Property listing websites in Dubai have been urged to integrate their systems with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website to ensure the authenticity of listings and eliminate fake ones. Haider Khan, CEO of Bayut and Dubizzle Group Mena, emphasized the benefits of this integration, including increased trust among property seekers, the elimination of outdated or unavailable listings, and time-saving for users. He also noted that this integration streamlines the process for real estate agents, reducing the risk of fines and ensuring a smoother experience for both agents and clients.
On February 14, 2024, the DLD instructed real estate agents in Dubai to remove all unavailable properties from their digital platforms within three days. Non-compliant agencies faced fines of Dh50,000 as a deterrent measure. Several property brokerages in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have already been fined for violating local laws. Bayut reported a significant reduction in its inventory by eliminating inaccurate listings, showcasing the impact of this initiative on the real estate market.
Paul Kelly, operations director at Allsopp and Allsopp, praised the DLD’s initiative to provide live API information to verify listings and remove them once sold or rented. He emphasized the benefits for property seekers in eradicating fake listings and increasing trust in online platforms. Kelly also highlighted the advantages for property owners, who benefit from fair coverage and exposure in the market without competing with fake listings. This initiative aims to enhance the overall integrity of the real estate ecosystem in Dubai.
Buyers are now demanding accurate and genuine information about property listings, signaling a shift towards transparency and reliability in the real estate market. Haider Khan stressed the importance of authentic listings, mentioning the verification process for details such as permit numbers, property type, price, and location to ensure genuine properties. Proactive engagement with agencies and agents is crucial to uphold these standards and eliminate misinformation, strengthening trust between users and the market.
Overall, the integration of property listing websites with the DLD’s system in Dubai offers numerous advantages for stakeholders in the real estate sector. From increased trust among property seekers to streamlined processes for real estate agents and enhanced reliability for property buyers, this initiative aims to create a more transparent and efficient market. By eliminating fake listings, verifying property details, and promoting accuracy, the real estate sector in Dubai is taking steps towards a more trustworthy and credible ecosystem.
