The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, attracts many foreign investors, so the real estate market remains dynamic and competitive. In this article, we will describe a step-by-step algorithm for selling an apartment in the Emirates, including legal, financial, and practical aspects, as well as recommendations on how to use our platform to effectively attract buyers.

Contents:

  1. Preparing an Apartment for Sale
    1. Legal Due Diligence Check
  2. Independent sale
    1. Listing on Realting. com for a Quick Sale
  3. Preparation of Documents and Methods of Payment
  4. Conclusion of the Transaction and Registration
  5. Let’s Sum It Up

Preparing an Apartment for Sale

The UAE real estate market in 2025 remains one of the most active in the world, with annual price growth of 6-10%. The average cost of an apartment in Dubai is $300,000-600,000, in Abu Dhabi — $200,000-400,000, and in Sharjah — from $100,000. Prices depend on the location (e. g., Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Al Reem Island), type of property (studio, apartment, penthouse), proximity to the sea, and infrastructure.

What to do:

  • Consult a licensed appraiser or realtor for an accurate appraisal.
  • Research the market on platforms like Realting.com, Property Finder, Bayut, or Emirates. Estate.
  • Consider the unique characteristics of the property: sea view, floor, presence of a swimming pool, new building, or secondary housing.

To attract buyers:

  • Carry out cosmetic repairs (paint walls, eliminate defects).
  • Take professional photographs (10–15 pieces) with an emphasis on the view from the windows, space, and amenities (kitchen, balcony).
  • Remove personal items for a neutral feel.
  • For less liquid properties (for example, without a sea view), emphasize the advantages: proximity to the metro, affordable price, family area.

The legal side of the issue is critically important, especially for foreign buyers, who make up a significant share of the market (up to 80% in Dubai).

What to check:

  • Ownership. Make sure the apartment is in a freehold zone (freehold zones where foreigners can own real estate). Confirm the availability of a Title Deed through the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai or the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi.
  • No encumbrances. Check for any mortgage, lien, or debt through a lawyer or RERA.
  • Utility payments. Pay off your debts (e. g., DEWA in Dubai) and get a certificate of no debts.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC). For the secondary market, a NOC from the developer or management company will be required.

Recommendation: Hire a RERA-registered lawyer or broker to review the documents and handle the transaction.

Independent sale

An individual can sell an apartment independently or through an agency:

Independent sale

Pros: savings on realtor commission (2–5% of the cost).

Cons: Requires market knowledge, time, and effort to attract foreigners.

Place your ad on the platforms: Realting.com, Property Finder, Bayut, Rightmove.

Selling through an agency

Pros: access to a large customer base, professional marketing, and transaction support.

Cons: agency commission.

In this case, select a RERA-registered agency.

Listing on Realting. com for a Quick Sale

Realting.com is a leading international real estate platform, ideal for the UAE. It currently covers 85 countries and offers 293,396 properties. Individuals can post ads without intermediaries, attracting buyers from Europe, the CIS, the USA and other regions, which is especially important for the UAE, where up to 80% of transactions in Dubai are made with foreigners.

Realting. com offers convenient tools and flexible rates for effective selling. You can place your ads for a month for only €10. You can also take advantage of various options to promote and raise your ads. You can read more about the terms on the official page with advertising opportunities.

Benefits of hosting on our platform:

  • Coverage: 85 countries, including Poland, Germany, USA. Ideal for attracting investors to the UAE.
  • Popularity: 1.5 million views per month, many properties in the UAE (e. g. Dubai South, Jumeirah Village Circle).
  • Convenience: Russian and English support, remote control, assistance by email or phone.
  • Reviews: MD Realty (Montenegro) and Keller Williams (Poland) are seeing an influx of clients from the EU and CIS, while Duna House (Hungary) is closing deals remotely.

Recommendations:

  • Add 10-15 professional photos and a description in Russian/English, indicating the Golden Visa option for properties from $545,000 (AED 2 million).
  • Use “TOP” (€20—60) or “Lenta” (€15—50) for apartments up to $300,000, a banner or articles for luxury ones.
  • Update your ad via “UP” (€10—€30) for constant visibility.
  • Emphasize investment attractiveness (up to 8% annual rental yield).

Why Realting.com? The platform allows for direct sales, attracting international buyers interested in investment or the Golden Visa. Suitable for sale in freehold areas such as Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai.

Create an attractive ad:

  • Please indicate area, number of bedrooms, view (sea, Burj Khalifa), amenities (pool, gym).
  • Highlight the area’s benefits: Dubai Marina for luxury, Jumeirah Village Circle for accessibility.
  • Mention the Golden Visa opportunity (for properties starting at $545,000) or rental yields (5-8%).

Be prepared to negotiate, especially for the secondary market. Agree on a deposit (5-10% of the cost) to remove the property from sale. Confirm the seriousness of your intentions through a preliminary agreement prepared by a lawyer.

Preparation of Documents and Methods of Payment

The following documents must be prepared:

  • Title Deed: proof of ownership (verified through RERA or Land Department).
  • NOC: a certificate from the developer/management company stating the absence of debts.
  • Seller’s passport: copy for identification.
  • Power of attorney (if necessary): notarized, with an apostille for abroad.
  • Purchase and Sale Agreement: prepared by a lawyer or broker.

The role of an attorney or broker:

  • Checks for encumbrances, legality of the property, and availability of permits.
  • Draws up a contract in English (and, if necessary, Russian).
  • Assists with registration at the Land Department. Cost of services: $1000–3000.

After the deposit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed indicating the cost of the apartment, payment terms (full amount, installments), and the terms of transfer of ownership.

Payment methods:

  • Escrow account: The money is frozen until it is registered with the Land Department.
  • Bank transfer: through international banks that have been verified for legality.
  • Letter of credit: cashless payment is available after registration.

Taxes and fees:

  • DLD fee (Dubai Land Department): 4% of the cost, usually divided between the seller and the buyer.
  • Agency commission: 2-5% if a realtor is used.
  • Administrative fees: around 2000-4000 AED ($550-1100) for registration and NOC.
  • Capital gains tax is not available in the UAE, which makes the sale profitable.
  • Utility payments: pay off debts (DEWA, ​​cooling).

Conclusion of the Transaction and Registration

Signing the main contract takes place at the Land Department office, with a lawyer, or remotely with an electronic signature.

Registration with the Land Department:

  • Documents are submitted (Title Deed, MOU, passport, NOC).
  • Once registered, the buyer receives a new Title Deed and the seller receives money via escrow or wire transfer.

After full payment, hand over the keys. Notify the tenants if the apartment is rented out.

Let’s Sum It Up

80% of transactions in Dubai are concluded with foreigners wishing to obtain a Golden Visa or to make a profitable investment (up to 8% rental yield). It should be noted that sales are only possible in freehold zones (e. g., Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Al Reem Island).

Realting. com with affordable rates allows individuals to attract buyers from a wide range of countries, especially in the freehold zones of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Working with a lawyer or broker registered with RERA and using secure payments minimizes risks. Consider the high demand for apartments up to $300,000 and investor interest in the Golden Visa. Have a great deal!