Connect with a Trusted Dubai Broker
Real estate in Dubai is fast-paced and complex. Don't navigate it alone. Work with pre-screened, RERA-certified agents who specialize in your specific community and budget.
Whether you are investing in off-plan luxury or renting your first studio, expert guidance saves you money and protects you from legal pitfalls. Compare agent track records today.
Agent Verification Checklist
Never transact without checking these credentials.
The 5-Step Safety Check
Ask for the RERA Card
Every legitimate agent has a physical or digital RERA card issued by the Dubai Land Department. No card = No deal.
Verify the BRN
Enter their Broker Registration Number (BRN) on the Dubai REST app to see if their license is active or suspended.
Check the Agency License
Ensure the company they work for has a valid ORN (Office Registration Number) and Trade License.
Confirm Trakheesi Permit
If they send you a property brochure or link, it MUST have a Trakheesi Permit number on it.
Review Past Deals
Ask for evidence of similar properties they have sold or rented recently in your specific area.
Warning Signs
Find the Right Match
We match you with agents based on data, not ads.
Transaction History Verification
We highlight agents who have actually closed deals in your target building, not just listed them.
Language Matching
Find an agent who speaks your native language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, etc.) for smoother communication.
Review Aggregation
Read genuine feedback from previous clients about their professionalism and responsiveness.
Specialization Filter
Separate 'Off-Plan Specialists' from 'Secondary Market Experts' based on your goal.
License Validator
Our system automatically flags agents with expired RERA cards.
Broker Types Explained
Understanding who you are working with.
| Feature | Area Specialist | Generalist Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Depth | Expert (Knows specific layouts) | Basic (Broad overview) |
| Network | Direct owners access | Relies on portals |
| Price Accuracy | Precise valuation | Often guesses |
| Off-Market Deals | High access (Pocket listings) | Low access |
| Responsiveness | High (Focused area) | Variable (Traveling across city) |
| Negotiation Power | Strong (Knows recent comps) | Weak |
| Best For | Serious Buyers/Sellers | Window Shoppers |
| Commission | Standard 2% (Worth it) | Standard 2% |
Understanding Dubai Broker Fees
Complete breakdown of costs and who pays what.
Sales Commission Structure
Rental Commission Structure
Important: Any agent asking for "registration fees," "viewing charges," or upfront payments is operating illegally. Commission is only due upon successful completion of a transaction.
Questions to Ask Your Broker
Interview them before they interview you.
Experience Questions
- How many years have you been selling in Dubai?
- How many transactions in my target area last year?
- Can you show me similar properties you've sold?
- What's your average days on market?
- Do you work full-time or part-time?
- What languages do you speak fluently?
Strategy Questions
- What's your marketing strategy for my property?
- How will you price my property competitively?
- Do you have buyers/tenants waiting?
- Which portals will you advertise on?
- How often will you update me?
- What's your negotiation approach?
Documentation Questions
- Can I see your RERA card and BRN?
- What's your agency's ORN number?
- Will you provide Form A/B upfront?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- Can you provide client references?
- Will you share the Trakheesi permit number?
Protection Questions
- How do you handle multiple offers?
- What if the buyer's cheque bounces?
- Do you work with trusted conveyancers?
- How do you verify buyer/tenant credentials?
- What's your dispute resolution process?
- Are you exclusively representing me?
Official Verification Platforms
Government apps and websites to verify credentials.
Dubai REST App
Verify RERA cards & BRN numbers
Available on App Store & Google Play
DLD Website
Check broker & agency licenses
dubailand.gov.ae
Mollak Portal
Verify property ownership
mollak.dubailand.gov.ae
Trakheesi System
Validate advertisement permits
trakheesi.ae
DED License Check
Verify company trade license
ded.ae
RERA Service Portal
File complaints & check violations
dubailand.gov.ae/rera
Pro Verification Tip:
Always cross-check information across multiple platforms. A legitimate broker will be registered on ALL official systems. If they appear on Dubai REST but not on DLD, something is wrong.
2025 Broker Market Insights
Current trends affecting broker services.
What's Changing
Digital Transformation
Virtual tours and e-signatures are now standard. Brokers who don't offer digital services are losing clients.
Specialization Premium
Generalist brokers are struggling. Specialists charging same commission but delivering 10x value.
Direct Developer Competition
Developers creating in-house sales teams. Independent brokers focusing on resale market.
Data-Driven Valuations
AI tools providing instant property valuations. Smart brokers using data to win listings.
Compliance Crackdown
RERA actively suspending licenses for violations. Only compliant brokers surviving.
Market Statistics
Avoid These Broker Scams
Real cases reported to RERA in 2024.
The Phantom Listing
High RiskHow it works:
Broker advertises properties that don't exist or are already sold to generate leads.
How to protect yourself:
Always ask for the Trakheesi permit number and verify the listing on official portals.
Double Commission Trick
High RiskHow it works:
Broker tells seller the buyer is paying commission, tells buyer the seller is paying. Collects from both.
How to protect yourself:
Get commission agreement in writing before viewing. Check Form A/B clearly states who pays.
The Deposit Disappearance
Critical RiskHow it works:
Broker takes booking deposit 'to secure the property' then vanishes or claims deal fell through.
How to protect yourself:
Never pay deposits to brokers. All payments go directly to landlord/seller or escrow account.
Fake Ownership Documents
Critical RiskHow it works:
Broker shows edited Title Deeds or acts as owner's representative without proper POA (Power of Attorney).
How to protect yourself:
Verify ownership independently on Mollak portal. Demand to meet the actual owner.
The Bait and Switch
Medium RiskHow it works:
Shows you premium property photos, takes you to inferior unit, claims 'the other one just got rented'.
How to protect yourself:
Insist on video tours before visiting. Report false advertising to RERA immediately.
Unlicensed Sub-Agent
High RiskHow it works:
RERA broker 'employs' unlicensed friends to show properties, splitting commission illegally.
How to protect yourself:
Always verify the actual person showing you property has their own valid RERA card.
Guide for International Buyers
Special considerations for overseas investors.
Remote Buying Process
- 1.Appoint POA (Power of Attorney) to trusted person in Dubai
- 2.Broker conducts video tours of shortlisted properties
- 3.Due diligence conducted by broker and lawyer
- 4.Sign SPA (Sales Purchase Agreement) remotely
- 5.Transfer funds to developer/seller escrow account
- 6.POA completes transfer at DLD on your behalf
- 7.Receive digital Title Deed via email
Essential Documents Needed
- Valid passport copy
- UAE entry stamp/visa (if visited)
- Proof of funds/Bank statements
- Emirates ID (if resident)
- POA document (if using representative)
- Address proof from home country
Tax Considerations
- • No property tax in Dubai
- • 4% transfer fee + 2% broker commission
- • Check tax obligations in home country
- • Consider double taxation treaties
- • Rental income tax varies by nationality
Currency Risk: Property prices are in AED (pegged to USD). Factor in exchange rate fluctuations when budgeting from Euros, Pounds, or other currencies.
The Property Handover Process
What happens after you choose your property.
Property Selection & Offer
- • Submit offer through broker
- • Negotiate price and terms
- • Sign Form F (Offer to Purchase)
Due Diligence
- • Verify Title Deed on Mollak
- • Check for mortgages/liens
- • Review service charge status
- • Conduct property inspection
Agreement Signing
- • Sign MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
- • Pay 10% deposit to seller
- • Broker prepares Form A/B
Financial Arrangements
- • Arrange mortgage (if needed)
- • Get pre-approval letter
- • Prepare manager's cheques
NOC & Documentation
- • Developer issues NOC
- • Clear any outstanding fees
- • Prepare transfer documents
Transfer Day
- • Meet at DLD Trustee Office
- • Sign transfer documents
- • Pay 4% transfer fee
- • Receive new Title Deed
Post-Transfer
- • Update DEWA/utilities
- • Register with community management
- • Get access cards/keys
- • Move in!
Dispute Resolution Process
What to do if something goes wrong.
Direct Resolution
Try to resolve with the broker first
- • Document all communications
- • Send formal complaint email
- • Request broker's supervisor
- • Give 48 hours for response
- • Keep all receipts/contracts
RERA Complaint
File official complaint with RERA
- • Use Dubai REST app
- • Pay AED 500 complaint fee
- • Submit all evidence
- • Attend mediation session
- • Get resolution in 30 days
Legal Action
Last resort through courts
- • Hire property lawyer
- • File case at RDC
- • Costs start from AED 15,000
- • Timeline: 3-6 months
- • Enforced by authorities
Most Common Disputes:
Agent Specializations
Different agents for different needs.
Deals in >AED 20M properties. Discreet, resourceful.
Knows every launch, payment plan, and developer track record.
Fast-moving, handles volume. Best for finding tenants quickly.
Specializes in offices, warehouses, and retail spaces.
Not a broker, but helps you secure finance. Essential partner.
Handles maintenance and tenants after the deal is done.
Experts in land acquisition for custom villa builds.
Focuses on quick sales below market value.
Manages Airbnb/Holiday homes for higher yields.
Success Stories
Why the right broker matters.
The First-Time Buyer
Elena was overwhelmed by fake listings. She hired an Exclusive Buyer Agent who filtered the market, found a genuine seller, and negotiated AED 50k off the asking price.
The Overseas Investor
Raj lives in London. He needed someone to manage his portfolio. He found a full-service Property Management broker who handles tenants and maintenance, sending him reports monthly.
The Quick Sale
Ahmed needed to sell his villa in 2 weeks. His specialized broker had a waiting list of cash buyers and sold it off-market in 4 days without a single public viewing.
The Legal Protection
Sarah almost signed a contract with a bad clause. Her broker spotted the error in the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), saving her from losing her 10% deposit.
Broker FAQs
Expert answers on working with agents.
Why should I use a specialized area expert?
An agent who specializes in one area (e.g., only Downtown) knows the specific building issues, recent unlisted transaction prices, and upcoming maintenance projects that a generalist won't know.
What is Form A?
Form A is the agreement between a Seller and a Broker to list the property. Form B is for Buyer representation. Form U terminates an agreement. These are mandatory RERA forms.
Can I negotiate the agent's commission?
Yes, commission is not fixed by law, though 2% is the market standard. On high-value properties, you may be able to negotiate a lower percentage.
How does Hayy.AI verify agents?
We check the RERA license validity and cross-reference their track record. We promote agents who have verified transactions, not just verified listings.
What if the agent asks for a cheque in their personal name?
Never do this. All rent or deposit cheques must be in the name of the Landlord (as per Title Deed) or the registered Real Estate Company's escrow account.
Do off-plan purchases need a broker?
While you can buy directly from a developer, a broker represents YOUR interests, helps choose the best unit with resale value in mind, and costs you nothing (developers pay the commission).
Is 'Trakheesi' important?
Yes. Every real estate advertisement in Dubai must have a Trakheesi Permit Number to prove it is authorized by the authorities. If an ad lacks this number, it is likely fake.
Can rent be paid via the broker?
Only if the brokerage has a Property Management agreement with the landlord. Otherwise, rent goes directly to the landlord.
What makes a 'Super Agent'?
Super Agents are responsive, transparent about flaws in a property, and highly knowledgeable about ROI yields and market trends, guiding you with data rather than sales tactics.
How many agents should I work with?
It is better to work with one or two dedicated agents who understand your needs, rather than scattering your request to twenty agents who will all show you the same marketplace listings.