WHAT IS A REAL ESTATE REGISTRATION TRUSTEES OFFICE IN DUBAI?

Introduction

A Real Estate Registration Trustees Office in Dubai is an authorized private entity that operates under the supervision of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to facilitate and streamline real estate transactions.

These offices are licensed by the DLD to provide various services related to the registration, transfer, and management of real estate properties. They act as intermediaries, ensuring that all transactions comply with Dubai’s legal and regulatory framework.

The purpose of this publication is to address what they are, since when they are part of real estate transactions in Dubai, the functions they undertake, benefits of their coming into existence and the expected process of transactions through them.

When Trustess Office come into the Dubai Real Estate Picture?

Real Estate Registration Trustees Offices in Dubai have been operational since 2013. They were established as part of the Dubai Land Department’s efforts to streamline real estate transactions, enhance transparency, and improve customer service. This initiative aimed to decentralize the registration process, making it more accessible and efficient for property buyers and sellers.

The introduction of trustees offices has significantly contributed to the development of Dubai’s real estate sector by providing a convenient and reliable alternative to conducting transactions directly at the DLD main office. This system allows for quicker processing times, reduces congestion at the DLD, and offers specialized services to meet the needs of the growing real estate market.

Services Provided by Real Estate Registration Trustees Offices:

Property Transfer Registration

Handling the transfer of property ownership between buyers and sellers, own transfers and donations, ensuring all legal requirements and documentation are met.

Process:

1. Agreement: The buyer and seller agree on the terms of the property sale and prepare the sale agreement. In the event that is an own transfer or donation this step will not apply.
2. Document Submission: Both parties submit the required documents, including the sale agreement, identification documents, and any relevant property-related documents, to the trustees office.
3. Verification: The trustees office verifies the authenticity and completeness of the documents to ensure they comply with legal requirements.
4. Approval: Once verified, the office processes the transfer, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
5. Completion: The property ownership is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and the transaction is recorded.

This process may vary when the property is being sold with a mortgage, in this case the steps would be as follows:

1. Visit One to the Trustees Office: The buyer deposits all required payments including cheque to the bank, registered with the property as mortgagor.
2. Delivery of cheque to the bank.
3. Issuance of release letter by the bank mortgagor
4. Submission of release letter to Trustees office and issuance of new title deed under the name of the buyer.

Issuance of Title Deeds

Processing and issuing title deeds to new property owners after the successful completion of a property transaction.

Process:

1. Completion of Transfer: After the property transfer is finalized, the trustees office prepares the new title deed in the buyer’s name.
2. Verification: The office ensures all details are accurate and that the deed reflects the new ownership.
3. Issuance: The title deed is issued to the new owner, providing legal proof of ownership.

Verification of Documents

Verifying the authenticity and accuracy of all documents related to real estate transactions, including sale agreements, identification documents, and NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from developers.

Process:

1. Document Collection: The trustees office collects all relevant documents from the parties involved.
2. Authentication: The documents are checked for authenticity and accuracy, including validation of signatures and verification against original records.
3. Compliance Check: Ensuring that all documents comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of Dubai’s real estate laws.
4. Approval: Only after successful verification are the documents accepted for further processing.

Payment of Fees

Facilitating the payment of transfer fees, registration fees, and other applicable charges required for completing real estate transactions.

Process:

1. Fee Calculation: The trustees office calculates the fees based on the property value and transaction type. We invite you to check our recent publication about real estate transfer fees and donations in this link here.
2. Payment Processing: The office facilitates the payment process, which can include online payment options, bank transfers, or in-person payments.
3. Receipt Issuance: After payment is made, a receipt is issued to confirm the payment of all required fees.
4. Fee Allocation: The fees are then allocated appropriately, ensuring they cover all required services and government charges.

Mortgage Registration and Release

Assisting with the registration of new mortgages and the release of existing mortgages on properties.

Process:

1. New Mortgage Registration:
   • Document Collection: Collect mortgage agreement and supporting documents from the lender and borrower.
   • Verification: Verify the authenticity of the mortgage documents.
   • Registration: Register the mortgage with the Dubai Land Department, linking it to the property title.
   • Issuance: Issue a new title deed reflecting the mortgage.
2. Mortgage Release:
   • Request Submission: The borrower or lender submits a request to release the mortgage upon full repayment.
   • Verification: Verify that all conditions for mortgage release are met.
   • Processing: Process the release and update the property records to remove the mortgage.
   • Issuance: Issue a new title deed free of the mortgage lien.

Updating Property Records

Ensuring that all property records are up-to-date and accurately reflect current ownership and other relevant details.

Process:

1. Data Collection: Collect all relevant information and documents related to property changes, such as ownership transfers, modifications, or legal adjustments.
2. Verification: Verify the accuracy of the information and documents provided.
3. Record Update: Update the property records in the official database to reflect the latest information.
4. Confirmation: Provide confirmation to the property owner and other stakeholders that the records have been updated.

These services offered by Real Estate Registration Trustees Offices in Dubai ensure a smooth, transparent, and legally compliant process for all real estate transactions, benefiting both property buyers and sellers.

Benefits of Using Real Estate Registration Trustees Office in Dubai:

• Convenience: These offices are located throughout Dubai, providing easier access and reducing the need to visit the main DLD office for property transactions.
• Efficiency: They streamline the process of real estate transactions, often completing tasks more quickly due to their specialized focus and expertise.
• Expertise: Staff at these offices are well-versed in Dubai’s real estate laws and regulations, ensuring that transactions are handled correctly and efficiently.
• Digital Services: Many trustees offices offer online services, making it easier to complete transactions and access information remotely.

Process of a Real Estate Transaction through a Trustees Office in Dubai:

The process takes place subject to the specific aspects of the transaction (sale with or without mortgage (from seller and buyer), transfer to own, donation), etc. but mainly follows the below steps.

1. Preparation: Both the buyer and seller prepare the necessary documents, including the sale agreement, identification documents, and NOC from the developer (if applicable).
2. Submission: The parties visit the trustees office to submit their documents and initiate the transaction process.
3. Verification: The trustees office verifies the documents to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
4. Payment: The parties pay the required fees, including transfer fees, registration fees, and any other applicable charges.
5. Processing: The trustees office processes the transaction, updating the property records and issuing a new title deed in the name of the buyer.
6. Completion: Once the transaction is complete, the new title deed is handed over to the buyer, officially transferring ownership of the property.

Real Estate Registration Trustees Offices play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of real estate transactions in Dubai.

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We hope this post will help you understand the role and purpose of real estate registration trustees office in Dubai and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.

For more information published in English you can visit all our publications at this link as well as the videos in English of our Managing Partner Maria Rubert.

*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction to the the role and purpose of real estate registration trustees office in Dubai .