Dubai Crackdown: Fake Listings Removed

Dubai real estate

Real estate agents in Dubai have received a directive from the Dubai Land Department to promptly remove any property listings that are no longer available for sale or rent from their online platforms. Within a three-day deadline, agents are required to ensure that all advertisements reflect the current availability status of properties.

According to the Dubai Land Department, routine inspections of electronic real estate portals revealed instances where properties that were no longer on the market were still being showcased by agents. Consequently, all real estate offices are mandated to update their digital platforms to remove any properties that are no longer available for rent or sale.

In response to concerns raised by residents about fake property advertisements, the regulatory authority is cracking down on misleading practices within the real estate sector. A recent poll conducted by Khaleej Times revealed that out of over 2,000 respondents, 659 individuals encountered instances where agents posted deceptive photos of appealing properties that did not align with reality.

This crackdown on deceptive practices extends to the imposition of fines on 30 real estate firms, amounting to Dh50,000 each, for failing to comply with the stipulated terms and conditions outlined in real estate advertisements. These stringent measures aim to uphold transparency in Dubai's real estate market, particularly as it experiences significant growth in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Dubai's real estate market witnessed unprecedented activity in 2023, with a record-breaking 1.6 million real estate transactions recorded across various market segments. This surge represented a nearly 17 percent increase compared to previous years, with the total value of real estate deals reaching Dh634 billion. Additionally, approximately 71,000 investors entered Dubai's property market for the first time last year.

In light of these developments, several online platforms in the UAE have emerged as popular avenues for property transactions. Dubizzle, Property Finder, Bayut, Asteco, and Allsopp & Allsopp are among the most widely utilized platforms for property purchases and rentals in the region.

As authorities continue to implement measures to curb fraudulent practices and ensure market transparency, residents and investors can expect greater accountability and reliability in Dubai's dynamic real estate landscape.