What are Property Registration Trustees in Dubai?

If you’re buying or selling a house in the emirate, you will likely hear this term thrown around – here’s what it means and why it matters. 

It’s one of those Dubai real estate terms that can sound a bit daunting, but in fact Property Registration Trustees refers to an authorised group of professionals worth their weight in gold – acting as intermediaries who ensure every step is smooth, secure, and fully compliant with regulations.

Introduced in 2013, they’ve made the buying and selling process much more efficient and secure for everyone involved.

Why were Property Registration Trustees introduced in the first place?

Before approved property registration trustees came into the picture, real estate transactions in Dubai could be a bit of a headache. With lots of paperwork and multiple parties involved, things weren’t as quick or streamlined as they are today.

So, to simplify things, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced trustee offices to make sure property deals are handled in a clear and secure way. Since 2013, these trustees have been the go-to professionals for making sure your property transactions are smooth sailing.

What is a Real Estate Registration Trustee Office?

These offices are officially authorised by the DLD to take care of the nitty-gritty legal aspects of real estate transactions. Their main role is to make sure everything is in order – whether that’s helping with property transfers, verifying documents, or even handling the payment of fees.

These offices provide a range of services, including:

Property transfer registration

Trustee offices handle the legal registration of property transfers. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling a property, they ensure the official handover of ownership is registered correctly with the DLD.

Note: If you're buying a property with someone else, there may be extra steps. Find out everything you need to know about joint ownership of property.

Title Deeds

Once the property transfer is complete, trustee offices are responsible for issuing the all-important title deed which proves you officially own the property.

Document verification

Nobody wants a hiccup in their property deal due to incorrect paperwork. Trustee offices, such as a seal trustee office, makes sure everything is legit and up to scratch. They verify everything before it’s submitted to the DLD, which keeps things running smoothly and prevents any delays.

Payment of fees

From transfer fees to other charges, the approved trustee office is where all financial transactions related to your property deal are processed. They act as a middleman between the buyer, seller, and the DLD, so you don’t have to worry about missing any payments or fees.

Mortgage registration and release

If you’re getting a mortgage, the trustee office helps register it with the DLD. And if you’ve already paid off your mortgage, they can assist in releasing it, making sure your property is fully in your name with no strings attached.

FAQs

How are Property Registration Trustees authorised?

These offices are carefully selected and authorised by the DLD, meaning they’ve gone through strict approval processes. They’re licensed, monitored, and follow specific guidelines to ensure they’re capable of handling real estate transactions in line with Dubai’s property laws.

How long does the property transfer process take?

While the property transfer process can vary, with a trustee office involved things are generally quite speedy. Most transfers are completed in just a few days, provided all documents are verified and fees are paid. Trustee offices streamline the process, saving you time and hassle.

How are fees calculated for real estate registration?

Fees for real estate registration in Dubai are typically based on a percentage of the property’s sale price, with the standard DLD registration fee being 4% of the purchase value. Additional costs, such as trustee office fees, mortgage registration fees, and administrative charges, may apply depending on the specifics of your transaction. Use our mortgage calculator to get a rough estimate of these costs.

Benefits of using approved trustee offices in Dubai

• Secure transactions: using an approved trustee office ensures all transactions are compliant with DLD regulations, reducing the risk of fraud
• Streamlined process: trustee offices handle the paperwork and payments, saving you time and simplifying the process
• Expert guidance: these offices provide professional assistance at every step, ensuring your transaction is error-free.

How to locate an approved trustee office in Dubai

To find an approved trustee office in Dubai, check the Dubai Land Department’s official directory or visit a seal trustee office near you for assistance. Many trustee offices also offer online services, making it even more convenient to process your property transactions.