FAQs
Artha helps clients through transparent guidance, curated recommendations, market-driven insights, and a structured process that spans discovery, due diligence, negotiation, paperwork, and handover. The company’s mission is to deliver ease of choice and peace of mind for every client journey.
Artha covers residential, commercial, off-plan, secondary market, and property management solutions. For investors, Artha offers curated opportunities tailored to ROI, payment plans, community insights, and long-term value. For end-users, the focus is on finding the right home—not just the right square footage.
Artha is led by Niraj Masand, who has been in Dubai’s real estate industry since 2004 with senior experience at Emaar (including commercial lease strategy during 2009–2011), JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, and Betterhomes. Associate Director Shashi Mashruwala brings 17 years of market expertise, strong developer relationships, and a top-broker track record.
Yes. Artha is one of the few brokerages in Dubai that provides holistic E2E developer services—from land acquisition to pricing, marketing, sales, channel partner activation, show apartments, sales experience centers, and complete administration up to Oqood registration. This has enabled rapid sellouts, such as 60% of Sereno in 90 days and 100% of Mira Oasis inventory.
Artha stands apart through its real, insight-driven advisory, strong leadership lineage (Emaar, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, Betterhomes), and a proven track record of delivering exclusive projects such as Sereno Residences, Pristine by Zoya, and Mira Oasis sellouts. Artha’s positioning—“At Artha, we are building with you”—reflects a partnership-driven approach rooted in expertise, responsibility, and long-term value.
“Artha” represents the pursuit of wealth through fairness, integrity and transparency, one of the four traditional aims of life. This philosophy shapes how Artha engages with clients, partners, and developers—by prioritizing real expertise, honest guidance, and long-term value creation.
Artha Realty is a full-spectrum Dubai real estate brokerage offering residential sales, leasing, commercial advisory, off-plan investment guidance, and a robust property management division. The company also provides end-to-end developer solutions including land acquisition, pricing strategies, marketing, dedicated sales teams, channel partner networks, and international roadshows.
As outlined by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), here’s what to consider when purchasing:
● 4% transfer fee (based on sale value)
● AED 580 title deed issuance (ready to move property)
● 0.25% of mortgage value (if financing)
● AED 2,000 - 4,000 for trustee office services
● AED 250–500 in admin charges
● Property Selection – Choose a registered property or project (verified via DLD or Dubai REST app).
● Agreement – Sign a Form F (Memorandum of Understanding) between buyer and seller, registered with the DLD.
● No Objection Certificate (NOC) – Secure a No Objection Certificate from the developer, confirming that all outstanding payments have been cleared.
● Transfer at DLD Trustee Office – Buyer and seller meet at the DLD office, pay the 4% transfer fee, and the title deed is issued.
● Title Deed Registration – The property is legally transferred to the buyer in the DLD registry. All transactions must go through a licensed DLD Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.
Source: Dubai REST App-DLD
Yes. Both residents and non-residents can apply for mortgages, regulated by the UAE Central Bank.
● Residents can borrow upto 80% LTV (loan-to-value) for properties below AED 5 million
● Non-residents can borrow up to 50% LTV
● A mortgage pre-approval is required from the bank before signing the MoU
● Mortgage registration at DLD is 0.25% of loan amount
Source: CBUAE – Mortgage Regulations, 2013 (Art. 6)
Yes, but the rules are different from residential mortgages. Commercial property financing follows corporate lending guidelines set by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE):
● Loan-to-Value ratios and interest rates are set on a case-by-case basis.
● Business financials, audited statements, and trade licence copies are required documents. Mortgage registration is done at the Dubai Land Department, and the 0.25 % mortgage registration fee applies.
Source: CBUAE – Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans, 2013
Before signing:
● Make sure the property’s zoning and intended use align with Dubai Municipality guidelines.
● Confirm that the property has a valid Title Deed and no legal issues attached.
● Review service charge statements and occupancy certificates to understand ongoing costs.
● If buying off-plan, verify that the developer is registered with RERA and the project has an active escrow account. These steps help ensure your purchase is secure and fully compliant with Dubai’s real estate laws.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Zoning Guidelines, RERA Escrow Law No. 8 of 2007
Dubai currently has no annual property tax. However, you will pay:
● DLD registration fee: 4% of property value.
● Oqood registration fee: AED 3,000 for off-plan unit).
● Admin or trustee fees: AED 2,000 – 4,000 depending on property value. These are government-mandated and payable at registration.
Source: Dubai Land Department – Fees Schedule
Under Law No. 19 of 2017 (Article 11), if construction is delayed, DLD may:
● Extend the project timeline after reviewing the site, or
● Cancel the project and refund buyers directly from the escrow account. Buyers may also take disputes to DLD’s Real Estate Dispute Centre (RDC) for resolution.
Source: Explanatory Notes on Law 19 of 2017 – DLD
● Valid passport copy (and Emirates ID if resident).
● Signed Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) or Form F.
● Payment schedule agreed with the developer.
● Proof of escrow payment receipt.
● Power of Attorney (if needed). All contracts must be registered with Oqood, DLD’s online interim register system.
Source: Oqood Registration – DLD
You can verify projects and developers through:
● Dubai REST App – for project registration, escrow account details, and construction progress.
● RERA’s Project Status Service – lists all registered projects, developers, and escrow accounts. These databases are maintained by the Dubai Land Department.
Source: Dubai REST App – DLD
The main risks include: Construction delays, developer default, or project cancellation. Here are 3 ways the law protects you:
● Under Law No. 19 of 2017, buyers are protected with clear cancellation and refund processes managed by the DLD
● DLD’s Real Estate Court handles disputes and ensures refunds from escrow accounts if applicable.
● Developers must build using and maintain a 10-year structural defect warranty under UAE Civil Code (Article 880).
● Developers must use RERA-approved contractors and provide a 10-year structural defect warranty post-handover under the UAE Civil Code (Article 880).
Sources: Law 19 of 2017, [UAE Civil Code – Federal Law No. 5 of 1985]
● Lower entry price: Launch prices are typically below ready to move property rates.
● Flexible payment plans: Usually 40–60 % during construction and the rest on handover.
● Capital appreciation: Early investors often gain from value increases before handover.
● Newer developments: Modern layouts, efficient systems, and enhanced amenities. At Artha Realty, we work only with RERA-approved developers and verify escrow compliance to keep your investments safe
Yes. Under Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Accounts for Real Estate Development) and Law No. 13 of 2008 (Interim Property Register Regulation), every off-plan project should:
● Be registered with RERA.
● Have an approved escrow account with a licensed bank.
● Receive progress-based payments released only after inspection. This ensures that investor funds are protected until completion.
Sources: RERA Escrow Law 8 of 2007, Law 13 of 2008
An off-plan property is a real estate unit that is sold before construction is finished, sometimes even before building starts. Payments are usually made in stages, linked to construction milestones. Dubai’s off-plan market is regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to protect both developers and buyers.
Source: Dubai Land Department – Real Estate Development & Escrow Regulations
Yes. Under Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Accounts for Real Estate Development) and Law No. 13 of 2008 (Interim Property Register Regulation), every off-plan project should:
● Be registered with RERA.
● Have an approved escrow account with a licensed bank.
● Receive progress-based payments released only after inspection. This ensures that investor funds are protected until completion.
Sources: RERA Escrow Law 8 of 2007, Law 13 of 2008
You can expect the following fees:
● Agency fee: Usually 5–10% of annual rent (negotiable)
● Security deposit: 5–10% of annual rent, refundable at end of term
● Ejari registration fee: AED 220
● VAT: 5% applies to most commercial leases under Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017(VAT Law)
Sources: Dubai Land Department – Fees Schedule, Federal Tax Authority – VAT Law
Yes. Every commercial property in Dubai has a zoning classification (office, retail, industrial, etc). set by the Dubai Municipality’s Urban Planning Department. Your business activity must match the zoning code on your DED trade licence. If you operate outside the approved zoning, you could face licence suspension or even eviction.
Source: Dubai Municipality – Urban Planning & Building Permits
Companies need:
● Valid trade licence and UAE establishment card.
● Passport copies and Emirates IDs of authorised signatories.
● Memorandum of Association (MOA).
● Power of Attorney (if applicable).
● Signed lease agreement and Ejari registration form. Individual traders need:
● Copy of professional or commercial licence (if applicable).
● Emirates ID and passport copy.
Source: Ejari Requirements – DLD
Under Law No. 26 of 2007 and Law No. 33 of 2008 (Amendment):
● Landlord’s duties: To deliver a usable, compliant space, maintain building integrity, and ensure utility access.
● Tenant’s duties: To use the property only for licensed activities, obtain DED and civil defence approvals, and maintain cleanliness and safety standards. Breaches by either party can be resolved through the RDSC.
Sources: RERA Tenancy Law – DLD, Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
Commercial rents follow market value and location, but rent increases are regulated by RERA’s Commercial Rent Index.
● Rent can only be increased within the limits set by the index
● Both sides must receive 90 days’ notice before any rent change This system keeps rent adjustments fair and in line with the market
Source: RERA Rental Index – Dubai REST App
Commercial leases are typically signed for one to five years, depending on what both parties agree to. Renewal terms, exit clauses, and rent escalation should be clearly stated in the contract. If neither party gives notice before the lease expires, the contract automatically renews on the same terms, as outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating Landlord-Tenant Relationships).
Source: Law No. 26 of 2007 – RERA
Registration is mandatory for all mainland commercial leases in Dubai. Ejari records lease details in the RERA-approved tenancy database, ensuring legal validity. Ejari enables:
● Business licence renewals with DED.
● Electricity, water, and telecom connections.
● Legal recourse through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
Source: Dubai Land Department – Ejari Registration
Yes. Both UAE-based and foreign-owned entities can lease commercial space in Dubai, as long as they hold a valid trade licence.
● Mainland companies lease property under the Dubai Economic Department (DED) framework.
● Free zone companies lease space within their respective free zones and follow that authority’s rules (e.g., DIFC, DMCC, DAFZA). If located outside a free zone, all commercial leases must be registered with the Dubai Land Department’s Ejari system.
Sources: Dubai Land Department – Ejari Services, Dubai DED – Business Setup Guide
In most cases, the tenant pays:
● Agency fees (usually 5% of annual rent)
● Ejari registration fee (AED 220) Some developers or landlords cover these costs in promotional offers, but legally the responsibility can be negotiated and must be stated in the lease.
Source: Dubai Land Department – Service Fees
Individuals need:
● Passport and valid UAE residence visa.
● Emirates ID.
● Signed tenancy agreement (Ejari format).
● Security deposit receipt and post-dated cheques. Additionally, companies leasing staff housing will need:
● Trade licence, authorized signatory documents, and tenant list. All must be submitted for Ejari registration.
Source: Ejari – DLD Requirements
If negotiation fails, either party can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) under DLD. Tenants or landlords will need to submit:
● Ejari contract
● Proof of payments
● Copies of any notices exchanged RDSC decisions are legally binding and enforceable under Law 26 of 2007. Common disputes involve illegal rent increases, eviction notices, and maintenance issues.
Source: Dubai Land Department – RDSC Services
Security deposits are typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished units and 10% for furnished units. Landlords must refund the deposit once the lease ends, unless there is documented damage beyond normal wear and tear. Deposits do not earn interest and must be stated in the Ejari contract.
Source: RERA – Tenant & Landlord Guidelines
Under Law 26 of 2007 and Law 33 of 2008:
● Tenant’s duties:
○ Keep the property clean
○ Pay rent and utility bills on time
○ Avoid making structural changes without the landlord’s approval
● Landlord’s duties:
○ Maintain the property’s structure and essential systems
○ Ensure basic utilities are available
○ Hand over the unit in good, livable condition Any maintenance disputes are resolved through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) at DLD.
Source: DLD – Rental Dispute Centre
Rent increases in Dubai are regulated by the RERA Rental Index (also known as the Dubai Rent Calculator). This tool compares your rent to the average rent in your area and decides whether an increase is allowed.
● If your rent is less than 10% below the average market rate, the landlord cannot increase it.
● The maximum permissible increase varies from 5% to 20%, depending on how far below market rate the current rent is.
Source: RERA Rental Index – Dubai REST App
A typical residential lease in Dubai is one year, and it can be renewed if both the landlord and tenant agree. Under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law 33 of 2008): ● Both landlord and tenant must serve a 90-day written notice for non-renewal or rent changes before the contract expires. ● If no notice is served, the lease automatically renews under the same terms.
Source: RERA – Tenancy Law No. 26 of 2007
Ejari is Dubai’s official system for registering tenancy contracts, managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through RERA. Registering your lease with Ejari protects both tenant and landlord, and is required for:
● Residency visa renewal.
● Setting up utilities (DEWA).
● Legal protection in rent disputes. Registration must be done through the Ejari portal or app within 30 days of signing the lease.
Source: Dubai Land Department – Ejari Registration
Unlike brokerages that only sell, Artha:
● Acts as an extension of the developer’s team, not just a sales partner.
● Handles strategic planning, branding, pricing, legal setup, and marketing before launch.
● Provides turnkey execution from feasibility to post-handover property management. It’s a partnership designed to build legacies, not just projects.
Artha organises global investment roadshows under DLD-approved protocols, connecting developers with investors in markets such as the U.S., Africa, and Asia. All promotions are compliant with Law No. 8 of 2007 (regulating escrow-based off-plan sales) and RERA marketing guidelines, ensuring lawful representation abroad.
Key frameworks include:
● Law No. 7 of 2006 – Property ownership registration.
● Law No. 8 of 2007 – Escrow accounts for project funding.
● Law No. 13 of 2008 – Interim property registration.
● Law No. 19 of 2017 – Off-plan sale and cancellation rights.
● Circular No. 6 of 2010 – Real estate management licensing. These ensure accountability from the first sale to project completion.
By centralising all functions, Artha eliminates leakages and delays that impact margins.
● Optimised pricing: Benchmarking against DLD transactions and live data.
● Faster sell-out: Through multi-channel roadshows and channel partner activations.
● Controlled marketing spend: One coordinated agency versus multiple vendors.
● Stronger buyer trust: RERA-compliant documentation and escrow transparency. Developers who partner with Artha typically achieve 60–80% sell-out within 90 days, as seen in past projects like Sereno Residences and Pristine by Zoya.
Once launched, Artha manages:
● Sales operations – end-to-end CRM, booking, and SPA execution.
● Broker activation & training – roadshows, incentives, and briefings.
● Buyer onboarding – EOI to Oqood registration and escrow tracking.
● Market reporting – weekly performance, ROI analysis, and investor pipeline updates.
● Post-sales management – renewals, handovers, snagging, and rent-out programs.
Artha offers integrated marketing management:
● Concept creation, identity, and positioning aligned with RERA advertising standards.
● Media planning (digital, print, and international roadshows) ensuring compliance with Circular No. 8 of 2016 (Real Estate Advertising Guidelines).
● Access to sales network, including 250+ verified channel partners and a global investor database. This ensures every launch builds visibility and drives qualified sales within regulatory frameworks.
Every development is governed by strict DLD and RERA standards:
● Escrow accounts: All buyer payments are deposited in a registered escrow account as per Law 8 of 2007.
● Oqood registration: Each off-plan sale is recorded in the interim registry per Law 13 of 2008.
● Developer licensing: Only RERA-approved developers can launch projects, and Artha manages all the supporting documentation, submissions, and timelines. This framework ensures full transparency, investor protection, and legal compliance throughout the lifecycle.
Artha Realty provides pre-launch consulting that includes:
● Land sourcing & due diligence — verifying zoning and ownership in line with Law No. 7 of 2006 (Real Property Registration).
● Feasibility & pricing studies using comparable sales data pulled directly from the DLD’s public database.
● RERA project registration support, ensuring compliance with Law No. 13 of 2008 (Interim Real Estate Register) and Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Account Regulation).
Developer 360° is Artha Realty’s end-to-end real estate development solution. It covers:
● Land acquisition and feasibility.
● Product mix design and pricing strategy.
● Branding, marketing, and launch campaigns.
● Channel partner engagement and international roadshows.
● Sales execution and RERA-compliant documentation.
● Client handover and post-sales coordination.
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