Be aware of fees that are not disclosed. Check with the agency for the following

• Commission
• Deposits
• Transfer fees with the land department
• Cancellation fees for mortgages
• Developer fees for no objection letters
• Connection fees for Electricity and Water Authorities
• Community service fees may need to be paid in advance
• Mortgage application fees if required

• The tenant generally pays the commission, the agent will normally tell you this up front
• Security deposits
• Rental is paid in advance by means of post dated cheques
• Reservation deposits
• Connection fees for Electricity and Water Authorities
• Ask about district cooling fees

Renting a property is generally a quick process. If you have the deposit and a valid residency visa it can take a little as an hour, if the landlord is available. If you need to finalize paperwork and get landlord approvals it can take up to 10 days.

When buying a property make sure you give yourself enough time. You will be required to complete paperwork, view properties, negotiate a contract, arrange funding, arrange transfer dates and be available for the transfer itself. This can take up to 6 (six) to 8 (eight) weeks or longer depending on negotiations and finance requirement if you are a financed buyer.

If you are a cash buyer and your funds are in place, and the seller has no finance, then it shouldn’t take more than 14 days or even faster.

Depending on the status of your property – either complete or incomplete you will need different paper work these include the following

• Title deed or developers contract
• Affection plan of property
• Valid Passport copy
• Proof of address
• Completion certificate
• No objection letter from developer to transfer property
• Receipts of payment to developer
• Proof of payment of service fees
• You will have to sign a listing agreement as per RERA requirements

Check with your real estate consultant what is relevant for your property

• Proof of Ownership of property
• Valid Passport copy
• Affection plan
• A listing agreement is required as per RERA requirements

Generally a one year lease is signed between tenant and landlord but longer and shorter leases are not uncommon.

Whoever appoints the consultants should pay them commission. They offer a service to either lease out a property or sell a property alternatively they will find a property for you to buy or rent. They are paid a commission for this service. Commission is always paid to a company never an individual.

All property purchases can now be registered with the Dubai Land Department. Your real estate consultant can guide to you to the nearest office.

Landlords should register every lease agreement. This is a government requirement.

The Dubai Government Real Estate Regularity Authority. View their website on www.rpdubai.com

This is a certified consultant, who has attended and passed the RERA real estate course and exam. All companies dealing in real estate should be registered with RERA and all consultants and brokers should be registered.

All real estate companies registered with RERA are required to abide by the RERA code of ethics and the best business practice as set out by RERA. Dealing with an unlicensed agent is dangerous and there is no protection against malpractice.