Due Diligence Checklist for Dubai Property Buyers

Before paying a deposit, check who you are dealing with, who owns the property, what is owed on it, whether it is tenanted and what condition it is in. Use official Dubai Land Department services to verify the title and the broker, and get every key fact in writing.

Updated 27 October 2026 · 2 min read

Due diligence means proving five things before money changes hands: the people are who they say they are, the seller owns the property, the debts and charges are known, any tenancy is understood and the property’s condition matches what you are paying for.

The checklist

  1. The people

    Check the seller’s passport or Emirates ID matches the title deed. If someone signs on the seller’s behalf, ask for the original power of attorney. Make sure your broker is licensed: Dubai brokers have a RERA broker card and every property advert should carry a valid permit number.

  2. The title

    Verify the title deed through the Dubai Land Department’s official services, such as the Dubai REST app. Confirm the unit number, size and owner match the sale agreement.

  3. Mortgages and debts

    Ask whether the property is mortgaged. If it is, the seller’s bank must be paid off at or before transfer, and you need a liability letter showing the amount. Ask for a service charge statement showing nothing is overdue.

  4. Tenancy

    If the property is rented, get a copy of the tenancy contract and its Ejari registration. A sale does not end a tenancy: the tenant’s contract continues with you as the new landlord.

  5. Physical condition

    Inspect the property, ideally with a professional snagging or inspection company. Check air conditioning, water damage, windows, appliances and any alterations made without approval.

  6. The building

    Look at the owners’ association, the service charge level and the building’s upkeep. Ask about planned major works.

  7. The contract

    Read Form F in full. Make sure the price, deposit, dates, inclusions and conditions match what was agreed.

Documents to ask for

  • Copy of the title deed and the seller’s ID
  • Mortgage liability letter (if mortgaged)
  • Service charge statement or clearance
  • Tenancy contract and Ejari (if tenanted)
  • Floor plan, and approvals for any alterations

Red flags

  • Pressure to pay a deposit before you have seen the title deed.
  • Requests to send money to a personal account rather than an agreed, verifiable channel.
  • A seller who cannot be identified or an unverifiable power of attorney.
  • Advertised details that do not match the title deed.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax, financial or lending advice. Fees, rules and procedures change and depend on the property, the parties and the contract. Confirm current details with the relevant authority and qualified advisers before acting.

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Common questions

How do I check who owns a property in Dubai?

Verify the title deed through the Dubai Land Department's official services, such as the Dubai REST app, and check that the seller's ID matches the owner on the deed.

How do I know if a Dubai broker is licensed?

Dubai brokers hold a RERA broker card, and property adverts should display a valid permit number. You can check both through Dubai Land Department services.

What happens if the property I buy is tenanted?

The tenancy continues. You become the landlord and must honour the existing contract, including its end date and renewal rules.

Should I pay for a property inspection?

For most resale purchases, yes. A professional inspection costs little compared with the cost of hidden defects.

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