ITW: Reselling a property in Dubai
For several weeks now, Zoé Berthier and Fabien Schafer have been in charge of the Resale department at Dubai Immo. Drawing on their solid experience of the Dubai real estate market, the two experts successfully assist French-speaking clients with the resale of their properties in Dubai. In this interview, you'll find out more about the creation of this dedicated department within the agency, as well as the resale process for properties in Dubai.
Why is it useful to have a dedicated resale department within the agency?
Fabien Schafer: Off-plan sales and secondary market sales are very different. The process of selling on the secondary market is more complex and requires a specific level of expertise. In the new-build market, our agency specializes in sales to French-speaking investors. On the secondary market, we mainly handle the sale of French-owned properties, but the buyers are international.
What is the procedure for an investor wishing to resell an apartment or villa in Dubai?
Zoé Berthier: Any property owner in Dubai, whether already delivered or under construction, can decide to resell their property. To do so, they can contact us directly by telephone, or fill in the form on our website. We'll need to know the details of the property, the number of bedrooms and the location. This will enable us to provide the owner with an initial estimate. If the owner decides to put the property up for sale through our agency, all he or she needs to do is send us a copy of the title deed and proof of identity.
Is it possible to do this remotely?
Fabien Schafer: Of course! The signing of sales contracts is entirely digital. The system has been very well thought out by the Dubai Land Department. The only physical movement is at the time of transfer, which takes place in a Trustee Office. This is a kind of notary's office, which you can visit without an appointment. Here too, buyers and sellers can be represented by a relative or professional. All that is required is a POA (Power Of Attorney).
How do you go about finding buyers on the secondary market?
Zoé Berthier: With Dubai Immo, we have a database of thousands of investors. We always offer them the properties first, before listing them on the main Dubai real estate portals, such as Property Finder, Bayut or Dubizzle. We have also forged partnerships with other real estate agencies who have been established in Dubai for many years, and who can also find buyers for the properties we have for sale.
Why should homeowners entrust their properties to you?
Fabien Schafer: We guarantee total transparency for our customers, and impeccable quality of service from property valuation through to the final transaction. By entrusting us with their property, owners are assured of having a dedicated team fully involved in the success of the transaction, defending the seller's interests to the maximum. We will invest in the publication of ads on paying platforms, and put a lot of energy into completing the sale as quickly as possible, in accordance with the buyer's choice, while ensuring total confidentiality.
