The real estate sector in Dubai is one of the busiest in the world, dense with luxurious projects, towering skyscrapers, and ambitious international investors looking for the biggest slice of the cake. Whether you are buying a seafront apartment on the Palm or an off-plan investment in Business Bay, one piece of paper is at the heart of your transaction – DLD Form F.
Commonly called the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Form F is the legal real estate sale and purchase agreement released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) via RERA, the regulatory authority for the Dubai real estate sector. It’s not a mere formality – it is a binding agreement that sets forth the rights, duties, and expectations of buyer and seller.
Form F is the flesh and bones of the property sale. It specifies who is doing the buying and selling, the property details, money-related terms, obligations, and the process of finalizing the deal. Without it, your property transaction just can’t progress – because the DLD will refuse to register the transfer of ownership.
But really, Form F is not just a bureaucratic requirement – it's an important guidepost for all. It offers certainty, limits the potential for disputes, and ensures that the transaction is completed under Dubai’s rigorous legal framework for property transactions.
Although the form may seem complex, the purpose of each of its sections is clear. The initial part contains personal information, such as passport numbers, nationalities, and contact details, followed by a thorough description of the property sale. This part includes the property’s location, title deed number, and size of the unit.
The financial part describes the total price of the purchase, the deposit – usually 10% – and payment terms. Additionally, it indicates whether financing will be used and who covers the DLD transfer fees and the agency commission.
The contract also contains special conditions such as repair requirements, the developer’s approval of the sale, and clauses on penalties – including forfeiture of the deposit – for non-fulfillment or delays. It ends with a signature section, where all parties sign the agreement, including the agent.
One important note: Form F can only be generated by a licensed RERA broker. Buyers or sellers cannot fill out this form and sign it themselves. The broker fills and submits the contract through the Dubai REST app (which is a DLD-approved platform) or the DLD Trustee Center.
Prior to this, Form A and Form B, which outline agreements with the broker, must be signed by the seller and buyer. Form F can only be issued after that.
The form is valid for 90 days after completion. If the deal isn’t finished in that time, a new Form F must be issued – the expired one cannot be extended or amended. That makes timing and attention to detail essential during the negotiation and signing process.
Even with a broker shepherding the transaction, vigilance is still key for both buyers and sellers. Here are the most common mistakes you’ll want to avoid as you navigate the marketplace:
Once Form F is signed and submitted, the parties proceed to close the transaction. The purchaser settles the outstanding amount and DLD fees, the seller receives the final payment from the bank’s solicitors, the funds are released, and the property is officially transferred through the issuance of a new title deed.
Once this is done, the agent’s work is complete – but the value of a correctly drafted and signed Form F continues. It’s the document that made the transaction legally possible.
Form F is no ordinary document – it is the legal backbone of every property sale in Dubai. It offers buyers and sellers peace of mind, as well as the structure, safety, and transparency to ensure the deal is completed smoothly.
Whether you're buying a new home or selling one, understanding Form F is essential. If you're entering the Dubai real estate market, work only with a licensed RERA broker, read the contract thoroughly, and ask questions if anything is unclear. In a market that moves fast, due diligence – especially with Form F – is your smartest investment.
