The truth about fake listings in Dubai: How to spot and report them
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than finding what looks like the perfect property online, only to discover it doesn’t actually exist or was sold ages ago. Fake listings are a real issue in Dubai’s property market, and they waste time, cause confusion, and chip away at buyer trust.
At Sakani, we believe transparency should be the standard, not a selling point. So here’s a breakdown of why fake listings happen, how to spot them, and what you can do to report them—because informed buyers (and renters) are empowered ones.
Why do fake listings exist?
Fake listings are usually used as bait. Some brokers or agencies publish underpriced or stunningly attractive properties just to get leads. Once you call, you might hear:
“Sorry, that unit was just sold... but we have something similar!”
In some cases, it’s not malicious—it might be outdated information that was never removed. But that doesn’t make it less misleading.
Red flags to look out for
Here’s how you can spot a listing that might be too good to be true:
Unrealistic pricing: If a 2BR in Downtown Dubai is listed for AED 50K/year, that’s a huge red flag. Always compare with similar listings.
Limited photos or generic images: If the images look like they’ve been pulled from Pinterest or are oddly low-res, that’s suspicious.
No exact location: If the listing just says “near Dubai Marina” but doesn’t give a community name or map pin—proceed with caution.
Urgency or pressure: Phrases like “Last unit! Call now!” are sometimes used to rush you into a conversation.
No RERA permit number: Every legitimate listing should have a RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) permit. No number = no deal.
Why are fake listings still so common in Dubai?
It often comes down to a mix of:
High competition – Brokers are under pressure to generate leads fast, and some cut corners.
Pay-to-list models – Some platforms charge per listing, pushing quantity over quality.
Weak enforcement – Repeat offenders aren’t always held accountable.
Low public awareness – Many buyers and renters don’t realize they’re being misled.
How do fake listings affect you?
You waste time on calls, viewings, or getting your hopes up for nothing.
You risk sharing personal details with unverified agents.
You could be misled into overpaying or settling for less.
Most importantly, you lose trust in the whole process—and that’s not okay.
What you can do if you see a fake listing
Ask the agent for full details – Including the RERA permit number, exact location, and real-time photos.
Use the Dubai REST app – You can verify RERA permits and report violations there.
Do your homework – Compare with similar listings on Sakani. If one listing looks too good to be true, it probably is.
What to do if you spot a fake listing
You can help clean up the market for everyone by reporting suspicious listings. Here’s how:
Report directly on the portal: Most websites (including Sakani) have a “Report Listing” button—don’t hesitate to use it.
Contact RERA: If it feels serious or misleading, report the agent or listing to Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency through the Dubai REST app.
Leave a review: Platforms like Google or Trustpilot help warn others about dishonest agents or agencies.
Final thoughts
Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic in the world—but it shouldn’t feel like the Wild West. The good news is that with smarter tools and community accountability, fake listings can become a thing of the past.
At Sakani, we’re working to make real estate real again.
If you ever come across something sketchy—or just want to double-check a listing—drop us a message. We’re here to help.