A power of attorney bought off a template site is the single most common reason a DLD transfer stalls at the trustee’s office. Here is what a buyer’s advocate actually checks before letting the sale proceed.
A buyer’s lawyer checks four things on a seller’s POA: whether it names the specific plot and transaction type, whether it was legalised in the correct jurisdiction, whether the granted power matches the transaction, and whether it’s still within its one-year validity.
“A POA that doesn’t name the specific plot number and transaction type isn’t defective — it’s simply not usable for a DLD transfer.”
1. Is the POA specific, or general?
Dubai notaries distinguish sharply between a general power of attorney and a special one limited to a single transaction. For a property sale, the DLD trustee’s office expects a special POA naming the exact plot, unit, or title deed number — not a broad grant to “manage all real estate affairs.”
2. Was it notarised in the right jurisdiction?
A POA signed abroad needs MOFA legalisation and, in most cases, an Arabic translation attested by a legal translator before a Dubai notary will accept it. A POA signed inside the UAE goes directly through the Dubai Courts Notary Public or a licensed private notary.
3. Does the agent’s authority match the transaction type?
Selling, mortgaging, and gifting are treated as separate powers under Dubai notarial practice. A POA that authorises a sale does not automatically authorise the agent to accept a mortgage on the buyer’s behalf — each power has to be stated on its own.
4. Is it still valid?
Most POAs used for property sales are valid for one year from execution unless a shorter term is stated. Trustee offices will reject an expired instrument even if every other detail is correct, so confirm the date before scheduling a transfer appointment.
Frequently asked
Can a POA for property sale be revoked after signing?
Yes — the grantor can revoke a POA at any time before the transaction completes, provided the revocation is notarised and the DLD trustee’s office is notified before the transfer appointment.
Does a POA signed outside the UAE need translation?
Yes, if it isn’t already in Arabic. The trustee’s office requires an Arabic translation attested by a legal translator alongside the MOFA-legalised original.