Buying or renting property in Dubai is exciting, but the paperwork you sign carries real financial and legal weight. Before you put your name on any agreement, the most useful thing you can do is ask the right questions. Choosing a rera approved real estate agency dubai buyers can verify is your first layer of protection, and the questions below will help you test whether an agency deserves your trust.
At Takween AlDar, we welcome these questions from every client. A good agency should be happy to answer them clearly, in writing if you ask.
This guide is general information and not legal advice. For anything specific to your transaction, confirm details directly with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or a qualified property lawyer.
Why These Questions Matter
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department. It licenses brokers, permits property advertisements, registers off-plan projects and oversees the escrow accounts that hold buyers' payments. Working with a RERA approved agency means the people advising you operate inside that regulated system, and that you have somewhere to go if something goes wrong.
Having a licence is the minimum standard, though, not proof of quality. The questions below cover both: whether the agency is legitimate, and whether it is the right partner for you.
1. Is Your Agency Licensed, and Are You Personally Registered?
In Dubai there are two layers of registration. The agency holds an Office Registration Number (ORN), and each individual broker holds a Broker Registration Number (BRN) issued by RERA.
Ask for both numbers, then check them yourself. The DLD offers a free "Verify License and Permits" service on its website and through the Dubai REST app, and results appear immediately. Do not rely on a number printed on a brochure or a business card. If an agent hesitates to give you a BRN, treat that as a serious warning sign.
2. Can I See Your Broker Card?
Every registered broker carries a RERA broker card showing a photo, the BRN and the brokerage they work under. Compare the photo to the person in front of you, and compare the brokerage name to the agency you believe you are dealing with.
This takes thirty seconds and prevents a surprising number of problems, including agents who are registered but are quietly working outside the agency they claim to represent.
3. Does the Property Listing Carry a Permit Number and QR Code?
Property advertisements in Dubai must carry a Trakheesi permit number, and many listings also display a Madmoun QR code. Scan the code or enter the permit number on the DLD platform to confirm that the listing is real, that the advertised agent is authorised to market it and that the details match.
If a listing has no permit, or the permit belongs to a different property, ask why before going any further.
4. Which Agreement Am I Signing, and What Does It Say?
Dubai uses standard forms for property transactions. A broker typically works under a written agreement with the seller or landlord, and buyers may sign a buyer-agent agreement. When you agree a purchase, the Memorandum of Understanding, commonly known as Form F, sets out the price, deposit, completion timeline and the conditions each side must meet.
Ask the agent to explain every clause in plain language, and ask for a copy to read at home. Never sign under time pressure. A professional agency will give you time, and will not object to you having a lawyer review the document.
5. What Is Your Commission, and Who Pays It?
Commission should never be a surprise. Ask for the percentage, who is responsible for paying it and when it becomes due. On resale transactions, a figure of around 2% of the sale price is commonly quoted in the market, but arrangements vary, so get the exact terms confirmed in writing.
Be cautious of an agent who is vague about fees, or who suggests that commission can be handled informally.
6. What Are the Total Costs Beyond the Property Price?
The price on the listing is rarely the full cost. Ask for a clear breakdown that covers the DLD transfer fee, registration and administrative fees, agency commission, mortgage-related charges if you are financing, and the ongoing service charges for the building or community.
An honest agency will walk you through these numbers before you commit, not after. If you are comparing two properties, ask for the same breakdown on both so the comparison is fair.
7. If the Property Is Off-Plan, Is the Project Registered and Is Payment Protected?
Off-plan purchases carry extra risk because you are paying for something that is not yet built. Ask for the project's registration details, the developer's track record and the escrow account arrangements. In Dubai, buyer payments for registered off-plan projects are meant to go into an escrow account that is regulated by RERA, not directly to the developer or to the agent.
Ask the agency to show you how to confirm the project's registration on the official DLD channels, and check it yourself before paying anything.
8. Who Holds My Deposit, and How Should I Pay It?
This question protects your money directly. Find out exactly who receives the deposit, in whose name any cheque must be written and what happens to it if the deal falls through.
Be alert to requests for cash, transfers to a personal account or payment before you have even viewed the property. A legitimate agency will use traceable, documented payment methods and will give you a receipt.
9. How Well Do You Know This Area and This Type of Property?
Experience is a core part of trust. Ask how long the agent has worked in the specific community you are considering, how many similar transactions they have handled recently and what they know about service charges, rental demand and any planned developments nearby.
Good agents give balanced answers, including the downsides of a property. If you only hear positives, keep asking questions.
10. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Every transaction can hit a snag, so ask about the process in advance. Who is your point of contact after the paperwork is signed? How does the agency handle disputes and complaints? Does the agent understand how to escalate an issue through the DLD?
The DLD also runs a complaint service through its website and the Dubai REST app for reporting violations and misleading advertisements. Knowing it exists, and knowing that your agency respects it, is part of choosing a trustworthy partner.
A Quick Checklist to Take With You
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Agency ORN and agent BRN verified on the Dubai REST app or DLD website
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Broker card checked against the person you are dealing with
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Listing permit number and QR code confirmed
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Agreement read in full, with a lawyer's review if needed
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Commission and total costs confirmed in writing
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Deposit and payment method documented, with a receipt
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For off-plan: project registration and escrow arrangements verified
How Takween AlDar Approaches These Questions
Takween AlDar is a Dubai property agency, and we believe transparency is the foundation of a good client relationship. We encourage every buyer, seller and investor to verify our credentials on the Dubai REST app and to ask us anything on this list before committing to a transaction. You can learn more about our services at Takween AlDar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I check whether a Dubai real estate agency is RERA approved?
A: Ask for the agency's Office Registration Number and the agent's Broker Registration Number, then verify both using the DLD's license verification service on its website or the Dubai REST app. The service is free and shows whether the licence is active.
Q: What is the difference between an ORN and a BRN?
A: An ORN identifies the registered real estate office or agency, while a BRN identifies an individual broker licensed by RERA. A trustworthy transaction involves both a registered agency and a registered broker working under it.
Q: Can I work with an agent who is not registered with RERA?
A: Operating as a broker in Dubai without registration is not allowed, and working with an unregistered agent leaves you with little protection if a dispute arises. It is safest to deal only with verified, registered professionals.
Q: Should I pay a deposit before viewing a property?
A: No. Be very cautious of any request to pay before you have seen the property, verified the listing permit and confirmed who is receiving the money. Use documented, traceable payment methods and always ask for a receipt.
Q: Is it normal for a Dubai agency to charge commission, and how much?
A: Yes, commission is a normal part of Dubai property transactions. The amount and who pays it depend on the type of deal and the written agreement, so confirm the exact percentage and payment terms before you sign.
Conclusion
Signing a property agreement in Dubai should feel confident, not rushed. By choosing a rera approved real estate agency dubai residents and investors can verify, and by asking the ten questions above, you reduce the risk of scams, hidden costs and misunderstandings. Verify every licence yourself, read every document, and never let anyone pressure you into signing.
