UAE Off-PlanSeller's Guide
A strategic roadmap for marketing, valuing, and executing seamless off-plan and secondary property sales across the UAE.
Selling Your Off-Plan Property in Dubai
Planning to sell before handover? Here is how an off-plan resale works in Dubai, from checking your eligibility to completing the transfer.
Steps
Check Your Eligibility
Most developers only allow a resale once you have paid a minimum share of the price, commonly cited as 30–40%, though it varies by developer and project. Your SPA states the exact figure.
Review the Developer’s Resale Terms
Resale rules are set project by project. Check for any lock-in period, outstanding instalments or service dues, and any assignment fee the developer charges.
Price Your Unit Realistically
Compare similar units in the same project and the developer’s current launch prices. Your real margin is the resale price minus your original price and every cost of selling.
Apply for the Developer’s NOC
No NOC, no transfer. The developer checks your payments and eligibility, then issues a No Objection Certificate for a fee commonly reported at AED 500–5,250.
Find a Buyer & Agree the Terms
With the NOC in place, market the unit, agree the price and sign the sale agreement (RERA Form F), which sets out who pays which fees.
Transfer at the DLD Trustee Office
You and the buyer attend a Dubai Land Department trustee office with the NOC, the original SPA, the Oqood certificate and both passports to complete the Oqood transfer.
Hand Over & Close Out
The buyer takes over your sale and purchase agreement and its remaining payments. Collect your proceeds and keep copies of every document.
What Selling Costs
Commonly required before a developer issues an NOC. The exact figure is in your SPA.
The commonly reported range. Each developer sets its own fee.
Charged by some developers on the original price. Set project by project.
The commonly reported all-in cost of an off-plan resale, as a share of the sale price.
Documents to Prepare
Seller Questions
Can I sell my off-plan property before completion?
Yes. This is done through an assignment, which transfers your sale and purchase agreement to a new buyer, with the developer’s No Objection Certificate.
How much must I have paid before I can sell?
Most developers require a minimum share of the price to be paid, commonly cited as 30–40%. It varies by developer and project, and your SPA states the exact figure.
Can the developer refuse my resale?
Yes. Common reasons include a paid percentage below the threshold, outstanding instalments or service dues, a lock-in period that has not ended, an expired NOC, or a mortgage without bank clearance.
Who pays the DLD registration fee?
The Dubai Land Department fee is 4% of the sale price. Who bears it is agreed between buyer and seller in the sale agreement, so settle this before you sign.
What will my real profit be?
Your net margin is the resale price, minus your original price, minus the costs of selling such as NOC, assignment and administration fees, and any agent commission. Calculate it before you list.
Is there capital gains tax on selling property in Dubai?
Dubai does not currently levy a capital gains tax on individual real estate sales. Your home country may tax the gain, so check with a tax advisor.
Thinking of selling? Let’s review your unit.
Speak to an AdvisorThis guide is general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and rules vary by developer and change over time, so please confirm current requirements with your developer, the Dubai Land Department and your advisor before selling.