Dubai Real Estate Agency Agreements: Forms A, B, F & I Explained

Search interest in `dubai real estate agency` fell 20% in 2026 — the sharpest decline in the dataset — as searchers moved toward specific brand names. But the mechanics of agency in Dubai remain the least understood part of the transaction, and the forms below determine who owes what to whom.

The four DLD forms

Dubai standardised agency documentation through DLD's Trakheesi system. Four forms matter.

Form A — Seller/Landlord and Agency

The listing agreement. Signed between the property owner and the brokerage.

Specifies: the property, the owner's details, the agreed price or rent, the commission rate, the agreement term, and whether the arrangement is exclusive.

Without Form A, a brokerage cannot legally obtain a Trakheesi advertising permit, and therefore cannot legally advertise the property. If an agent is marketing a property without Form A, they are non-compliant.

Form B — Buyer/Tenant and Agency

The buyer representation agreement. Signed between a buyer and a brokerage.

Establishes that the agency represents the buyer, specifies the commission, and defines the scope of the search.

This is the form most buyers never sign — and the consequence is significant. Without Form B, you may have no formal agency relationship. You are dealing with the seller's agent, whose duties run to the seller.

If you want representation, ask for Form B.

Form I — Agency to Agency

Used when two brokerages collaborate — one holding the listing, one bringing the buyer. Sets out the commission split.

Common in Dubai and generally good for clients: it means a buyer's agent can access another agency's listings without the buyer needing to deal with multiple firms.

Form F — Memorandum of Understanding

Not an agency form. The binding contract of sale between buyer and seller, specifying price, deposit, completion date and default consequences.

The buyer's 10% deposit is genuinely at risk under Form F. If the buyer defaults, it is generally forfeited; if the seller defaults, they typically owe an equivalent sum.

Exclusive versus open listings

Exclusive (Form A with exclusivity). One agency, defined term, typically 2% commission.

Advantages: the agency invests — professional photography, staging advice, portal promotion budget, database outreach, and genuine effort — because it will earn if the property sells. A single consistent price and message reaches the market. One point of accountability.

Risks: if the agency underperforms, you are committed for the term. Mitigate with a three-month initial term and a written marketing commitment.

Open listing. Multiple agencies, no exclusivity.

Perceived advantage: wider exposure.

Actual effect: each agency invests minimally because any of them might lose the fee to another. Duplicate listings appear at inconsistent prices, which signals to buyers that the seller is uncommitted and invites lower offers. No single party is accountable.

The evidence in Dubai generally favours exclusive for a defined period with clear performance requirements.

What to require before granting exclusivity:

• Professional photography and floor plan
• Listing on all three major portals with a stated promotion budget
• Outreach to the agency's buyer database
• Weekly written reporting on viewings, enquiries and feedback
• A term of three months, extendable by agreement
• A named agent with stated accountability

If a firm will not commit to those in writing, do not grant exclusivity.

Commission conventions

Sales: 2% + 5% VAT, paid by the buyer in the secondary market. On off-plan primary sales, the developer pays the agent and the buyer pays nothing.

Leasing: typically 5% of annual rent, paid by the tenant.

Property management: 5–8% of gross rent, paid by the owner.

Negotiability: the 2% is conventional but not fixed by law. On high-value transactions there is room. Many agencies hold firm on the basis that the rate reflects the service — a defensible position if the service is delivered.

A caution: an agent who immediately discounts their commission to win your business may be equally quick to discount your asking price to secure a sale.

Dual agency

One firm representing both buyer and seller. Permitted in Dubai and common.

The issue: the firm cannot advocate fully for both sides simultaneously. Its interest is in the transaction completing, at whatever price both parties will accept.

It should be disclosed. If it is, decide whether you are comfortable. If you want genuine representation on your side, use a separate agency and sign Form B.

The compliance checks

Before working with any Dubai agency:

1. Trade licence. Valid DED/DET licence including real estate brokerage activity.

2. RERA broker card. Every individual agent must hold one with a unique broker number. Verify via the Dubai REST app or DLD's broker search.

3. Trakheesi permit. Every advertisement must display a permit number, obtainable only with a valid Form A.

4. Correct form. Form A if you are selling. Form B if you want buyer representation. Read the term, the commission and the exclusivity clause.

5. Written fee agreement before any work begins.

What to do if something goes wrong

First, raise it with the agency's management in writing.

Second, file a complaint with RERA/DLD. They regulate brokers and can take disciplinary action including licence suspension.

Third, the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre for tenancy-related disputes, or the courts for contractual disputes.

Document everything in writing. Verbal assurances from agents are essentially unenforceable, and "he said it would be fine" is not evidence.

The single most useful step

Sign Form B if you are buying.

It costs nothing, it establishes a formal agency relationship, and it converts the person showing you properties from the seller's representative into yours. The overwhelming majority of Dubai buyers never do this, and then wonder why the advice felt one-sided.