Buying a home that is ready

Every step, and what proves it happened

• 1. Owner's approval of the broker

  The owner's written authority for the brokerage to act and to advertise. Filed with ADREC · Madhmoun. Without it the listing has no basis.

  DMT · ADRECThe sellerConfirmed

• 2. Madhmoun permit issued

  Advertising without it is the fine, and it falls on whoever placed the advert. Filed through the ADREC Madhmoun system. In Abu Dhabi it is issued to a licensed brokerage, so an owner listing directly cannot hold one - this is the step where an agent is required.

  DMT · ADRECYour agentConfirmed

• 3. Listing live

  Photographs, the permit number displayed, and a price the seller has agreed to.

  Your agentConfirmed

• 4. Viewings

  Recorded against the listing so the interest is evidence, not memory.

  YouConfirmed

• 5. Mortgage pre-approval

  Only where there is finance. The bank confirms what it will lend before any offer goes in, within the CBUAE ceilings — 80% of value for an expatriate, 85% for a national, and a debt burden no greater than half of income. An offer without it is a wish.

  CBUAEYouConfirmed

• 6. Offer made

  A price, a payment method, and a validity period after which it lapses on its own.

  YouConfirmed

• 7. Offer accepted

  Acceptance starts every clock behind it — the NOC, the KYC and the transfer date.

  The sellerConfirmed

• 8. Sale MOU

  The sale contract between buyer and seller, with the deposit held against it. Filed with ADREC · Madhmoun.

  DMT · ADRECYour agentConfirmed

• 9. Deposit paid

  Ten per cent on signature, held against the contract rather than paid to the seller. Until it moves, either side can still walk; after it, walking costs money.

  YouConfirmed

• 10. Buyer identity and AML check

  Emirates ID or passport, source of funds, and screening. Federal, so it is the same in every emirate — and it is what stops a transfer on the day if it is left late.

  YouConfirmed

• 11. Developer NOC

  The developer confirms no outstanding service charges and consents to the transfer. Typically ten to fourteen days — start it before a transfer date is agreed, not after.

  DeveloperThe developerConfirmed

• 12. Bank valuation

  Only where there is finance. The bank values the property itself, and a figure under the agreed price means the buyer funds the difference or the price is renegotiated — either way the transfer date moves.

  CBUAEYouConfirmed

• 13. Mortgage or liability settled

  If either side has finance, the bank's letter and any existing mortgage discharge have to be in hand before a transfer date holds.

  CBUAEYouConfirmed

• 14. Register the transfer with ADREC

  Filed through the Abu Dhabi system rather than a trustee office. Fees and the exact counter are set by ADREC.

  ADRECYouConfirmed

• 15. Title deed issued

  DMT · ADREC issues the deed in the buyer's name. That document, not the contract, is what proves ownership.

  DMT · ADRECThe government officeConfirmed

• 16. Handover and utilities

  Keys, meters transferred, and the community handover completed.

  YouConfirmed