Ad permit
The Trakheesi permit every property ad needs, with its number and QR code shown on the ad. It requires a signed Form A, and using a project permit to advertise specific units is a violation.
Dubai · 130 terms · Checked with official sources
The Dubai real estate glossary
Every word you hear in a Dubai deal, explained in plain English: authorities, documents, off-plan, mortgages, leasing, visas and the law. Learn them, then test yourself in the training.
Dubai rules. This content follows the Dubai Land Department, RERA and DREI. Other emirates and countries have their own regulator: Abu Dhabi, for example, is regulated by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
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A
Advertiser permit
The UAE Media Council permit for individuals who advertise on social media. Promoting your own business is exempt, but anyone you pay to promote you needs one, and the property ad still needs its DLD permit.
Amicable settlement
A RERA service, requested through Trakheesi, that brings buyer and seller together when a Form F is breached. If no agreement is reached, the dispute goes to court.
Law and compliance Source: DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide
AMLAnti-Money Laundering
Anti-money laundering rules. Brokers must identify clients, screen them, keep records and report suspicious activity, under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025.
Law and compliance Source: Hadef & Partners, Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on AML/CTF/PF
Assignment
The resale of an off-plan unit before completion, where a new buyer takes over the SPA. It needs a developer NOC, and developers usually require a minimum share of the price paid first, often 30% to 40%.
B
Booking form
The developer form a buyer signs to reserve an off-plan unit, usually with a booking deposit. It fixes the unit, price and payment plan until the SPA is signed.
Documents
BRNBroker Registration Number
The personal registration number on a broker's RERA card. To get it, a broker must join a licensed brokerage, pass the DREI course and exam and get police clearance, then renew it every year, which now includes an annual DLD test.
Buyer's agent
The broker who represents the buyer under a Form B, finds suitable units and negotiates. On a co-broke, he shares the commission with the listing agent under Form I.
C
Capital appreciation
The rise in a property's value over time. It is never guaranteed, so brokers should present past data, not promises.
Investment
Cash-on-cash return
Yearly cash flow after all costs and mortgage payments, divided by the cash actually invested (down payment plus buying costs).
Investment
CBUAECentral Bank of the UAE
The UAE federal central bank. Its mortgage regulations set the loan-to-value limits, the 50% debt burden cap and the 25-year maximum term that every UAE bank applies.
Authorities and platforms Source: CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Important Ratios
CDDCustomer Due Diligence
Customer Due Diligence: identifying and verifying a client and, for companies, their beneficial owners. If it cannot be completed, the deal should not proceed, and records must be kept at least five years.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real estate and AML obligations
Co-broking
Two brokerages working one deal, one with the seller and one with the buyer, sharing the commission. The split is recorded in Form I before the viewing.
Commission
The agency fee. On resales 2% of the price is customary, plus 5% VAT, but it is agreed in Form A or B, not fixed by law. On primary off-plan sales the developer pays the agency.
Commission split
The share of the agency's commission paid to the broker, set in the employment or agency agreement. VAT is collected for the government and is not shared.
Comparables
Recent sales or rents of similar units nearby, used to price a property. DLD transaction data is the most reliable base.
Investment
Completion certificate
The official certificate confirming a building is finished and fit for occupation. It triggers handover, and the 10-year structural defects period runs from it.
Construction-linked payment plan
A plan where instalments fall due as construction reaches set milestones rather than on fixed dates. Payments go into the project escrow account.
Conveyancing
The paperwork and coordination that take a sale from signed MOU to registered transfer: NOC, mortgage payoff, cheques and the trustee appointment. A conveyancer can be hired to manage it.
Buying and mortgages
CRMCustomer Relationship Management
Software that stores every lead, contact, note and follow-up. Good CRM discipline turns slow leads into deals months later.
Brokerage
Cube Centre
A service centre affiliated with the Dubai Land Department that handles property-linked residence visa applications for owners. Investor visa rule updates are published through it.
Authorities and platforms Source: Dubai Land Department, Cube Center and the e-property residence visa system
D
DBRDebt Burden Ratio
The share of monthly income used to repay all debts. The Central Bank caps it at 50% of gross income, and the bank tests the loan at a higher interest rate.
Buying and mortgages Source: CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Important Ratios
Default and cancellation
If an off-plan buyer stops paying, the developer must go through DLD, which gives 30 days' notice. Depending on progress, the developer can keep part of the payments or, at 80% completion or more, keep the contract and claim the balance.
Defect liability
The developer's legal duty to fix defects after handover: one year for installations such as plumbing and electrics, and ten years for structural defects.
DETDepartment of Economy and Tourism
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. It issues trade licences and regulates tourism, including the permits needed to run a holiday home, a role once held by DTCM.
Authorities and platforms Source: Gulf News, How to get a holiday home permit in Dubai
Developer registration
A developer must be on the DLD developer register and register each project, which opens its escrow account, before it can advertise or sell off-plan units.
DEWADubai Electricity and Water Authority
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, which supplies power and water. Tenants usually need a registered Ejari to open an account, and the DEWA bill also carries the Dubai Municipality housing fee.
Authorities and platforms Source: Property Finder, Ejari registration in Dubai
DIFC Wills Service Centre
A registry where non-Muslims can register a will under DIFC rules. The will must be in English, signed in person and witnessed by two adults.
Law and compliance Source: Khaleej Times, How non-Muslim expats can register wills in the UAE
DLDDubai Land Department
The Dubai Land Department, the government body that registers sales, leases, mortgages and off-plan contracts and issues title deeds. RERA is its regulatory arm.
Authorities and platforms Source: DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide
DLD transfer fee
The 4% registration fee charged by the Dubai Land Department on a sale. The law splits it equally between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise, but in practice the buyer usually pays it all.
DLD waiver
A developer promotion where the developer pays all or part of the buyer's 4% DLD fee. It is a marketing incentive, not an exemption from the fee.
Off-plan
DMDubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality, the city authority for urban planning, building control and public health. Its housing fee is collected monthly through DEWA bills.
Authorities and platforms Source: fäm Properties, Dubai Municipality housing fee explained
DNFBPDesignated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions
Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, the AML category that includes real estate brokers. DNFBPs must register on goAML and follow AML rules.
Law and compliance Source: Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026
Down payment
The part of the price the buyer pays from his own funds. With a mortgage it is the price minus the loan, for example at least 20% for an expat's first home under AED 5 million, plus buying costs.
Buying and mortgages Source: Khaleej Times, UAE mortgage financing and down payment rules
DREIDubai Real Estate Institute
The Dubai Real Estate Institute, the training arm of the Dubai Land Department. New brokers must pass its certified course and exam before they can get a broker card.
Authorities and platforms Source: Engel & Völkers, Real estate broker licence in Dubai
Dubai REST
The official Dubai Land Department app. RERA requires brokers to use it: it holds broker data, smart contracts, off-plan project checks, Ejari and valuation services.
Authorities and platforms Source: DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide
DXB Interact
A free online platform that publishes Dubai sales and rental transaction data drawn from DLD records. Brokers use it to check recent prices by building or area before advising a client.
Authorities and platforms
E
Early settlement fee
The fee a bank may charge when a mortgage is repaid early. The Central Bank caps it at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower.
EIBOREmirates Interbank Offered Rate
The Emirates Interbank Offered Rate, the benchmark that most UAE variable mortgage rates follow, plus the bank's margin.
Buying and mortgages
Ejari
The official registration system for Dubai tenancy contracts. Registration is the landlord's legal duty, although tenants often do it, and it is needed for DEWA and visa applications.
Emirates ID
The UAE identity card for citizens and residents. A foreigner does not need one to buy freehold property in Dubai, a valid passport is enough.
EOIExpression of Interest
A deposit paid before a launch to get priority access to units, often refundable if no unit is allocated. It does not reserve a specific unit until booking.
Off-plan
Escrow account
A project bank account with a DLD-accredited bank where off-plan payments must go. The money can only be used to build that project, and the developer's creditors cannot seize it.
Escrow retention
The 5% of the escrow balance that the bank keeps after completion and releases to the developer one year after units are registered to buyers, to cover defects.
Eviction notice
To recover a property at lease end for sale, own use, demolition or major renovation, the landlord must give 12 months' written notice through a notary public or registered mail.
Exclusive listing
A mandate where the seller gives one agency the sole right to market the property, signed on Form A. Agents win it with a credible pricing and marketing plan.
F
First-Time Home Buyer Programme
A DLD programme for UAE residents aged 18 or over who do not already own freehold residential property in Dubai, for homes under AED 5 million. It gives access to developer and bank offers and instalments on the DLD fee.
Buying and mortgages Source: Dubai Land Department, First-Time Home Buyer overview
Flipping
Buying a property, often off-plan, and reselling it quickly for a profit. Fees, commission and developer resale rules can wipe out a thin margin.
Investment
Form A
The RERA contract between the seller (or landlord) and the brokerage that authorises the agency to market the property. DLD needs it before issuing an ad permit.
Form B
The RERA contract between the buyer and the brokerage, setting out the services and the commission the buyer will pay.
Form F
The unified sale contract (MOU) between seller and buyer on a resale. It records the price, deposit, fee split and transfer date, and the buyer usually gives a 10% security deposit cheque.
Form I
The agent to agent agreement used when two brokerages cooperate on a deal. It records who represents whom and how the commission is split.
Form U
The RERA form used to end a brokerage's services or mandate on a property.
Freehold
Full ownership of a property and its share of land, without time limit. Foreigners can buy freehold only in areas designated under Law No. 7 of 2006.
Buying and mortgages Source: Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. 7 of 2006 on Real Property Registration
G
GDRFAGeneral Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, which issues and renews residence visas, including those linked to property ownership.
Authorities and platforms Source: UAE Government portal u.ae, Golden visa
goAML
The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit platform where brokerages register and file AML reports such as REARs and suspicious transaction reports.
Law and compliance Source: Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026
Golden Visa (property)
A long-term renewable residence for investors owning Dubai property worth at least AED 2 million, in one or more units. A mortgaged property can qualify with a bank NOC showing what has been paid.
Gross yield
Annual rent divided by the purchase price, times 100. It ignores all costs, so it always looks better than net yield.
H
Handover
The moment a finished off-plan unit is handed to the buyer, after the final payment due at completion. The Oqood is then replaced by a title deed.
Holiday home permit
The permit required to rent a property short-term to tourists in Dubai, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism after checks.
Housing fee
The Dubai Municipality fee charged to residents through the DEWA bill. For tenants it is 5% of the annual Ejari rent, split into monthly payments.
K
KYCKnow Your Customer
Know Your Customer: collecting and checking a client's identity documents and source of funds before a deal. It is the practical first step of CDD.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real estate and AML obligations
L
Launch
The first release of units in a new project or phase, often with early pricing, EOIs and agent events.
Off-plan
Law No. 26 of 2007
The Dubai law that governs landlord and tenant relations, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. It sets the rules on registration, notice periods and evictions.
Law No. 7 of 2006
The Dubai law on real property registration. It lets non-UAE nationals own freehold, or hold usufruct or leases up to 99 years, in areas designated by the Ruler.
Lead
A potential client who has shown interest, such as a portal enquiry or ad form. A qualified lead has a confirmed budget, need and timeline.
Brokerage
Leasehold
A long-term registered lease giving the right to use a property for a fixed term, up to 99 years, after which it returns to the freeholder.
Buying and mortgages Source: Al Tamimi & Co, Property rights available to investors in Dubai
Leasing commission
The agency fee paid by a tenant, customarily 5% of the annual rent or AED 5,000 if higher, plus 5% VAT. It is market practice and must be agreed in writing.
Liability letter
A letter from the seller's bank stating the exact amount needed to clear the mortgage. Buyers, banks and trustees rely on it to arrange the payoff on transfer day.
Documents
Listing
A property an agency is authorised to market, and the ad that presents it on portals. A Dubai listing needs a signed Form A and a valid ad permit.
Listing limit
A seller can list a property with no more than three brokerages, and ads must be removed as soon as the property is sold or rented.
LTVLoan to Value
The loan as a share of the property value. Central Bank caps for expats are 80% on a first home up to AED 5 million, 70% above, 60% on a second or investment property and 50% on off-plan.
Buying and mortgages Source: CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Important Ratios
M
Madmoun
A DLD service that adds a QR code to every permitted property ad. Scanning it shows the approved ad details and whether the unit is already sold or rented.
Authorities and platforms Source: Dubai Land Department, Madmoun ad verification service
Ministry of Economy and Tourism
The federal ministry that supervises real estate brokers for anti-money laundering compliance. It was called the Ministry of Economy until June 2025.
Authorities and platforms Source: Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026
Mollak
The RERA system for jointly owned buildings. Owners association budgets and service charges are approved and tracked through it, and owners can pay service charges online.
Authorities and platforms Source: Property Finder, Mollak service guide
Mortgage pre-approval
A bank's conditional agreement to lend up to a set amount, based on the buyer's income and debts. It tells the agent what the buyer can really afford, but the final loan still depends on the valuation.
Buying and mortgages
Mortgage registration fee
The DLD fee to register a mortgage on the title: 0.25% of the loan amount plus an admin fee.
Buying and mortgages Source: Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai explained
MOUMemorandum of Understanding
A written agreement setting out the main terms of a deal before completion. In a Dubai resale the MOU is the RERA Form F.
Musataha
A right to build on and use someone else's land for a set period, up to 50 years under the UAE Civil Code. It is often used for commercial and development land.
Buying and mortgages Source: Al Tamimi & Co, Property rights available to investors in Dubai
N
Net yield
Annual rent minus yearly running costs such as service charges, maintenance and management, divided by the price. It is the figure an investor should compare.
NOCNo Objection Certificate
A letter from the developer confirming there are no unpaid service charges or other dues on the unit. DLD will not register a resale transfer without it, and the developer charges a fee.
Non-freehold area
An area where ownership is reserved to UAE and GCC nationals, such as many older central neighbourhoods. Foreign buyers should be pointed to designated freehold areas.
Buying and mortgages Source: Property Finder, Non-freehold areas in Dubai
Non-Muslim inheritance
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 lets non-Muslims choose their home country's law, and without a will divides the estate without distinction between men and women. A registered will is the safest route.
Law and compliance Source: Withers, Estate planning for non-Muslims and residents in the UAE
Non-Muslim wills register
Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 created a register of non-Muslim wills at the Dubai Courts and the DIFC Courts, so expats can register a will locally.
Law and compliance Source: Khaleej Times, How non-Muslim expats can register wills in the UAE
Notice period (renewal)
Either party who wants to change the lease terms at renewal, including the rent, must notify the other at least 90 days before expiry unless the contract says otherwise.
O
Off-plan
A property bought from a developer before or during construction, usually on a payment plan. The sale is registered through Oqood and the money goes into an escrow account.
Off-plan premium
The difference between the original off-plan price and what a buyer will pay for the unit on resale. It is a profit only after fees and commission.
Off-plan
Open house permit
DLD issues permits for real estate events, including open houses, which a brokerage must get before hosting one.
Oqood
The DLD interim register for off-plan sales. The developer registers the sale, the buyer pays the 4% DLD fee, and the Oqood certificate is replaced by a title deed after handover.
ORNOffice Registration Number
The registration number of a licensed brokerage firm, which must appear on its ads and contracts. Each broker it sponsors holds a personal BRN.
P
Payment plan
The schedule for paying an off-plan unit, such as 60/40: 60% during construction and 40% at handover. A mortgage on the handover amount is only possible once the unit is ready and valued.
POAPower of Attorney
A legal document authorising someone to act for another person, for example to sign at the trustee office. It must be notarised, and one signed abroad must be legalised and attested for use in Dubai.
Documents
Post-dated cheques
Cheques dated in the future that tenants give to pay the annual rent in instalments, such as one, two, four or more cheques a year.
Leasing
Post-handover payment plan
A plan where the buyer keeps paying the developer for a period after handover, often 1 to 8 years, instead of paying the full balance at completion.
Price per sq ft
The price divided by the size, the standard way to compare units in Dubai. One square metre equals about 10.76 square feet.
Investment
Property investor visa
A two-year residence visa for Dubai property owners, applied for through DLD channels such as the Cube Centre. Under April 2026 rules the AED 750,000 minimum was removed for sole owners, and each co-owner needs a share worth at least AED 400,000.
R
RDSCRental Dispute Settlement Centre
The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (Rental Disputes Centre) that rules on landlord and tenant disputes in Dubai. The filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000.
REARReal Estate Activity Report
A report filed on goAML when a freehold deal involves cash of AED 55,000 or more, in one or several payments, or any payment in virtual assets.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real Estate Activity Report (REAR)
Rent increase cap
Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, rent can rise at renewal only if it is below the index average: 0% if within 10%, then 5%, 10%, 15% and up to 20% when more than 40% below.
Rental income tax
The UAE has no personal income tax, and rental or sale income an individual earns from property without needing a licence is not counted for corporate tax.
RERAReal Estate Regulatory Agency
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency, the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department. It licenses brokers and brokerages, issues permits and sets the rules of the profession.
Authorities and platforms Source: Dubai Land Department, Annual test for broker licence renewal
RERA rental index
The DLD index of average rents used to decide the maximum rent increase at renewal. Since 2025 the Smart Rental Index rates each building on quality, location and services.
Resale
A sale by an existing owner rather than by the developer, also called the secondary market. It goes through Form F, a developer NOC and a transfer at a trustee office.
Buying and mortgages Source: fäm Properties, Understanding Unified Contract F
Reservation form
The form a buyer signs to take a unit off the market while the paperwork is prepared, usually against a deposit. On off-plan it is often the same as the booking form.
Documents
ROIReturn on Investment
Total profit divided by total money invested, times 100. On a resale, profit is the sale price minus the purchase price and all buying and selling costs.
Investment
RTARoads and Transport Authority
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, which runs the metro, buses, taxis and roads. New metro lines and stations are often a key argument in area and price analysis.
Authorities and platforms
S
Sales offer
A developer document showing a specific unit, its size, price and payment plan. It is a quote, not a contract, and prices can change until the unit is booked.
Documents
Sanctions screening
Checking every party against UN and UAE sanctions lists. On a confirmed match, funds must be frozen without delay and the authorities informed.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real estate and AML obligations
Security deposit
Money the tenant leaves with the landlord to cover damage or unpaid bills. The law sets no amount, but about 5% of annual rent for unfurnished and 10% for furnished is customary.
Service charge
The yearly fee owners pay for common areas, maintenance and amenities, usually quoted per sq ft. Approved rates are published in the RERA service charge index, and Mollak is the system that tracks them.
Sharia
Islamic law, which governs inheritance for Muslims with fixed shares where female heirs generally receive smaller shares than male heirs.
Law and compliance Source: Withers, Estate planning for non-Muslims and residents in the UAE
Snagging
An inspection before or at handover to list defects such as cracks, leaks or faulty fittings, so the developer fixes them. It is usually done with a professional snagging company.
Buying and mortgages
SOAStatement of Account
A statement from the developer listing what the buyer has paid and what is still due on an off-plan unit. It is needed for resales, mortgages and visa applications.
Documents
SPASale and Purchase Agreement
The contract between developer and buyer for an off-plan unit, setting the price, payment plan, completion date and the developer's policies on resale and default. It is registered with DLD through Oqood.
STRSuspicious Transaction Report
A report filed on goAML when a broker suspects money laundering or other crime in a deal.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real estate and AML obligations
Subletting
Renting all or part of a leased property to someone else. A tenant may not sublet without the landlord's written consent.
Leasing
T
Telemarketing rules
Since 2024, marketing calls are allowed only from 9 am to 6 pm, from numbers registered to the company, once a day at most and never again after a refusal.
Law and compliance Source: Clyde & Co, UAE telemarketing regulations
Tenancy contract
The lease between landlord and tenant, written on the standard Dubai tenancy contract form. It must be registered in Ejari to be official.
Tenanted property
A unit sold with a tenant in place. The sale does not end the lease, so the buyer takes over the tenancy and must respect the legal notice rules to recover it.
Buying and mortgages Source: Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007
Third-party payment
A payment made by someone other than the buyer, such as a relative or company. It needs clear documentation and is a classic AML red flag to check.
Law and compliance
Tipping off
Telling a client that a suspicious report or review exists. It is an offence under UAE AML law, so give neutral answers and involve the compliance officer.
Law and compliance Source: Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026
Title deed
The DLD certificate that proves who owns a ready property. It is issued on transfer, and it replaces the Oqood certificate once an off-plan unit is handed over.
Trakheesi
The DLD licensing system used by brokerages. It issues broker cards, office registrations and the permit required for every property ad.
Authorities and platforms Source: DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide
Transfer
The registration of a sale in the buyer's name at a DLD trustee office, where the price and fees are paid and the new title deed is issued.
Buying and mortgages Source: DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide
Trustee office
A private office licensed to register sales on behalf of DLD. Its fee is AED 4,000 plus VAT for prices of AED 500,000 or more and AED 2,000 plus VAT below that.
Buying and mortgages Source: haus & haus, Dubai Land Department fees explained
U
UBOUltimate Beneficial Owner
Ultimate Beneficial Owner: the person who really owns or controls a company client, generally anyone holding 25% or more. Brokers must identify them during CDD.
Law and compliance Source: AML UAE, Real estate and AML obligations
Usufruct
The right to use a property and take its income, such as rent, without owning it. Under the Civil Code it typically ends after 50 years unless agreed otherwise.
Buying and mortgages Source: Al Tamimi & Co, Property rights available to investors in Dubai
V
Vacancy
The time a unit sits empty between tenants. A realistic yield allows for some vacancy each year.
Investment
Valuation
An independent estimate of a property's market value. Banks lend on the lower of price and valuation, and DLD offers official valuations for a fee.
Buying and mortgages Source: Dubai Land Department, Request for a property valuation
VATValue Added Tax
Value Added Tax at 5%. It applies to brokerage commission, but not to the DLD transfer fee, which is a government fee.
Law and compliance Source: Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai explained
Written by CloserPass for information only, checked in October 2026. Rules and fees can change: always confirm with the Dubai Land Department or the authority concerned before advising a client.