What Happens on Transfer Day in Dubai

Transfer day is when ownership actually changes. It happens at a registration trustee office, takes about an hour, and ends with you holding the title deed.

Here is exactly what happens, what to bring, and what goes wrong.

What you bring

Manager's cheques, not personal cheques or transfers on the day. Your agent will confirm exactly how many and to whom, because they are split between the seller, the developer and the Land Department.

The hour itself

1. Both parties and the agents attend the trustee office.
2. Documents are checked and the NOC verified.
3. Cheques are handed over and recorded.
4. Fees are paid: the 4 percent transfer fee, trustee fee and title deed issuance.
5. The new title deed is issued, usually electronically, within the same visit.

What goes wrong

The NOC is not ready

Developers will not issue it while service charges are outstanding. This is the single most common cause of a postponed transfer. Settle the account before booking the appointment.

A cheque is wrong

Wrong payee, wrong amount, or a personal cheque instead of a manager's cheque. Confirm every cheque with the agent the day before.

Mortgage settlement not aligned

If the seller has a loan, the buyer's bank usually settles it on the day, which requires both banks to be organised. Allow extra weeks when either side is mortgaged.

Someone cannot attend

A power of attorney solves this, but it must be attested and translated in advance. See buying from overseas.

Straight after transfer

• Transfer DEWA into your name.
• Register with the owners association and set up service charge payment.
• Check the title deed details: name spelling, unit and plot numbers, size.
• If letting it, arrange the tenancy and Ejari. See renting out your property.

Costs on the day

Everything payable is set out in our guide to Dubai Land Department fees: budget 6 to 7 percent above the price in cash, 7 to 8 percent with a mortgage.

Ask us to walk you through your own transfer, or browse homes for sale.