Property
UAE — Property: Legal Checks
Core due-diligence steps in Dubai: verify the title deed by cross-checking the seller's ID against the DLD record (Dubai's blockchain-backed verification system confirms authenticity within minutes, remotely, without requiring UAE residency or physical presence, via the DLD website or Dubai REST app); request a property status inquiry through the DLD to confirm the unit is free of mortgages/liens/encumbrances (if a mortgage exists, the seller must obtain a bank release letter before transfer); for resale properties, confirm the developer's No Objection Certificate is issued (3-5 business days, conditional on service charges/dues being settled); verify the broker's active RERA Broker Registration Number; and separately request a clearance certificate from the building's management company, since DLD verification does not show service-charge debts, which transfer automatically to new owners under UAE law.
Key facts
- Title deed verification is blockchain-backed and can be done remotely worldwide via the DLD website or Dubai REST app.
- A DLD property status inquiry confirms the unit is free of mortgages/liens; existing mortgages require a bank release letter before transfer.
- Developer NOC (resale only) takes 3-5 business days and is conditional on settled service charges/dues.
- Service-charge debts are NOT shown by DLD verification and transfer automatically to the new owner — a separate management-company clearance certificate is required.
Steps
- 1. Verify the title deed — Cross-check seller ID against the DLD record via the blockchain-backed verification system (DLD website/Dubai REST app).
- 2. Request a DLD property status inquiry — Confirms the unit is free of mortgages, liens, and encumbrances.
- 3. Confirm developer NOC (resale) — Must be issued before transfer, conditional on settled service charges/dues.
- 4. Verify broker RERA license — Confirm an active Broker Registration Number.
- 5. Obtain a management-company clearance certificate — Confirms no outstanding service-charge debt, since this doesn't show in DLD records but transfers to the new owner automatically.
Timelines
- Developer NOC issuance: 3-5 business days
Required documents
- DLD property status inquiry
- Developer NOC (resale)
- Management-company clearance certificate
- Bank release letter (if mortgaged)
Common mistakes
- Relying solely on DLD verification and skipping the separate management-company clearance certificate — service-charge debts transfer automatically to the buyer and aren't shown in DLD records.
- Not verifying the broker's active RERA Broker Registration Number before proceeding.