Existing drawings or a new survey: which do I need in Dubai?
Existing drawings or new survey? If your property has not changed, the existing approved drawings are usually enough. If it was modified or nothing is on file, you need a survey and new as-built drawings.
The short answer
Start with the existing drawings. If the villa, apartment or office has not been changed since it was approved, the approved drawings held by the developer, building management or authority usually show it correctly, and we can obtain them with your authorisation letter. If walls, extensions or layouts were changed, or no drawings are on file, you need a measured survey and new as-built drawings that show the property as it is today. You can request existing drawings on the web app, and a survey on the website.
Official sites: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Development Authority · Dubai Land Department
Existing drawings or new survey: what you need to know
- Existing drawings: Retrieved with your authorisation letter; PDF, and CAD where available.
- New as-built drawings: Measured survey and drawings of the property as it is today.
- For approvals: A modification or completion may need drawings that match the site.
- Not sure?: Send photos; we tell you which you need.
Documents you may need
- Title deed (owner) or tenancy contract with landlord NOC (tenant)
- Owner Emirates ID or passport
- Signed authorisation letter (company stamp if company-owned)
- Trade licence, if the property is owned by a company
- Seller NOC letter, if you are buying the property
Who does what
Step by step
We confirm the exact route for your property.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Send your request You | On the web app or the website request form, with your property details and documents. | Dubai Approvals web app Request on the website |
| Authorisation letter Owner | Signed by the owner. If the property is owned by a company, signed and stamped with the company stamp. | Authorisation letter |
| We request the drawings Structural Solutions | From the developer, building management or authority that holds them. | Where drawings are kept |
| You receive the drawings Structural Solutions | As PDF, and as CAD files where the developer releases them, for example Emaar and Nakheel. | CAD files |
| If nothing is on file Structural Solutions | We survey the property and prepare new as-built drawings. | As-built survey |
Questions
More questions about existing drawings or new survey
Can I start with existing drawings?
Yes. If they do not match the site, we can survey after.
Where do I request a survey?
On the website request form.
Do new as-built drawings need a stamp?
When submitted to an authority, a consultant stamp is usually needed.
Which is needed for selling?
Usually the existing approved drawings, unless changes were made.
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