineligible stock.

• Check that the building is in a designated freehold area open to non-UAE nationals.
  
• Decide whether to buy personally or through an accepted UAE entity if you want ring-fencing or partner ownership later.
  
• Keep your search to established freehold districts like Downtown, Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, and Palm Jumeirah.

Step 2: Verify Title, Developer, and Building Records

Never rely on brochures alone. Use official tools and paper trails to confirm what you are buying.

• Verify the current title deed using Dubai Land Department’s Title Deed Verification service.
  
• For resales, ask for a clean service-charge statement and any recent building maintenance reports.
  
• For off-plan, confirm the project is registered with DLD and that buyer payments go to a regulated escrow account under Dubai’s escrow framework.

Step 3: Understand The Total Purchase Cost

Model your true cash in before you make an offer. Costs are predictable and published.

• Dubai Land Department transfer fee: 4% of the registered price.
  
• Trustee office fee: AED 2,000 if the price is below AED 500,000, or AED 4,000 if the price is AED 500,000 and above, plus VAT.
  
• Title deed issuance and maps: typical admin fees listed by DLD, including AED 250 for an apartment map and small knowledge/innovation fees.
  
• Agency commission: commonly 2% of price plus 5% VAT on the commission.
  
• Developer NOC for resales: usually AED 500 to AED 5,000 (≈ USD 135 to USD 1,350) depending on the project.
  
  
• If you use a mortgage, include bank arrangement costs and DLD mortgage registration.

Step 4: Check Service Charges Before You Bid

Service charges are the biggest driver of your net yield. Benchmark them by building.

• Look up the approved rate for the exact project in the official RERA Service Charge Index and compare it to similar buildings in the same district.
  
• Typical apartment service charges range widely by amenity level. Use the published index rate, not an estimate from listings.
  
• Ask for the latest statement from the seller to confirm there are no arrears at transfer.

Step 5: Confirm Rental Yields Using Real Data

If you plan to let the condo, validate rent and occupancy with evidence.

• Cross-check recent rental contracts and live asking rents in the same tower or cluster.
  
• As a citywide context check, apartments often gross around the mid-single to high-single digits depending on size and location. Use your building’s service-charge rate to estimate net yield and stress test at a slightly lower rent for prudence.

Step 6: Decide On Financing And Payment Structure

Financing differs for completed and off-plan purchases. Align the structure with your cash flow.

• Ready condos: expatriate buyers commonly see up to 75% loan-to-value on first homes under lender and Central Bank rules for higher-value bands, with lower caps for larger ticket sizes. Always confirm current policy with your bank.
  
• Off-plan condos: expect developer payment plans such as 60/40 or post-handover structures. Bank mortgages typically activate at certain build milestones or at handover.

Step 7: Inspect The Unit And The Building

A professional inspection protects your downside and strengthens your negotiation.

• Inside the unit: finishes, appliances, water pressure, AC performance, sound insulation, window seals, and snag list if new.
  
• In the building: elevators, parking access, common-area upkeep, pool and gym condition, and any visible water ingress.
  
• Ask the owners association or management for major works scheduled in the next 12–24 months.

Step 8: Understand The Legal Steps To Close

Dubai’s standardized contracts and trustee office transfers make closing straightforward if you prepare early.

• Form F (Unified Sale Contract): the standard RERA sale contract. Brokers initiate it in the Dubai REST system.
  
• Deposit: typically 10% with cheques held per the agreed process.
  
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC): obtained from the developer to confirm charges are paid and the unit can transfer.
  
• Transfer appointment: both parties complete the transfer at a Real Estate Services Trustee office and the buyer receives the Title Deed.

Plan For Leasing Compliance After Purchase

If you will rent the condo, follow the city’s registration rules from day one.

• Register every long-term lease with Ejari to enable utilities and protect tenancy rights.
  
• Keep co-occupant details current where required under updated Ejari guidance to avoid compliance issues.
  
• If you plan licensed short-term rentals, register as a Holiday Home operator and follow monthly Tourism Dirham reporting.

Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist

Work through this list before you sign.

• Freehold eligibility confirmed for the building and your ownership structure
  
• Title verified via DLD: for off-plan, project, and escrow verified
  
• Full cost model done: 4% DLD fee, trustee, title, agency, NOC, and mortgage costs if any
  
• Service-charge rate checked in the RERA index and compared to peers
  
• Inspection completed and major works checked with building management
  
• Financing pre-approved or payment plan aligned to your cash flow
  
• Form F prepared, deposit process agreed, and trustee office transfer scheduled

Condo Dubai Sale: Bottom Line

A Dubai condo purchase is straightforward when you follow the process. Verify ownership with official DLD tools, price your full costs, confirm service charges from the RERA index, and secure financing terms before you negotiate. Close with Form F and a clean NOC at a trustee office, then register your lease properly if you plan to rent.

With the checklist provided above, you can buy with confidence in one of the world’s most active and transparent condo markets.

Contact us to get advice and find the best condo for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy condos in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy freehold condos in designated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Palm Jumeirah. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department and protected by law.

How much are closing costs when buying a condo in Dubai?
Expect around 6% to 8% of the purchase price. This includes a 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, 2% agency commission plus VAT, and small trustee and admin charges. If using a mortgage, add a 0.25% mortgage registration fee.

What is the average rental yield for condos in Dubai?
Typical apartment gross yields range from 5% to 7%, depending on location, unit size, and building quality. Smaller units often produce higher yields, while prime addresses offer better capital growth potential.

Are there any annual property taxes in Dubai?
No. Dubai does not charge an annual property tax on residential properties. The main recurring costs are community service charges, which vary by building and amenities.

What are the main risks of buying a condo off-plan?
Key risks include construction delays, design changes, or market softening before handover. Always ensure the project is registered with the Dubai Land Department and that all payments go into a regulated escrow account.

Can property owners get residency in Dubai?
Yes. Property buyers can apply for a 2-year investor visa for properties valued at AED 750,000 (≈ USD 204,220) or more, or a 10-year Golden Visa for property worth AED 2 million (≈ USD 544,000) or above, subject to eligibility conditions.

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