What makes a 'good' real estate agency in the UAE?
A good real estate agency is more than just a listing portal. It's a RERA-certified partner that provides data-driven advice, has deep-rooted local expertise, and operates with full transparency. The best agencies protect your interests, whether you are buying, selling, or renting.
According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), verified and experienced agencies consistently close more transactions and provide accurate market valuations, protecting clients from overpaying. Always check your agent's RERA certification.
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) Guidelines
🔍 How do I verify a real estate agency and agent in Dubai?
This is the most important step. You must verify that your agent is legitimate. Ask for their 'RERA Broker Card' (it's a digital card). You can then verify their name and agency on the official 'Dubai REST' app from the DLD. A professional real estate agency will ensure all its agents are fully certified and will provide their RERA registration number (ORN) on their website.
| Verification Step | Why It's Important | Tool to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ask for RERA Card | Confirms they are a legal agent. | Directly from the agent |
| Verify on Dubai REST App | Ensures the card is not fake and is still active. | DLD Dubai REST App |
| Check Agency ORN | Verifies the agency itself is licensed by RERA. | Agency website, RERA portal |
💰 What are the standard real estate agency fees in Dubai?
Fees in the UAE are generally straightforward. For property sales, the standard real estate agency fee is 2% of the purchase price (+ 5% VAT). This is typically paid by the buyer, though it can be negotiated. For annual rentals, the fee is 5% of the first year's rent. For off-plan properties, the developer usually pays the agent's commission, so it's a 'free' service for the buyer.
- Ready Property Sale: 2% of property price (+VAT)
- Annual Rental: 5% of annual rent
- Off-Plan Property: 0% (Developer pays the commission)
🤝 What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a seller's agent?
Their loyalty. A seller's agent works for the property owner. Their primary goal is to get the highest possible price for the property. A buyer's agent works exclusively for you, the buyer. Their job is to find you the best property that fits your needs at the lowest possible price. A good real estate agency, like Hayy.AI, specializes in representing buyers, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the negotiation and purchase process.
Why You Need a Buyer's Agent
A dedicated buyer's agent provides access to a wider range of properties, offers unbiased advice based on data, and has a legal (fiduciary) duty to negotiate in your favor, often saving you far more than their fee.
- Real Estate Investor Insight🤖 How does an AI-powered real estate agency help me?
A traditional real estate agency gives you a list of properties. An AI-powered agency gives you answers. At Hayy.AI, we don't just use public portals; we use AI to analyze real-time transaction data from the DLD, price trends, and rental yield data. This allows our real estate agents to pinpoint undervalued properties, forecast capital growth, and provide advice based on hard data, not just a 'gut feeling'.
The Data-Driven Advantage
Our platform can compare the 10-year ROI of two different buildings in the same neighborhood, analyze service charge fairness, and identify which properties are priced below market value right now. This is the new standard for a top-tier real estate agency.
- Hayy.AI Platform