The Dubai property resale rule takes effect from 20 February 2026, allowing the resale of tokenised real-estate stakes on a regulated secondary market. This is more than a technical change — it could let residents and expatriates buy smaller shares of property and sell them faster, shifting how people access Dubai property returns.
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Changes under the Dubai property resale rule
Phase II of the Real Estate Tokenisation Project now permits resale of tokenised property shares in a controlled, regulated secondary market. The move is led by the Dubai Land Department and follows a pilot that tested the legal, technical, and governance parts of the setup.
Starting 20 February, token trades will be linked back to official land records and fall under the DLD’s oversight. The idea is to test market mechanics while keeping investor safeguards in place.
Operating framework — simple steps
- Developers or title-holders convert a registered title deed into digital tokens tied to that deed.
- Those tokens are then listed on authorised marketplaces for sale.
- Buyers can purchase tokens and later resell them on the regulated secondary market, subject to each platform’s rules and the DLD’s oversight.
- Regulatory touchpoints and government registries aim to keep records clean and reduce risks of mismatched ownership.
Implications for UAE residents and expatriates
Lower barriers to entry. Tokenisation breaks a property into many small pieces. That means you don’t need an entire flat or villa to get exposure to Dubai real estate. It opens investing to people who’ve been saving in smaller amounts.
Greater liquidity. Fractional stakes can, in theory, be sold on platforms much faster than waiting months for a whole unit to find a buyer. That makes it easier to rebalance a portfolio or take profits.
Better transparency and protection. Trades on authorised marketplaces that link to the official registry should help curb shady private deals and improve price clarity. The pilot emphasised governance and investor safeguards for a reason.
Risks and practical caveats
Market depth. Early volumes could be thin. Liquidity depends on how many buyers and platforms get involved.
Platform and counterparty risk. Always use authorised marketplaces. Check how a token maps to the legal title and who holds the custody arrangements. One marketplace already stepping into this space is PRYPCO Mint, but platform practices differ.
Regulatory rules. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — and other bodies will set KYC, AML, and operational standards. Know the tax, residency, and mortgage implications before you buy.
Quick comparison: tokenised vs traditional sales
Minimum investment: much lower for tokenised stakes than buying a whole unit.
Time to exit: trades on platforms versus months for conventional unit sales.
Transparency: marketplace price data for tokens versus limited information in private unit sales.
