Is it legal for an agent to sell property in Dubai without a RERA card?

No, it is strictly illegal. Anyone practicing real estate brokerage or advertising properties in Dubai without an active RERA registration number and a valid Trakheesi marketing permit faces severe financial penalties and legal prosecution by the Dubai Land Department.

What should I do if an agent asks me to transfer funds to their personal name?

Never transfer funds directly to an agent's personal account. All financial transactions—whether security deposits or down payments—must be made via manager's checks or wire transfers paid directly to the licensed brokerage company's corporate account or a RERA-regulated project escrow account.

Can an agent represent both the buyer and the seller in a Dubai property deal?

Yes, dual agency is legal in Dubai, and a single broker can facilitate the transaction between both sides using Form F (MOU). However, the agent must maintain absolute transparency, act neutrally, and clearly disclose their dual representation arrangement to both parties in writing.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Dubai

01

Demand the RERA Broker Card

Before sharing personal details or financial information, ask the agent to share a copy of their RERA E-Card. This digital identification includes the broker’s official portrait, name, license number, and the specific brokerage firm they are registered under.

Before sharing personal details or financial information, ask the agent to share a copy of their RERA E-Card. This digital identification includes the broker’s official portrait, name, license number,...

02

Run a Dubai REST App Audit

Open the official Dubai REST application on your smartphone. Navigate to the "Licensed Real Estate Brokers" portal under the services directory, and enter the agent's BRN. Verify that their regulatory license is fully active, up to date, and free of any noted disciplinary infractions.

Open the official Dubai REST application on your smartphone. Navigate to the "Licensed Real Estate Brokers" portal under the services directory, and enter the agent's BRN. Verify that their regulatory...

03

Confirm Agency Trade Credentials

An agent's individual license is only valid if their employing company is legally clear. Use the DLD broker directory or the official Trakheesi system to check the brokerage's Office Registration Number (ORN). Ensure the firm maintains physical, operational office headquarters inside Dubai.

An agent's individual license is only valid if their employing company is legally clear. Use the DLD broker directory or the official Trakheesi system to check the brokerage's Office Registration Numb...

04

Validate Listing Trakheesi Permits

If the agent introduced you to a specific villa or apartment listing, verify that the advertisement features a distinct, valid Trakheesi permit number. This number proves the property marketing campaign has been officially vetted and authorized by RERA, protecting you from ghost or duplicate listings.

If the agent introduced you to a specific villa or apartment listing, verify that the advertisement features a distinct, valid Trakheesi permit number. This number proves the property marketing campai...

05

Establish Clear Representation Rules

Before signing Form A (Listing Agreement) or Form B (Buyer Agreement), explicitly define the agency commission terms (typically 2%). If you are navigating secondary markets for ready units, learn how to audit specialized firms by reviewing our expert breakdown on selecting the Best Real Estate Agency in Dubai for Ready Apartments: How to Choose Wisely.

Before signing Form A (Listing Agreement) or Form B (Buyer Agreement), explicitly define the agency commission terms (typically 2%). If you are navigating secondary markets for ready units, learn how ...

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Dubai

The Digital Verification & Vetting Blueprint for Investors

01

Demand the RERA Broker Card

02

Run a Dubai REST App Audit

03

Confirm Agency Trade Credentials

04

Validate Listing Trakheesi Permits

05

Establish Clear Representation Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

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