Abu Dhabi Real Estate: New Transparency Policies Introduced by ADREC and ADGM
The Abu Dhabi real estate landscape has undergone important policy-level reforms aimed at enhancing market transparency and reducing misleading advertising. These measures carry practical implications for owners, brokers, investors, and tenants operating both on-shore Abu Dhabi and within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Verified Property Listings
ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre)
ADREC has introduced Madhmoun, a mandatory verification platform for all property advertisements relating to on-shore Abu Dhabi sales and rentals.
Key points of the new system include:
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Every online property advertisement now requires an advertising permit through ADREC’s services portal, DARI, before going live.
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Ownership, description, and size of the property must be verified against ADREC’s property register and valid title deed.
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Each listing can be marketed by no more than three licensed brokers, unless the owner chooses to work exclusively with one.
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The database synchronises with online portals, ensuring real-time removal of fake or expired listings.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
The ADGM Registration Authority has also launched its own Advertising Permit service, applicable to real estate within its jurisdiction (Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island).
Highlights of the ADGM regime:
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The system applies to all real estate advertisements within ADGM.
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It integrates with ADREC’s Madhmoun platform, while maintaining a separate, tailored permit process.
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This cross-verification ensures consistency across the on-shore and free zone markets.
ADREC’s Public Database
ADREC has further rolled out a public index of sales and rental transactions across Abu Dhabi.
This index provides:
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Data-driven benchmarks for asset pricing.
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Accurate insights into rental yields.
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Reliable tools for investors and tenants to conduct market due diligence.
The database can be accessed here: 👉 ADREC Property Index
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s property market.
Market Impact
These reforms are expected to deliver several benefits:
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Greater confidence for investors that listed properties are genuine and available.
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More realistic pricing, reducing the gap between asking and transaction prices.
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Faster property research and transactions, aligning Abu Dhabi with international best practices.
It should be noted that, at present, the new rules do not extend to short-term rentals such as holiday-home lettings.
In summary, these new policies by ADREC and ADGM mark a major milestone in real estate transparency, protecting all stakeholders and paving the way for a healthier, more credible property market in Abu Dhabi.
