Selling Property In Dubai - A Comprehensive Guide

Sales process in Dubai

From obtaining an accurate appraisal, right through to transferring ownership, this section outlines the necessary steps to sell a property in Dubai. 

The 10 key steps to selling a property in Dubai are:

1. Choosing a real estate agent

2. Getting a property valuation

3. Listing your property

4. Marketing your property

5. Property viewings and offers

6. Accept an offer

7. Hire a convenyancer

8. Apply for an NOC

9. Block the property

10. Transfer the property

If you’re asking yourself the question “How to sell my house?” and require more context, here’s how to go about it:

1. Choose the right agent

The first step to selling your property is to partner with a real estate agent. An experienced agent understands the market trends in your community and can provide valuable insights to help you sell your property - making it vital that you don't try to sell without an agent.

Conduct thorough market research and speak to multiple brokers to find the right fit for you. 

2. Get an accurate valuation

The next step is to get an accurate property valuation from your agent. This will help you to set a competitive price that attracts potential buyers whilst ensuring that you maximize your return on investment.

The agent should complete the valuation in person to accurately assess the condition and key selling points of the property whilst also backing up their valuation with real market data of recently sold properties.

3. List your property exclusively

Listing your property exclusively with one agent offers several benefits. Over exposure through multiple agencies can deter prospective buyers and lead to lowball offers. Plus, it's easier to deal with one trusted broker rather than multiple agents, and they have incentive to invest extra time and marketing into selling your property. 

4. Market your property

Prepare your property for marketing by de-cluttering and doing basic maintenance and decorative work. Your agent should list your property using high quality photos and a well written description. They should use various channels, including their company website, real estate portals and social media to give your property maximum exposure.

5. Property viewings and offers

Your agent should begin to receive enquiries and will arrange viewings for potential buyers. You should ensure that your home is clean, well presented, and available for viewings at convenient times. Your agent will hopefully then start to receive offers and will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal.

6. Accept an offer

Once you have agreed terms with a buyer, your agent will create a sales and purchase agreement (Form F), which is certified by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Both the buyer and seller must sign this document to formalize the agreement and progress with the sales process.

7. Hire a conveyancer

After finalizing the sales agreement, it is highly advisable to seek the assistance of a professional conveyancing service. For a small conveyancing fee, they will handle the intricate details of the sales process and guide you through each of the following steps. 

8. Apply for an NOC

As the seller, you will be required to pay for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the property’s developer to proceed with the sale. In the NOC, the developer confirms that there are no outstanding service charges or other dues on the property. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth ownership transfer.

9. Block the property 

If you have a mortgage on your property, then you must go through a blocking process. To safeguard the buyer's interests, the property must be blocked in the buyer’s name before the mortgage is cleared. This process prevents you from selling or transferring the property to anybody else.

10. Transfer the property 

The final step to selling a property is to transfer ownership at a Trustees Office. Both the buyer and the seller must be present and will normally be accompanied by the conveyancer. Once all the necessary paperwork has been completed and the fees have been paid, the DLD will issue a new title deed in the buyer's name to finalise the process. 

Steps for Getting Your House Ready for Sale

So, how to get a house ready to sell? Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure that when your house stands out on the market and gets lots of interest from buyers.

Step 1 - Declutter and Depersonalize Your Space

Your house will not be your house anymore - it will be someone else’s living space to make their own. This is why, your house must feel lived in, but feel spacious and not overloaded with elements of your lifestyle or personality. 

Ensure that you have all the basic amenities and furnishings, but keep the property decluttered and free of visible mess.

Step 2 - Deep Clean Your Entire Home

To those wondering, “How to get a house to sell fast?” - cleanliness is crucial. Even if the property is unfurnished, cleanliness could be a major factor that potential buyers consider to decide how well the property has been looked after. Ensure that your house is deep-cleaned so that buyers are not put off by it being dirty.

Step 3 - Make Necessary Repairs and Upgrades

One of the most important steps in how to get a house ready to sell is ensuring that it is in great condition.

Before showing it to buyers, ensure no damage to your house or broken things. If there are any issues, try to get them fixed before listing the property. Even small things like missing light bulbs could impact the buyer's perception of your home.

Your real estate agent can help advise on any minor upgrades or improvements that you could make to the property to attract more buyers and improve the value of your home.  

Step 4 - Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal

If you are looking for additional tips on “how to get my house ready to sell?”, you could consider staging your property.

There is a lot of psychology involved in selling a house, and if your property is unfurnished, this can have a big impact on how positively potential buyers perceive it. It can have a big impact on how big a space feels and also be harder for a buyer to picture themselves in a property that is unfurnished.

For sellers looking to go the extra mile to get their property sold at the highest price, staging can be a worthwhile investment.

Step 5 - Set the Right Price for Your Home

Pricing your home correctly is crucial when figuring out “How to sell my house?". For this, you can consult a RERA-accredited real estate agent. They will consider factors such as property size, type, location, amenities and more to give you an accurate valuation.

Step 6 - Prepare for Showings

Multiple potential buyers will likely be viewing your property before you successfully close on an offer. Your agent should always arrange suitable times for viewings with you, but they can happen at short notice. So, it's important to keep your property viewing-ready. Ensure that your house is clean, has basic furnishings and looks appealing. 

Fees when selling a property

When selling a property in Dubai, it’s important to be aware of the fees which you can expect in the process. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs of a property sale: 

Mistakes to avoid when selling a property

While many people are often in a hurry and wonder how to get a house to sell fast, rushing the process may result in some unwanted mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing your house for sale.

Listing significantly above market price 

Whilst you want to maximise the return on your investment, setting a price significantly above the market rate will deter buyers and make selling your property very difficult. Whilst you should allow some room for negotiation, setting a fair price is crucial to attracting interest. 

Trying to sell without an agent 

Using an experienced real estate agent is crucial, both to ensure that your property sells quickly and for the maximum possible price. They will guide you through every step, from how to price your property appropriately and market it effectively, right through to completing viewings and negotiating the best selling price.

Using unattractive images

Photos are likely to be the very first thing a potential buyer sees, so using poor quality images can significantly hinder buyer interest. Ensure adequate lighting and declutter before your agent takes any photographs. These can be taken using a smartphone, or your agent may choose to hire a professional photographer and videographer to perfectly capture your property. 

Not listing exclusively

It can be natural to think that listing with multiple agencies will give your property more exposure. But, in reality, it can actually lead to conflicting messaging and be taken by potential buyers as a sign that you are more likely to be open to lowball offers.

By listing your property exclusively with the right agent, they can invest in marketing your property, act as a single voice to the market and handle all negotiations to ensure you get the best price. 

Conclusion

Selling a property in Dubai is a major decision, but with the right strategy and preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. By following our step-by-step guide on how to get a house ready to sell, you can enhance your property's appeal, attract serious buyers, and achieve the best possible outcome. From choosing the right agent and pricing your home competitively to staging it for maximum impact, every detail plays a crucial role in how to sell your house successfully.

Partner with Engel & Völkers

If you're looking for expert guidance, Engel & Völkers is here to help. Our experienced real estate professionals provide personalized support at every stage, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient selling experience. Whether you're wondering how to get a house to sell fast or want to maximize your property's value, we have the market knowledge and expertise to assist you. 

If you're ready to take the next step, get a free, no-obligation property valuation with Engel & Völkers. Our expert advisors are ready to guide you through the selling process with personalized advice and unmatched service.