Legal Update from Sara Advocates – Dubai Real Estate Law Experts

Key Update (Effective 17 June 2025)

  • Sale proceeds must now be paid only to the property owner listed on the title deed.

  • The seller must have a UAE bank account in their own name.

  • A Power of Attorney (PoA) can still sign sale documents, but cannot receive payment.

These changes by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) aim to improve transparency and reduce fraud in real estate transactions.

Who Is Affected?

  • Non-resident property owners selling freehold units in Dubai.

  • Joint owners, as each person named on the title must have a UAE account.

  • PoA holders, who can no longer receive funds on the seller’s behalf.

What Has Changed?

Previous Process New 2025 Rule
Payments could be made to a PoA Payments must go to the registered owner only
Offshore accounts were accepted Funds must go into a UAE-based account in the owner’s name
Physical PoA attestation was required Dubai Courts now accept remote video PoA attestation

What Overseas Sellers Need to Do

If you’re a property owner living abroad, here’s your compliance checklist:

  1. Open a UAE bank account under your name (matching the title deed).

  2. Issue or update your Power of Attorney through the Dubai Courts.

  3. Verify your title deed details (name spelling, passport match, etc.).

  4. Make sure Form F (MOU) reflects the correct UAE bank account as payee.

  5. Appoint a legal representative or attend the transfer at the trustee office.

Other Real Estate Updates in 2025

  • Property Investor Visas:
    AED 750,000 minimum for 2-year residency; AED 2 million for 10-year Golden Visa.

  • Broker Cap Rule:
    A property can now be listed with a maximum of three agents at a time.

  • Land Use Clarity:
    Improved public access to Dubai’s land-use register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my property without coming to Dubai?
Yes. You can sign a Dubai Court Power of Attorney remotely. Your legal representative can attend the transaction, but funds must be paid directly into your UAE account.

Is my old PoA still valid?
Yes, if properly attested. However, payment must now be redirected to your personal account, not to the PoA.

How do I open a UAE bank account from abroad?
It usually takes 2–4 weeks. You’ll need a valid passport, proof of ownership, and may need to maintain a minimum balance depending on the bank.

How Sara Advocates Can Support You

At Sara Advocates, our Real Estate Division handles:

  • Power of Attorney drafting and attestation

  • Title deed verification and correction

  • Representation at the DLD trustee offices

  • Full legal supervision of your Form F and closing process

We help you sell your Dubai property smoothly and legally, even if you’re overseas.