Bank Involvement in Property Transfers (Dubai)

When a property transaction involves a mortgage (buyer or seller), the bank becomes a key stakeholder in the transfer process. Bank approvals, letters, and timelines must align precisely with Dubai Land Department (DLD) requirements to avoid delays or failed transfers.

As your conveyancer, we coordinate directly with all banks involved—seller’s bank, buyer’s bank, and trustee offices to ensure full compliance and smooth execution.

Cash Buyer to Cash Seller

Outstanding Liability Letter (OLL)

A Developer NOC is an official clearance letter issued by the property developer confirming that:

  • All service charges are settled (or provisionally cleared)
  • There are no contractual or financial objections to the resale
  • The property is eligible for transfer at the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Without a valid NOC, the transfer cannot proceed.

Download Full Service Guide

Get all the service details and process steps in one document.

What is an Outstanding Liability Letter (OLL)?

An Outstanding Liability Letter (OLL) is an official document issued by the Seller’s bank confirming:

  • The exact outstanding mortgage balance
  • Any early settlement or closure fees
  • The validity period of the letter (usually 7–10 days)
  • Instructions for issuing the Manager’s Cheque

Why is the OLL required?

  • The OLL is mandatory when the Seller has an existing mortgage. It ensures:

    • The mortgage is fully settled at transfer
    • The bank releases the mortgage clearance
    The property can be transferred free of encumbrances

Key Points to Note

    • The OLL is time-sensitive
    • Any delay may require re-issuance
    • Transfer appointments must be scheduled within the OLL validity.
    • 🛡️ We review the OLL carefully to confirm figures, validity, and trustee compliance before proceeding.

     

Final Offer Letter (FOL)

What is a Final Offer Letter (FOL)?

A Final Offer Letter (FOL) is issued by the Buyer’s bank after full mortgage approval. It confirms:

  • Approved loan amount
  • Buyer’s contribution (down payment)
  • Loan terms and conditions

Approval to issue Manager’s Cheques for transfer

Why is the FOL important?

  • The FOL confirms that the Buyer’s financing is fully approved and ready for disbursement, allowing:

    • Property blocking (if applicable)
    • Issuance of Manager’s Cheques
    • Scheduling of the DLD transfer

    Important Considerations

    • The FOL must match the Form F sale price
    • Any discrepancy may cause trustee rejection
    • Manager’s Cheques are issued strictly based on the FOL
    🔍 We verify the FOL against Form F, valuation, and trustee requirements before transfer.

⚖️ How Noor Conveyancing Manages Bank-Related Transfers

Liaison with Seller’s & Buyer’s banks
Review of OLL & FOL for legal and financial accuracy
Coordination of Manager’s Cheques
Trustee-office compliance checks
Timeline management to avoid letter expiry
Clear communication with all parties

Why Bank-Led Transfers Require a Specialist Conveyancer

Bank-related transfers are time-critical, document-heavy, and legally sensitive. A single error can result in:

  • Missed transfer appointments
  • Expired letters
  • Additional bank fees
  • Transaction delays

With LLM-backed conveyancing expertise, we ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly, securely, and in full compliance with DLD regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the transfer take?

Typical resale timeline: 2–6 weeks

This depends on:

  • Buyer type (cash vs mortgage)
  • Bank processing time (valuation, FOL, clearance)
  • Developer NOC issuance
  • Trustee appointment availability

👉 Cash deals are usually faster (2–3 weeks).
👉 Mortgage deals take longer (4–6+ weeks)

Bank delays are common and usually relate to:

  • Valuation backlogs
  • Internal credit approval
  • Final Offer Letter (FOL) issuance
  • Seller mortgage clearance

Impact:

  • Transfer date may shift
  • Form F validity may need extension
  • Trustee appointment rescheduled

⚠️ Conveyancers and agents are not liable for bank delays, as banks are independent third parties

If the buyer fails to proceed without valid legal reason:

  • In the event of Buyer default without valid legal cause, the Seller reserves the right to enforce the forfeiture of the 10% security deposit through legal proceedings before Dubai Courts, in accordance with Form F and prevailing UAE law.
  • Transaction may be cancelled
  • Seller can re-list the property

If the delay is due to:

  • Bank rejection
  • Regulatory issue
  • Force majeure
    → penalties depend on Form F clauses and documented evidence.

NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required:

  • Before transfer
  • Issued by the developer
  • Confirms no outstanding service charges or violations

📌 Without a valid NOC, DLD will not process the transfer.

Validity is usually 30 days (varies by developer).

Hassle-free property transfers with full legal compliance