Transferring the title deed is the moment the law recognises you—not the seller—as the rightful owner. Whether you are selling, gifting, or restructuring, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) will only update its records after a formal Transfer Ownership of Property in Dubai. Skip a step and you risk frozen assets, stalled visas, or costly disputes.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the process, documentation, and costs involved in how to transfer ownership of property in Dubai involves several steps.
Legal Framework Governing Property Transfers in Dubai
To know how to transfer property ownership in Dubai, the buyer and seller must follow specific rules and regulations.
1- Dubai Real Property Registration Law (Law No. 7 of 2006)
This statute obliges every transfer of real property or related rights to be entered in the Real Property Register held by the DLD. Unregistered transfers have no legal effect.
2- Role of RERA in Property Transfers
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) issues circulars that flesh out practical compliance—developer NOCs, broker licensing, escrow rules, and online portals such as Dubai REST.
Can I transfer ownership of property in Dubai?
Ownership Categories:
| Category | Can Be Transferred? | Notes |
| Freehold | Yes | Foreigners may buy and sell in designated zones. |
| Leasehold | Yes | Transfer is for the remaining lease term; ground rent terms stay. |
| Off‑plan | Yes (assignment) | Requires developer consent and often 30–50 % payment milestone first. |
| Gift (Hibah) | Yes | Discounted transfer fee (0.125 %) applies for first‑degree relatives. |
Also Read : Can a Overseas Company Buy Property in Dubai?
How to Transfer Ownership Of Property in Dubai : Step-by-Step Guide
Following is the process to know how to transfer ownership of property in Dubai.
1- Confirm Title & Liens
Order a copy of the e‑Title Deed and check for mortgages or court blocks in the DLD system.
2- Secure Developer No‑Objection Certificate (NOC)
Cost: AED 500–5,000, varies by master developer. Who pays? Customarily the seller.
3- Draft the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) or Gift Deed
Set out price, payment schedule, hand‑over date, penalty clauses, and who pays the 4 % fee.
4- Arrange Funds & Clearance
- Bank cheque or manager’s cheque in the seller’s nam
- Mortgage pre‑approval if financing
- Escrow for off‑plan assignments
5- Book a Trustee Office Appointment
Via the Dubai REST app or by phone. Bring originals—no scans accepted.
6- Visit the Trustee Office
- Buyer, seller, and (if any) lender meet.
- Officials verify IDs, witness signatures, collect fees.
- Trustee uploads the bundle to DLD.
Also Read: How to Avoid Real Estate Frauds in Dubai
7- Pay Transfer Fees: Estimated Costs for transferring property ownership in Dubai (2026)
| Item | Amount | Payer (usual) |
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4 % of sale price | Buyer |
| DLD Admin Fee | AED 580 | Buyer |
| Trustee Office | AED 4,200 (price ≥ AED 500k) | Buyer |
| Knowledge Fee | AED 40 | Buyer |
| Developer NOC | AED 500–5,000 | Seller |
8-Receive the e‑Title Deed
Most deeds arrive by email within 30 minutes; official turnaround is one working day.
9- Update Utilities & EJARI
- DEWA, empower/chiller, telecoms
- Register the tenancy contract (EJARI) if leasing out.
Our Legal professionals of real estate lawyers in Dubai can offer advice on the legal ramifications of how to transfer ownership of property in Dubai. They can guarantee that the transfer procedure complies with the law and assist buyers and sellers in understanding their rights and obligations. Don’t hesitate to contact our deed transfer lawyers!
Documents Required for How To Transfer Ownership Of Property in Dubai
| Party | Documents | Tips |
| Seller | Original Title Deed, Emirates ID or passport, NOC, mortgage clearance (if any), notarised Power of Attorney (POA) if absent | POAs older than two years may be rejected—renew first. |
| Buyer | Passport & Emirates ID, manager’s cheque(s), mortgage pre‑approval, notarised POA if applicable | Bring original bank letter for mortgage pick‑up. |
| Both | SPA/Gift Deed, broker contract (Form F), valuation (if bank financed) | All non‑Arabic docs need sworn translation. |
Special Scenarios for Transferring Ownership of Property in Dubai
- Corporate Transfers: Share‑sale vs. asset‑sale—an internal share transfer avoids DLD fees but triggers separate licensing formalities.
- Inheritance: Heirs need a Dubai probate order or UAE court succession certificate before title can move.
- Remote Deals: A UAE‑legalised POA allows a representative to sign; video calls do not replace physical presence.
Also Read : Property Handover Process in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide
Costs at a Glance Involved in Transferring Ownership Of Property in Dubai
When transferring ownership of property in Dubai, several costs need to be considered:
| Transaction Value (AED) | DLD 4 % Fee | Trustee Fee | Total (approx.) |
| 1 million | 40,000 | 4,200 | 44,780 |
| 3 million | 120,000 | 4,200 | 124,780 |
| Gift transfer (1 m) | 1,250 | 4,200 | 5,490 |
Add 0.25–0.3 % for bank cheque issuance and translations.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Property Transfer
- Book NOC and Trustee slots early—week‑ending Thursdays are busiest.
- Use manager’s cheques, not personal cheques, to avoid last‑minute re‑draws.
- Keep copies of every stamped document—utility providers will ask for them.
- Foreign currencies? Transfer AED at least three banking days before to dodge FX volatility.
Also Read : Guide to Buying Property in Dubai: Legal Tips for Investors
Conclusion
Dubai’s property transfer process is transparent but paperwork‑heavy. Tick all boxes—legal, financial, administrative—and registration can wrap up in a day.
Foreign or corporate sellers almost always benefit from appointing a UAE real estate lawyer or RERA‑licensed broker to shepherd the process.
Working with professional real estate lawyers can be essential to transferring property ownership in Dubai. Our real estate lawyers in Dubai at Amal Khamis Consultancy Can Help You Transfer Your Real Estate. Need a help? Contact Us Now!
FAQs About How To Transfer Ownership Of Property in Dubai
1- Can I skip the developer NOC for a 10‑year‑old property?
No. The NOC is mandatory regardless of age to confirm service fees are current.
2- Who keeps the 4% fee if the deal collapses?
The fee is only paid at transfer. If the buyer backs out earlier, the 10 % deposit rules in the SPA govern refunds or forfeiture.
3- Is online transfer fully available?
Not yet. Initial data can be lodged via Dubai REST, but signatures and cheque exchange still happen at a Trustee Office.
4- How is a mortgage cleared?
The bank issues a liability letter; buyer settles the loan; bank provides clearance; DLD lifts the mortgage in the same session.
