The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has issued a new directive impacting non-resident property sellers. Effective immediately, cheques from property sales can only be issued to the person listed as the owner on the property’s title deed. Payments to individuals holding power of attorney (PoA) will no longer be permitted.
According to industry sources, sellers based overseas must now have a valid UAE bank account to receive sale proceeds. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and enforcing legal accountability in real estate transactions involving non-resident owners.
“All payments must be made in the name of the seller as per the title deed,” said Yash Trivedi, CEO of YOUAE Mortgages. “The practice of issuing cheques to PoA holders, even if court-approved, will no longer be accepted.”
The restriction does not prevent property owners from assigning a PoA for administrative purposes. Such appointments, however, must be legally attested through Dubai courts. Sellers can still use PoAs to manage sale processes, but the payment must be directed to the title deed holder's bank account.
Previously, it was common for overseas investors to authorize relatives or agents via PoA to complete sales and receive payments. Those PoAs, often approved by Dubai courts, allowed banks to issue cheques in the agent's name. This will no longer be valid under the updated rule.
“The seller’s identity must match the bank account receiving the funds,” Trivedi confirmed.
Real estate sources noted that the process of obtaining a PoA remains unchanged, though the court-attested documents must now be accompanied by active UAE-based bank accounts in the seller's name.
This policy update comes as Dubai’s property market continues to report strong sales figures. Transactions from international buyers have exceeded 2024 levels, particularly in the luxury segment.
Officials say the measure will simplify verification and eliminate delays caused by mismatched documentation or incomplete PoA validation. Virtual court sessions, including PoA arrangements via Zoom, remain available for overseas investors.
The Dubai Land Department has not issued a public circular, but the directive is already being implemented by legal and banking institutions across the emirate.
