Reselling an off-plan contract in Dubai: the developer's No Objection Certificate
How an off-plan contract can be sold on before the title deed, according to the Dubai Land Department.
Some off-plan buyers want to sell before handover. This guide sets out what the Dubai Land Department (DLD) says about reselling an off-plan contract and about when the title deed is issued.
- 01Resale before transfer needs the developer's No Objection Certificate.
- 02Off-plan contracts are first recorded in the initial register.
- 03Completed units are moved to the registry once fully paid.
- 04Registration protects the rights of owners and investors.
Can you sell before handover?
DLD says a real estate unit, or a deferred sale contract, can be assigned to a third party before it is transferred to the land registry. Resale is possible after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the developer.
What initial registration means
According to DLD, initial registration means recording real estate sale contracts and other legal actions off-plan before they are transferred to the real estate registry. It covers properties bought off-plan, and ready properties for which an initial sale certificate is issued. The aim is to preserve the rights of owners and investors.
When the title deed is issued
The law requires developers to register completed projects with DLD as soon as they receive a certificate of completion from the competent authorities. Units that have been fully paid for are then moved from the initial register to the real estate registry, and the title deed or usufruct certificate is issued to the investor.
Check before you buy a resale
Ask for the developer's No Objection Certificate and the payment record, and check the project's progress in the DLD project status service.
Tax position
0% income tax and 0% property tax*: the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and income from real estate held in a personal capacity, without a commercial licence, is outside UAE Corporate Tax.
*T&Cs apply.
Talk to an advisor
An iRealtor advisor can explain the steps and shortlist homes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including off-plan launches.
This article is general guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice.
FAQs
Do I need the developer's permission to resell off-plan?
Yes. DLD says resale is possible after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the developer.
What is initial registration?
The recording of off-plan sale contracts and other legal actions before they are transferred to the real estate registry, to preserve the rights of owners and investors.
When do I get the title deed for an off-plan unit?
After the project is completed and registered, and once the unit has been fully paid for, the title deed is issued, according to DLD.
