The questions people ask us
18 answers on buying, renting, off-plan and working with us. If yours is not here, ask, and we will answer it.
Buying
Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, in designated investment zones. Since the 2019 law change, foreign nationals can hold freehold title there. Areas commonly named include Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef and Masdar City. The zone list can change, so we confirm in writing that the specific project qualifies and which title type you would receive before you pay a deposit.
What is Madhmoun and why does every advert show a permit?
Madhmoun is Abu Dhabi's digital permit system for property adverts, run by ADREC and issued through the DARI platform. Each permit needs the owner's consent. It exists to remove fake and out-of-date listings. If an advert shows no permit number, treat it as unverified. Every Awal listing carries one, and we will show you the permit record on request.
What fees do I pay when buying?
The main one is the transfer fee of 2 percent of the price, paid to the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Add a title deed fee of about AED 1,000 to 1,500, and agent commission if you are the paying party. A mortgage adds bank and registration charges. Our full cost guide shows a worked example on AED 2,000,000.
How long does a purchase take?
It depends on the seller, the developer or community manager, and your bank. A cash purchase with clean paperwork moves faster than a mortgage purchase. We do not promise a number of days. Ask us for the current timeline on the specific property, and we will list each step, the documents needed and who is responsible for it.
How much deposit do I pay to reserve a property?
On a resale, you sign a memorandum of understanding with the seller and pay a deposit. Guides report 5 to 10 percent of the price. The amount is agreed between you and the seller, and the terms should say what happens to it if the sale fails. Do not pay until you have checked the permit number and the owner.
Should I get a mortgage pre-approval first?
Yes. A pre-approval tells you what a bank is willing to lend before you make an offer, and sellers take such offers more seriously. It does not commit you or the bank, and it expires. Loan limits come from the Central Bank and then from each lender, so confirm the current figure for your situation with the bank.
Can I get a Golden Visa through property?
Abu Dhabi's economic department states that the real estate investor route needs property bought for at least AED 2,000,000 outside a mortgage, for a 10 year visa. Mortgaged and off-plan purchases can qualify under conditions. The authorities apply the rules, not us or the seller, so check the current figure and documents before you buy.
Renting
What is Tawtheeq?
Tawtheeq is Abu Dhabi's register of tenancy contracts. All leases are registered on it through the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The landlord pays the registration fees. A registered contract is linked to utility connection and gives both sides a record. Ask the landlord for proof of registration before you pay the first cheque.
What does a tenant pay on top of the rent?
Residential tenants are reported to pay a municipality housing fee of 5 percent of the annual rental value, spread over 12 monthly instalments on the utility bill. Cheques, the security deposit and any commission are agreed in the contract and differ by landlord. Check the current figure with us and ask for every payment in writing.
How do I know a rental listing is real?
Ask for the Madhmoun permit number and check that the unit and the person offering it match. Do not pay a deposit to someone who cannot show it. Pay by a traceable method, ask for a receipt, and view the property in person before you sign. We show the permit number on every listing.
Off-plan
What are the risks of buying off-plan?
The main risks are delay, a finished property that differs from the plan, and a developer that cannot complete. Abu Dhabi rules reduce them: each project needs its own escrow account, and funds cannot be drawn until at least 20 percent of construction is complete. Check the escrow details, the developer's registration, and the delay terms in your agreement.
What is an escrow account?
It is a project account held with an approved trustee. Your instalments go into it, not into the developer's general funds. The developer can draw money only against verified construction progress, and not before 20 percent completion unless ADREC approves it against a bank guarantee. You can ask the developer, the bank or ADREC to confirm a project's escrow account.
How do off-plan payment plans work?
A typical plan has a deposit at booking, instalments tied to dates or construction milestones, and a final payment at handover. Each developer sets its own plan, so there is no standard. Read it against your cash flow, and remember transfer and registration fees are due on top. Get any developer promise to cover costs in writing.
Working with Awal
How is Awal paid as a broker?
Our commission follows market norms and is agreed in writing before you proceed. On a sale the norm is usually 2 percent plus 5 percent VAT, and who pays is negotiated. You will see the figure and the payer in the paperwork before any deposit moves. If anything is unclear, ask us to explain it.
Can I arrange a viewing at short notice?
Usually yes. Call +971 55 990 0155, send us the listing you like or email info@awal-realestate.com, and we will confirm a time with the owner or tenant. Bring your passport or Emirates ID if you are ready to move. Tell us your budget and move date so we can add similar properties to the same trip.
Which areas do you cover?
We hold around 53 live listings, mostly on Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha and Al Shamkha. Our services are residential sales and leasing, commercial property such as offices, retail, warehouses and plots, off-plan, and property management. Every listing carries an ADREC Madhmoun permit number you can check.
Do you manage properties for owners?
Yes, property management is one of our services. Before you sign with anyone, ask what the fee covers: tenant search, contract and Tawtheeq registration, rent collection, inspections, maintenance, renewals and reporting. Get the list, the fee and the notice period in writing. Call us on +971 2 635 2391 to talk it through.
Where is your office?
We are at Office 401 and 402, Salam HQ Tower, on Salam Street at the corner of Reem Street, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi. You can call +971 2 635 2391 or +971 55 990 0155, or email info@awal-realestate.com. Our team is six people, so you deal with the person who knows your enquiry.