DLD Trustee Services FAQ
DLD Trustee Services — frequently asked questions
Dubai Land Department property transfers. Clear, up-to-date answers from our team.
Published 7 Jun 2026
Last updated 7 Jun 2026
10 questions
Always go by the date. UAE rules and government fees change over time. We keep earlier answers for reference rather than deleting them, so if two answers seem to differ, the one with the most recent “Updated” date is the current one.
What is a DLD registration trustee office?
A private centre licensed by the Dubai Land Department to execute property transactions on its behalf — ownership transfers, mortgage registrations and title deed services. It's where buyer and seller meet to complete a sale.
What are the total fees when buying a property in Dubai?
The 4% DLD transfer fee, a trustee office fee of AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000), AED 250 for the title deed and small knowledge and innovation fees. On a AED 1.5M apartment that's roughly AED 64,700 in transfer costs.
How long does a property transfer take?
Same day. With the NOC, cheques and documents ready, the trustee appointment itself usually takes under an hour and the new title deed is issued electronically the same day.
What documents are needed at the trustee office?
Original Emirates IDs or passports for all parties, the original title deed, the digitally signed Form F (MOU), the developer's NOC and manager's cheques for the price and fees. POA holders bring the verified POA.
How should the cheques be made out?
The property price as a manager's cheque in the seller's name exactly as it appears on the title deed, and the 4% fee in favour of the Dubai Land Department. Since the 2025 rules, cheques in an agent's or attorney's name are refused unless the POA explicitly allows it.
What is the developer NOC and how long does it take?
A no-objection certificate confirming the seller has cleared service charges and the developer doesn't object to the sale. Developers charge roughly AED 500–5,000 and take about 5–10 working days, and the NOC is usually valid for 30 days — so timing matters.
How much does it cost to gift property to family?
Transfers to first-degree relatives (spouse, parents, children) pay 0.125% of the property value instead of 4%, with a minimum of AED 2,000. The reduced rate applies once per property; siblings and other relatives pay the full 4%.
What are the mortgage registration and release fees?
Registration costs 0.25% of the loan amount plus about AED 290 in admin fees. A mortgage release costs about AED 1,300 plus trustee charges and is done at the trustee office in minutes once the bank issues clearance.
Can I buy or sell through a power of attorney?
Yes — trustee offices accept POAs that are UAE-notarised (or fully attested if signed abroad), transaction-specific and within validity; sale POAs are treated as valid for 2 years from notarisation. We verify your POA meets the current DLD circular before the appointment.
What's the difference between an Oqood and a title deed?
Oqood is the interim registration for off-plan property bought from a developer; the title deed is issued once the project is complete and is what changes hands at the trustee office in resale transactions.
Still have a question about DLD Trustee Services?
Rules change often. If your situation isn't covered above, our team will give you a clear answer.