The RERA forms that govern every resale, the steps for buyers and sellers, and exactly what happens on the day of transfer.
Buying or selling a ready (completed) property in Dubai follows a clear process set by RERA and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Knowing the forms and the order of steps keeps the deal moving and avoids surprises on transfer day.
The RERA forms, explained
- Form A — the agreement between the seller and their agent. It authorises the agent to market the property and sets the asking price, commission and term.
- Form B — the agreement between the buyer and their agent, setting out what the agent will do for the buyer and the commission.
- Form I — the agreement between two agencies when the buyer and seller are represented by different agents, covering how the commission is shared.
- Form F — the sale agreement (memorandum of understanding) between buyer and seller, witnessed by the agents. It records the price, deposit, transfer date, who pays which costs and what happens if either side pulls out.
Selling: step by step
- Sign Form A with your agent and agree the asking price.
- Your agent obtains a DLD advertising permit before the property is marketed.
- Agree an offer with a buyer and sign Form F; the buyer usually provides a security deposit cheque, held until transfer.
- Apply to the developer for a no-objection certificate (NOC), confirming service charges are paid.
- If the property is mortgaged, get a liability letter from your bank showing the amount needed to clear the loan.
- Book the transfer appointment at a DLD trustee office.
Buying: step by step
- Sign Form B with your agent and agree your brief and budget.
- If you are using a mortgage, get pre-approval before you make an offer.
- View properties, make an offer and sign Form F with the seller, providing the agreed deposit cheque.
- With a mortgage, the bank arranges a valuation and issues the final offer.
- Arrange manager's cheques from your bank for transfer day.
On the day of transfer
The transfer takes place at a DLD-registered trustee office. Buyer and seller (or their power-of-attorney holders) attend, usually with their agents — and bank representatives if there is a mortgage.
- Bring original passports or Emirates IDs.
- The seller brings the title deed details and the developer NOC.
- Bring the signed Form F.
- Payments are made by manager's cheque — personal cheques and cash are not accepted.
- Typical cheques: the purchase price to the seller (or part to the seller's bank to clear a mortgage), the 4% DLD fee, the trustee office fee and the agency commission.
- The trustee checks every document and confirms identities; any mismatch can delay the transfer.
- Once verified, the transfer is registered and the new title deed is issued in the buyer's name.
Order your manager's cheques a few days early and double-check every name and amount — it is the most common cause of a delayed transfer.
After the transfer
- Hand over keys and access cards.
- The seller closes their DEWA account and the buyer opens a new one; transfer district cooling and internet accounts where relevant.
- Register with the building or community management.
- If the property is tenanted, the existing lease continues with the new owner — update the Ejari registration.
