A

• Access Card A card provided to tenants for building or community access.
• Access Card Fee Fee charged for issuing building or parking access cards.
• Access Card Management Issuing and managing access cards for residents or tenants.
• Affordable Housing Residential properties designed for budget-conscious buyers.
• Agency Fee A fee paid to a real estate broker for property sale or rental services.
• Annual Rent The total rent amount paid by a tenant for a one-year tenancy period.
• Apartment A residential unit within a multi-story building.
• Arrears Management Handling overdue rental payments and follow-ups.
• Asset Management Strategic management of property assets to maximize long-term value.

B

• Bank Valuation An assessment conducted by a bank to determine a property’s market valueThe estimated price a property would sell for in the current market..
• Benchmark Rate A reference rate used to calculate mortgageA loan provided by a bank or financial institution to purchase a property. interest.
• Booking Fee A reservation amount paid to secure a unit during project launchThe official release of a new real estate project by a developer..
• Building Amenities Facilities like gym, pool, parking, security, and concierge.
• Building Amenities Management Management of facilities such as gyms, pools, and lounges.
• Building Management Day-to-day operational management of residential or commercial buildings.
• Buy-to-Let An investment strategy where property is purchased to be rented out.

C

• Capital Appreciation The increase in property value over time.
• Cash Flow The net income generated from a property after expenses and financing costs.
• Chiller Fees Cooling charges billed separately in some buildings or communities.
• Chiller Management Management of district cooling services in certain developments.
• Chiller Provider Company providing district cooling in some communities.
• Cleaning Services Regular cleaning of common areas and shared facilities.
• Commercial Property Property used for business or commercial activities.
• Commission Broker compensation, typically a percentage of the transaction value.
• Community Development The planning and construction of residential or mixed-use communities.
• Community Fees Charges covering services and amenities at the community level.
• Community Management Oversight of shared facilities, services, and regulations within a community.
• Community Rules Regulations governing resident behavior and property usage.
• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) A report comparing similar properties to estimate market value.
• Completion Certificate An official approval confirming the building complies with Dubai regulations.
• Completion Date The confirmed date when the project construction is officially completed.
• Compliance Management Ensuring adherence to Dubai real estate laws and regulations.
• Connection Fees Fees paid to connect utilities such as electricity, water, or cooling.
• Construction Delay A delay in project delivery beyond the agreed completion timeline.
• Construction Linked Plan Payment planA structured installment schedule offered by developers for property purchases. tied to construction milestones.
• Construction-Linked Payment Plan A payment plan tied to specific construction milestones.
• Contents Insurance Insurance covering personal belongings inside the property.
• Conventional Mortgage A traditional mortgage based on interest payments.
• Corrective Maintenance Repairs carried out to fix existing defects or breakdowns.
• Court Notary A legal authority responsible for notarizing property-related documents and authorizations.
• Credit Score A financial score used by banks to assess borrower eligibility.

D

• Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) The percentage of income used to service debt obligations.
• Defects Liability Period (DLP) A fixed period after handover during which the developerA company responsible for constructing and selling real estate projects. must repair defects.
• Developer A company responsible for constructing and selling real estate projects.
• Developer Approval Official authorization granted to developers to sell or handoverThe stage when the developer officially delivers the completed unit to the buyer. properties in Dubai.
• Developer Default Failure of a developer to meet contractual or legal obligations.
• Developer Escrow Mechanism to protect buyers’ payments for off-planBuying a property before construction completion (often with payment plans). projects.
• DEWA Dubai Electricity and Water Authority responsible for electricity and water supply.
• DEWA Charges Utility charges for electricity and water supplied by DEWADubai Electricity and Water Authority responsible for electricity and water supply..
• DLD Dubai Land Department – the main authority for property registrationThe legal process of registering property ownership with the Dubai Land Department. in Dubai.
• DLD Fees Fees charged by Dubai Land Department for registering property ownershipThe legal right to possess, use, and transfer a real estate asset..
• DLD Transfer Fee The fee paid to transfer property ownership, commonly calculated as a percentage of the property value.
• DLD Trustee A DLD-approved trustee officeA DLD-approved office that facilitates secure property transfer and payment processing. that can facilitate secure property transfers and payments.
• Down Payment The upfront amount paid by the buyer from personal funds.
• Dubai Land Department (DLD) The government authority responsible for regulating, registering, and overseeing all real estate transactions in Dubai.
• Duplex A residential unit spread across two floors.

E

• Early Settlement Fee A penalty charged for repaying a mortgage before its agreed term.
• Early Termination Ending a tenancy contractA legally binding rental agreement between landlord and tenant in Dubai. before its expiry, subject to penalties or terms.
• Ejari Dubai’s official online system for registering tenancy contracts regulated by RERAReal Estate Regulatory Agency, the regulatory arm of DLD responsible for laws, licensing, and rental regulations..
• Emergency Maintenance Urgent repairs required to address safety or service disruptions.
• Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) The fixed monthly payment covering principal and interest.
• Escrow Account A regulated bank account where buyer payments are held for off-plan projects.
• Escrow Law A regulation requiring developers to protect buyer funds through escrow accounts.
• Eviction Law Legal rules governing tenant eviction and landlord rightsLegal rights and obligations of property owners leasing out units. in Dubai.
• Eviction Notice A formal notice issued by the landlord to vacate the property under specific legal reasons.
• Exit Strategy A planned method for selling or exiting a property investment.
• Expected Completion Date The estimated date when construction of the property is scheduled to finish.

F

• Facilities Management Management of building services such as security, cleaning, and technical maintenance.
• Facilities Management Fee Fee covering building operations and maintenance services.
• First-Time Buyer A buyer purchasing a property for the first time, often subject to specific mortgage rules.
• Fitted Unit A property delivered with completed interior finishes.
• Fixed Interest Rate An interest rateThe cost charged by a lender for borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. that remains constant for a specific period.
• Floor Plan A detailed layout drawing showing unit dimensions and room arrangement.
• Foreign Ownership Regulation Laws defining where and how non-UAE nationals can own property in Dubai.
• Form F The standardized RERA form used as a Memorandum of Understanding in Dubai property transactions.
• Freehold Full ownership of a property and the land it is built on in designated areas.
• Freehold Regulation Legal framework governing full property ownership in designated freeholdFull ownership of a property and the land it is built on in designated areas. areas.
• Furnished Property A property sold or rented with furniture included.
• Furnishing Status Furnished / Unfurnished / Semi-furnished classification.

G

• Gated Community A residential area with controlled access and security.
• Golf Course Property Property overlooking or located near a golf course.
• Gross Yield Rental yield calculated before deducting expenses such as service chargesAnnual fees paid by property owners for maintenance and shared facilities. and maintenance.

H

• Handover The stage when the developer officially delivers the completed unit to the buyer.
• Handover Certificate A document confirming the official delivery of the property unit.
• Handover Condition Report A document recording property condition at the start of tenancy.
• Handover Date The expected or actual date when the property is delivered.
• Handover Fees Charges payable at the time of property handover.
• Handover Inspection Inspection conducted at the time of property handover.
• Handover Letter Official document confirming unit handover to the buyer.
• Handover Notice A formal notification issued by the developer requesting final payments and inspections.
• High-Rise Building A tall multi-story residential or mixed-use building.
• Holiday Home A furnished propertyA property sold or rented with furniture included. licensed for short-term rentals in Dubai.
• Home Insurance Insurance covering property structure and sometimes contents.
• Hotel Apartment A residential unit operated under a hospitality model.

I

• Infrastructure Completion Completion of roads, utilities, and shared facilities in a project.
• Insurance (Home) Coverage for property and sometimes contents, depending on policy.
• Insurance Management Managing property and liability insurance coverage.
• Insurance Premium Cost of insuring a property or its contents.
• Interest Rate The cost charged by a lender for borrowing money, expressed as a percentage.
• Interest Rate Margin The additional percentage charged by the bank over a benchmark rateA reference rate used to calculate mortgage interest..
• Investment Horizon The expected duration an investor plans to hold a property.
• Investment Property A property owned primarily for rental incomeIncome earned from leasing a property. or resale.
• Investment Return Period The estimated time required to recover the initial property investment.
• Investment Risk Potential financial loss or underperformance associated with a property investment.
• Investor Protection Law Regulations designed to protect buyers investing in off-plan properties.
• Islamic Mortgage A Sharia-compliant home financing option based on profit-sharing rather than interest.

L

• Landlord Rights Legal rights and obligations of property owners leasing out units.
• Late Payment Penalty Penalty imposed for delayed payments under a contract.
• Lease Administration Managing tenancy contracts, renewals, and compliance.
• Leasehold Property ownership for a fixed period, typically up to 99 years.
• Leasehold Regulation Laws governing time-limited property ownership, usually up to 99 years.
• Legal Due Diligence The process of verifying legal ownership, documents, and compliance before buying a property.
• Life Insurance Insurance often required by banks to cover mortgage liability.
• Liquidity The ease with which a property can be sold without affecting its price.
• Loan Approval Final confirmation from a bank granting the mortgage.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) The percentage of a property’s value that can be financed through a mortgage.
• Long-Term Investment Property investment held for extended periods to benefit from appreciation.
• Long-Term Rental A standard rental agreement typically lasting one year or more.
• Low-Rise Building A building with fewer floors, typically residential.
• Luxury Property High-end property offering premium finishes and amenities.

M

• Maintenance Fees Costs associated with repairing and maintaining a property.
• Maintenance Responsibility Defines whether the landlord, tenant, or management handles repairs.
• Major Maintenance Structural or major repairs usually covered by the landlord.
• Market Cycle Phases of growth, stability, and correction in the real estate market.
• Market Price The actual price at which a property is listed or sold.
• Market Value The estimated price a property would sell for in the current market.
• Master Community A large planned development containing multiple sub-communities.
• Master Developer The main developer responsible for planning and developing an entire community or master project.
• Master Plan A large-scale development plan outlining community layout and infrastructure.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) A preliminary agreement defining key terms of a property sale between buyer and seller.
• Minor Maintenance Small repairs typically covered by the tenant under tenancy terms.
• Mixed-Use Property A development combining residential, commercial, and retail components.
• Monthly Installment The regular payment made to repay mortgage principal and interest.
• Mortgage A loan provided by a bank or financial institution to purchase a property.
• Mortgage Buyout Transferring a mortgage from one bank to another.
• Mortgage Cap The maximum loan percentage allowed under UAE Central Bank regulations.
• Mortgage Insurance Insurance protecting the lender or borrower in case of default.
• Mortgage Offer Letter A formal document outlining mortgage terms and conditions.
• Mortgage Pre-Approval A preliminary approval from a bank indicating the amount a buyer can borrow.
• Mortgage Registration The process of registering a mortgage with Dubai Land Department.
• Mortgage Registration Fee The fee paid to register a mortgage with DLDDubai Land Department – the main authority for property registration in Dubai..
• Mortgage Tenure The total duration over which the mortgage is repaid.
• MOU Memorandum of Understanding outlining sale terms between buyer and seller.
• Move Coordination Scheduling and managing tenant move-ins and move-outs.
• Move-In Fee Administrative fee charged by some buildings when moving in.
• Move-in Permit Authorization required by building managementDay-to-day operational management of residential or commercial buildings. before occupying a unit.
• Move-Out Fee Administrative fee charged by some buildings when vacating.
• Move-Out Permit Authorization required before vacating a property.
• Musataha A long-term development right allowing construction on land owned by another party.

N

• Negative Cash Flow When property expenses exceed rental income.
• Net Operating Income (NOI) Rental income minus operating expensesRecurring costs required to maintain and operate a property., excluding financing costs.
• Net Yield Rental yieldThe annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property value. calculated after deducting all operating expenses.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) An official approval issued by a developer or authority allowing property transfer or transaction.
• NOC No Objection Certificate (often required from developer/management for transfers).
• NOC Fee Fee charged for issuing a No Objection Certificate.
• Notice Period The legally required notice time for contract changes, usually 90 days.

O

• Off-Plan Buying a property before construction completion (often with payment plans).
• Off-Plan Investment Purchasing off-plan properties for potential capital appreciationThe increase in property value over time..
• Off-Plan Property A property purchased before construction is completed, usually directly from a developer.
• Off-Plan Unit A property unit sold before construction is completed.
• One-Bedroom Apartment An apartment with one separate bedroom.
• Operating Expenses Recurring costs required to maintain and operate a property.
• Operational Costs Ongoing expenses related to property operation and management.
• Oqood Dubai Land Department’s off-plan property registration system for buyers.
• Owner-Occupied Property A property used as the owner’s primary residence.
• Owners Association A body representing property owners responsible for community management decisions.
• Ownership Certificate An official document confirming property ownership, often referenced alongside the title deed.

P

• Parking Allocation Assigned parking space(s) included in the tenancy.
• Parking Fee Charges related to allocated or additional parking spaces.
• Parking Management Allocation and regulation of parking spaces within a building or community.
• Payment Plan A structured installment schedule offered by developers for property purchases.
• Penalty Clause Contractual clause defining penalties for non-compliance or delays.
• Penthouse A luxury apartment located on the top floor of a building.
• Portfolio Diversification Spreading investments across different properties or asset types.
• Positive Cash Flow When rental income exceeds all property-related expenses.
• Post-Handover Installments Payments that continue after the unit is handed over.
• Post-Handover Payment Plan A payment plan allowing buyers to continue installments after property handover.
• Post-Handover Plan Payment plan where some installments continue after handover.
• Power of Attorney (POA) A legal document authorizing a person to act on behalf of a buyer or seller in property transactions.
• Prepayment Penalty A fee imposed for making early or additional mortgage payments.
• Preventive Maintenance Scheduled maintenance to prevent future property issues.
• Price per Square Foot A valuation metric calculated by dividing price by property size.
• Processing Fee Administrative fee charged by banks to process mortgage applications.
• Project Cancellation Termination of an off-plan project due to legal or financial reasons.
• Project Completion Status The current construction progress level of an off-plan project.
• Project Launch The official release of a new real estate project by a developer.
• Project Restructuring Modification of project timelines or payment terms approved by authorities.
• Property Compliance Adherence to Dubai real estate laws, regulations, and registration requirements.
• Property Encumbrance Any legal claim, liability, or restriction affecting a property’s ownership or transfer.
• Property Handover Management Coordinating inspections, documentation, and delivery during handover.
• Property Inspection A formal inspection to assess property condition and compliance.
• Property Insurance Insurance covering structural damage to the property.
• Property Law The legal framework governing ownership, transfer, leasing, and development of real estate in Dubai.
• Property Management Professional management of rental properties including tenants, maintenance, and compliance.
• Property Management Fee Fee paid for managing rental or owner-occupied properties.
• Property Marketing Promoting properties for rent or sale to attract tenants or buyers.
• Property Ownership The legal right to possess, use, and transfer a real estate asset.
• Property Portfolio A collection of properties owned for investment purposes.
• Property Registration The legal process of registering property ownership with the Dubai Land Department.
• Property Registration Trustee An authorized trustee responsible for registering property transfers on behalf of DLD.

R

• Ready Property A completed property that is ready for immediate handover and occupancy.
• Ready Property Investment Investing in completed properties for immediate rental income.
• Ready Unit A completed unit available for immediate occupancy.
• Real Estate Registration Law The law governing property registration, title issuance, and ownership rights in Dubai.
• Rectification Works Repairs carried out by the developer to fix snagging issues.
• Refinancing Replacing an existing mortgage with a new one under different terms.
• Registration Fee Administrative fee paid for registering property ownership or contracts.
• Registration Trustee Fee Fee paid to a property registration trustee for processing transactions.
• Renewal Notice A notification sent before contract expiry regarding renewal or changes.
• Rent Collection Collection and tracking of rental payments.
• Rent Increase An adjustment to rental price subject to RERA rental regulations.
• Rent Increase Calculator An online tool used to check allowable rent increases based on RERA rules.
• Rent Negotiation The process of negotiating rental terms and price between tenant and landlord.
• Rent-Free Period A concession period where no rent is charged, often offered as an incentive.
• Rental Demand The level of tenant demand for rental properties in a specific area.
• Rental Dispute A disagreement between landlord and tenant subject to RDSC resolution.
• Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) The authority responsible for resolving rental disputes in Dubai.
• Rental Income Income earned from leasing a property.
• Rental Payment Schedule The agreed structure for rent payments, often in one or multiple cheques.
• Rental Renewal The process of extending a tenancy contract for an additional term.
• Rental Yield The annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property value.
• RERA Real Estate Regulatory Agency, the regulatory arm of DLD responsible for laws, licensing, and rental regulations.
• RERA Rental Index The official index used to determine permitted rent increases in Dubai.
• Resale Value The expected price a property can achieve when sold.
• Residential Property Property intended for living purposes.
• Retention Amount withheld until defects are fixed (varies by contract).
• Retention Amount A portion of payment sometimes withheld until defects are resolved.
• Return on Investment (ROI) A metric measuring the profitability of a property relative to its purchase price.
• Risk Assessment The evaluation of financial and market risks before investing.
• ROI Return on Investment – return compared to the property purchase price.

S

• Salary Transfer A requirement by some banks to transfer salary to qualify for mortgage benefits.
• Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) The main legal contract between buyer and developer or seller outlining property sale terms.
• Sales Gallery A showroom where developers present off-plan projects and unit models.
• Security Deposit A refundable amount paid by the tenant to cover potential damages or unpaid bills.
• Security Management Management of building or community security services.
• Semi-Furnished Property A property partially furnished with essential fixtures.
• Service Charge Index A benchmark used to estimate service charges in a building or community.
• Service Charges Annual fees paid by property owners for maintenance and shared facilities.
• Service Provider Charges Fees charged by third-party service providers related to the property.
• Service Provider Coordination Managing third-party contractors and service providers.
• Serviced Apartment A furnished apartment offering hotel-like services.
• Shell and Core A property delivered without interior finishing.
• Short-Term Investment Property investment aimed at quicker resale or shorter holding periods.
• Short-Term Rental Rental for a short duration, often days or weeks, subject to regulations.
• Show Apartment A furnished model unit used to showcase design and layout.
• Sinking Fund A reserve fund collected for major repairs and long-term building maintenance.
• Snag List A documented list of defects identified during snagging inspection.
• Snagging A professional inspection to identify construction defects before final acceptance.
• Snagging Inspection Detailed inspection to identify construction defects before handover.
• SPA Sale & Purchase Agreement (key contract for buying, especially off-plan).
• Studio Apartment A compact unit with an open-plan living and sleeping area.
• Sub-Developer A developer operating under a master developer within a larger community.
• Subleasing Renting out a property by a tenant to another party, usually restricted.
• Supply and Demand The balance between available properties and buyer or tenant interest.

T

• Tenancy Contract A legally binding rental agreement between landlord and tenant in Dubai.
• Tenancy Law The law regulating rental relationships between landlords and tenants in Dubai.
• Tenancy Renewal Fee Administrative fees charged for renewing a rental contract.
• Tenant Management Handling tenant relations, contracts, renewals, and issues.
• Tenant Rights Legal protections granted to tenants under Dubai tenancy laws.
• Tenanted Property A property currently leased to a tenant.
• Three-Bedroom Apartment An apartment with three bedrooms, suitable for families.
• Title Deed The official ownership certificate issued by Dubai Land Department for completed properties.
• Title Deed Verification Checking the authenticity and status of a title deed.
• Townhouse A multi-level home sharing walls with adjacent properties.
• Transfer Fees Fees associated with transferring property ownership.
• Transfer of Ownership The official procedure of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer at DLD.
• Trust Account Account used to hold funds for certain real estate transactions safely.
• Trustee Fee A fee paid to the trustee office for facilitating secure property transfer.
• Trustee Office A DLD-approved office that facilitates secure property transfer and payment processing.
• Two-Bedroom Apartment An apartment with two separate bedrooms.

U

• Unfurnished Property A property sold or rented without furniture.
• Usufruct A legal right allowing use and benefit of a property without owning it.
• Utility Management Coordination of electricity, water, cooling, and other utilities.

V

• Vacancy Management Managing vacant units to minimize downtime.
• Vacancy Rate The percentage of time a property remains unoccupied.
• Vacancy Risk Risk of the property being empty and generating no rent.
• Vacant Property A property that is not currently occupied.
• Vacating Notice Formal notice given by a tenant before leaving a rental property.
• Valuation Fee Fee charged by a bank for property valuation during mortgage approval.
• Valuation Report The official document issued after property valuation.
• Variable Interest Rate An interest rate that fluctuates based on market conditions.
• VAT Value Added Tax applied to certain real estate services in Dubai.
• View Premium Additional price/rent due to attractive view (sea, skyline, golf, etc.).
• Villa A standalone residential property offering privacy and outdoor space.

W

• Waste Management Collection and disposal of waste within a building or community.
• Waterfront Property Property located along the sea, canal, or waterfront areas.

Y

• Yield Compression A reduction in yield due to rising property prices or lower rents.