The agent: BRN card
Every licensed broker has a BRN (Broker Registration Number). Ask for it and look the agent up in the licensed-brokers service on the DLD website or in the Dubai REST app; the broker's e-card is checked with the E-card Verification service. Name, photo, agency and card expiry should all match.
An agency licence does not make everyone who writes on its behalf licensed: check the person you are actually dealing with.
The agency: ORN and trade licence
An agency is registered with RERA under an ORN, visible in Dubai REST with the list of its brokers. You can also check the company's trade licence with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET): name, activity and expiry.
A buyer's agreement with an agent uses the RERA form (Form B). It sets out the services and terms — read it before paying anything.
The listing: Trakheesi permit and QR code
Property in Dubai may only be advertised with a Trakheesi permit. Since 24 April 2023 each permit comes with a QR code (Madmoun service). The permit number can also be checked in Dubai REST (permit verification). Scan the QR and compare: area, building, size, unit type, agency.
A code on its own proves little. If it opens a different unit, does not load, or there is no permit number, treat the listing as unverified.
Off-plan project: registration and escrow
- The Mashrooi section of Dubai REST (Project Status) shows the project status, the developer, the escrow account details and construction inspection results.
- Under Law No. 8 of 2007, off-plan buyers' money is held in the project escrow account and released to the developer against independently checked construction stages.
- The escrow account number and bank are stated in the SPA. Match them against the project record.
- After signing, an off-plan contract is registered with the DLD in Oqood. More in how off-plan works.
Ready homes: the owner and the Title Deed
The seller shows the Title Deed before the deal; its details can be checked through DLD services, and if there is a mortgage you need to know how it will be cleared on transfer day. Terms with the seller go into an MOU (Form F) and payment runs through the Trustee office. Costs are in full purchase costs.
Warning signs
- You are asked to pay into the agent's personal account or an account not named in the contract.
- No BRN or Trakheesi number, or a promise to "send it later".
- A promised fixed future yield or a "today-only price".
- Pressure to sign before you have read the contract.
A remote deal follows the same order — see buying from abroad. This is general information; for disputes consult a UAE lawyer.