Goodbye, old listing

“Listing” refers to online advertisements of real estate properties on web platforms.
RERA — Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency — has introduced new listing rules aimed at combating fraudulent advertising.

Typically, people search for rentals or properties to buy using online aggregators, with the most popular platforms being Propertyfinder, Bayut and Dubizzle.

Until recently, these platforms were flooded with false or outdated listings — complete with attractive photos and descriptions of properties that were already sold, rented out, or in some cases never even existed.

Real estate agencies used this tactic to attract clients (the main goal was to get the client to call — then offer them whatever was available).
Clients, having responded to a specific listing, were shown somewhat similar options instead.
Both sides wasted time, but eventually, something would work out.

The changes initiated by RERA are aimed at eliminating the advertising of non-existent real estate properties.

The main innovation is the requirement for a so-called Form A — an advertising permit jointly issued by the real estate agency and the property owner. This form must now accompany every listing.

RERA’s requirements dictate that every online advertisement must include accurate information about the property, its features, and its price.
This approach is designed to protect consumer interests and, in my opinion, save a lot of time.

The Dubai Land Department has instructed real estate agencies to immediately remove any listings from websites that are no longer available for sale or rent — within one week.

Previously, searching for real estate online reminded me of trying to reserve a specific hotel room on Booking, only to receive a reply with a “slightly more expensive but almost just as good” alternative in the hotel next door.
It always required an enormous amount of time and led to completely unnecessary interactions with agents.

I can't say what impact these changes will have on the real estate market overall, but as a client, I’ll definitely feel more comfortable knowing that the photo, price, and description I see online reflect a real, available property.