The 2026 Regulatory Patch: New Laws for Overseas Sellers and Ownership Verification

Een publicatie van: Wiebe Vekemans

As of January 8, 2026, a suite of new property laws has been enacted to streamline the secondary market, specifically for international owners. These updates, coordinated between the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), focus on "Efficiency and Compliance" in a digital-first era.

Standardizing the Remote Sale The New Property Law 2026 has introduced a mandatory, blockchain-verified Digital Power of Attorney (POA) for all overseas sellers. Gone are the days of months-long notarization processes at embassies. In 2026, a seller in London or Tel Aviv can grant a POA through the Dubai REST App using biometric verification, allowing for property transfers to be completed in as little as 48 hours.

Specific Provisions for New Market Entrants A notable update in 2026 is the clarification of ownership and transfer protocols for Israeli investors, reflecting the maturing corridors of regional investment. The law now provides clear frameworks for "Ownership Verification" that align with international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards while ensuring that legitimate capital can flow into the market without bureaucratic friction.

Enhanced Buyer Protections The 2026 regulatory update also includes:

• Stricter Solvency Tests: Developers must now pass quarterly financial audits by the Dubai Land Department Regulatory Council (DLRC) to continue off-plan sales.

• Form F Digitalization: The standard "Memorandum of Understanding" (Form F) is now a dynamic smart contract that automatically locks the property in the DLD registry once signed, preventing "double-selling" or bad-faith negotiations.

For the global investor, these laws represent the "Institutionalization" of the Dubai market. It is a signal that the city is prioritizing the protection of the seller and buyer equally, creating a transparent environment that is built to sustain the AED 1 trillion valuation target.