The buying process
Timeline & Schedules
In Dubai, an average property transaction takes around 30 days to complete from the day the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed.
That said, different variables can affect these timelines, from the time of year to the type of buyer.
For example, a full cash-to-cash transaction will go through faster than a mortgage-buyer to mortgage-seller transaction.
Golden Visa Investors
Real estate investors can obtain a Golden visa in the UAE ifthey fulfil one ofthe following conditions:
-Purchase a property worth no less than AED two million or
-Purchase a property with a loan from specific local banks or
-Buy one or more off-plan properties of no less than AED two million from approved local real estate companies.
Golden Visa Requirements
The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.
Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are amongst those eligible for the Golden visa.
-Entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance
-Long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 10 years.
-Self-sponsored visa, as there is no need for an employment sponsor.
-Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual restriction of six months in order to keep their residence visa valid.
-Sponsoring their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their ages.
-Sponsoring an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
-Allowing family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration if the primary holder of the Golden visa passes away.
The 5 Step Process
Due diligence before Exchange
Off-Plan Properties
-During this phase, the Buyer/Agent submits their enquiries to the developer.
-The developer will provide the pieces of information and requirements needed to start the buying process.
-This includes the title information, the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement), payment plan, etc.
-The developer will also provide the unit’s availability and other relevant documentation.
Secondary Market
-Buying a secondary market property requires more steps.
-The first step is to review the title information and then raise formal enquiries with the seller.
-The Buyer can also negotiate the price with the property owner and put an offer on the table.
-Carrying out a thorough physical inspection of the property is a must!
Exchange
The exchange process is legally binding as the Buyer, and the Seller will be signing an official contract to start the buying process officially.
Off-Plan Properties
-Following the contract signing, the Buyer should deposit the first installment payment towards the purchase price.
-The payments should only be made into the project’s Escrow account.
-The developer will then provide a set of receipts issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and an interim title registration certificate.
Secondary Market
-The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has introduced standard forms of contracts which the parties must enter into in respect of this transaction.
-These forms only cover essential legal terms, and in practice, the parties will prepare a set of additional terms to address various other contractual provisions.
-The buyer is providing the seller with a deposit due consideration should be given to how the deposit will be held and released.
Pre Completion
Off-Plan Properties
-During this phase, the Buyer will have the opportunity to visit and inspect the property.
-If some things need to be rectified, they can send a snagging list to the developer and ask to repair the problems before the handover date.
Contact Freedom Dubai for assistance!
Secondary Market
-Both Buyer and Seller must obtain the owners’ association consent to transfer the property’s title deed to the Buyer.
-Additional consent forms might also be required, such as the DLD’s consent.
-The Buyer must also prepare all required managers’ cheques and documents, especially corporate documents of foreign entities, which may take several weeks to notarise and legalise, so it’s better to prepare them in advance.
Completion
Off-Plan Properties
-The developer will notify the Buyer by sending an email once the project’s construction has been completed and the unit(s) are ready to be handed over.
-The developer may require the Buyer to pay the service charges and the balance of the purchase price.
-Once the payment is made, the developer will have the property’s title deed registered with DLD.
Secondary Market
-The Buyer will now be able to transfer the property’s title deed to his name by visiting one of the Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Registration Trustees’ offices.
-The purchase price should be fully paid to the seller.
-The Buyer will also be required to pay the DLD and the agent’s fees of 4% and 2% of the purchase price, respectively.
Post Completion
Now that the new landlord has registered the property title deed to his name, he should notify all relevant utility providers (DEWA, District Cooling Provider etc).
New accounts under the name of the new landlord will be created. If a tenant already occupies the property, the new landlord should notify the tenant and confirm that all future payments should be made to these accounts.
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