Knowledge Hub
DIFC Property Transactions
How property transfers work inside the DIFC, where registration and process differ from the rest of Dubai.
- Are DIFC property transfers registered through Dubai Land Department?No. Property within DIFC is registered through the DIFC Registrar of Real Property, which administers the applicable DIFC real property laws and registration p…
- What is the DIFC property transfer fee?The DIFC freehold transfer fee is generally 5% of the consideration or market value of the property interest, whichever is greater, subject to the applicable r…
- Does DIFC charge a mortgage-registration fee?Yes. DIFC introduced a mortgage-registration fee of 0.25% of the value of a mortgage registered by a purchaser of real property, effective 21 November 2024. Ot…
- How long does a DIFC property transfer take?DIFC's property registration framework prescribes specific registration deadlines that apply after the relevant transaction date. These are regulatory deadline…
- Can I buy or sell a DIFC property with a mortgage?Yes, subject to the relevant bank and DIFC registration requirements. Where the seller has an existing mortgage, settlement and discharge arrangements must als…
- Can an overseas owner sell a DIFC property?In many circumstances, yes. The appropriate signing, identification and representation arrangements must be confirmed for the particular transaction. A Power o…
- Is the DIFC transfer process the same as a standard DLD trustee-office transfer?No. DIFC has its own property-registration framework, documentation and procedures. The correct process should be established at the outset rather than assumin…