Before a Dubai Viewing: Confirm the Unit, Total Costs and Meeting Point

Ask for the tower, unit type, available date and booking confirmation

Send the listing reference and ask whether that exact unit is still available. Confirm bedrooms, the intended tenancy start, viewing time, agent name and meeting point. If the unit is occupied, ask how access is authorised. A different apartment in the same tower is a new option, not automatically the one you agreed to see.

Match the photos to the floor plan and address

Compare the building name, layout, view and furniture with the listing. Ask for actual unit photographs if the advert uses a show apartment or reference images. It may be reasonable for the agent to share the unit number at the appointment; the essential point is that they can identify the home and explain what the photos represent.

Separate annual rent, deposits, commission and VAT

For planning, the usual agency fee is 5% of the annual rent, plus 5% VAT on that fee. The security deposit is typically 5% of annual rent for an unfurnished home or 10% for a furnished home. These are market conventions, not a fixed tariff: confirm the actual amounts, any minimum agency charge and the deposit refund terms in writing.

If the costs feel unclear, WhatsApp or call the agent before the viewing: “For this exact apartment, what is the total payable before I receive the keys? Please separate the first rent payment, security deposit, agency fee and VAT, registration, utilities and building charges.” A professional agent should explain their charges clearly and identify any provider amount still awaiting confirmation. Ask for the breakdown in writing after a call.

For AED 100,000 annual rent, a 5% fee is AED 5,000 and VAT on it is AED 250. The usual deposit would be AED 5,000 unfurnished or AED 10,000 furnished. The first rent instalment and service setup costs still need to be added. Ask for payee and due date beside each amount; a telephone answer is a useful start, followed by written confirmation.

Group nearby viewings and allow for access time

Arrange Downtown with Business Bay, or Marina with JLT, when the actual route and appointment times make sense. Allow for garage entry, security, lifts and traffic. Send your requirements and ask whether the agent has other matching homes in the area, without agreeing to a long list of unsuitable substitutions.

Ask before taking photos inside the apartment

Record the unit, date, water and cooling condition, equipment and visible damage. Avoid including occupants or personal belongings unnecessarily. A short dated note beside each image makes later comparison much easier than a camera roll of similar rooms.

Get the contract and reservation terms before paying

Ask for the draft tenancy terms, landlord or representative details and written reservation refund conditions. Confirm whether a payment forms part of the deposit or a separate fee. Do not transfer money on the strength of a call alone. Our contract checklist covers the next decision once you like the apartment.