Mortgage basics
What is a Contract F, the property buying MOU in Dubai?
Contract F is the standard RERA-approved memorandum of understanding used for resale property transactions in Dubai. It records the agreed price, deposit, and timeline between buyer and seller before the formal transfer at the Dubai Land Department, and is typically signed once a deposit (commonly 10%) has been paid.
What Contract F covers
Contract F is issued through the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and standardises the terms of a resale deal: agreed price, deposit amount, transfer timeline, and what happens if either party defaults. It's typically signed at a registered real estate agency's office alongside the deposit payment, commonly around 10% of the price. It's part of a small set of standard forms; see the mortgage glossary for others you'll encounter, such as the NOC and title deed.
Where it fits in the buying process
- 1Buyer and seller agree a price, often through an agent
- 2Contract F (the MOU) is signed and the deposit is paid, held in the agent's trust account
- 3Buyer secures mortgage pre-approval or confirms cash funding
- 4No-objection certificate is obtained from the developer confirming no service charge dues
- 5Transfer takes place at a Dubai Land Department trustee office, with mortgage registered simultaneously if applicable
Why timing your mortgage matters here
Because Contract F sets a transfer deadline, it's worth having pre-approval in place before or immediately after signing, since pre-approval typically takes 3-5 working days and is valid for 60-90 days. Delays past the agreed transfer date can affect your deposit under the contract's default terms.
What happens if the deal falls through
| Scenario | Typical consequence |
|---|---|
| Buyer withdraws without valid reason | Deposit generally forfeited to the seller |
| Seller withdraws without valid reason | Seller may be required to pay a penalty, often double the deposit |
| Mortgage declined despite good-faith application | Contract terms vary; some allow deposit return, check clauses carefully |
| Transfer delayed by developer NOC issues | Usually treated as outside either party's control if documented |
Fees to budget alongside it
Beyond the deposit, plan for the 4% DLD transfer fee, ~0.25% mortgage registration if financing, and typically around 2% agency commission. See the full mortgage fee breakdown for the complete list.
What to do next
Before signing Contract F, confirm your pre-approval is in place or close to being issued, so the transfer timeline in the contract is realistic for your financing.
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Last reviewed 22 July 2026