Commission Kickbacks in Dubai Real Estate: Illegal, Unethical or Just Normal? | Emirates Nest

Описание: Are commission kickbacks legal in Dubai real estate?
Why do some investors demand 3% back?
And what are buyers really risking when they ask for a “discount”?
In this episode of Emirates Nest, Diksha Vohra sits down with Rohit Bachani, Founder of Merlin Real Estate, along with senior consultants Mitul Sawlani and Nidhi Jain, for a candid roundtable discussion on one of the most controversial practices in the industry.
From blocked brokers and broken promises to international comparisons with the UK and US, this conversation unpacks the ethics, risks, and long-term impact of kickback culture in Dubai.
If you are investing in Dubai property, this is not a conversation to skip.
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Chapters
00:00 – Highlights: The Reality of Kickbacks
Quick preview moments from the discussion, including bold statements about legality, survival pressure, and what clients lose when chasing discounts.
00:46 – Welcome to Emirates Nest
Diksha Vohra introduces the episode and the panel: Rohit Bachani, Mitul Sawlani, and Nidhi Jain.
02:04 – What Is a Commission Kickback?
Rohit explains the layman definition and where this practice typically appears, especially in off-plan projects.
03:08 – Why It Happens in Smaller Developer Projects
How commission structures differ between major and smaller developers.
04:25 – The UK Comparison: Paying 5% Consultancy
Rohit shares his UK property purchase experience and contrasts mature markets with Dubai.
06:42 – “Can You Share Commission?” Why Is This Normalized?
The psychology behind investors asking for money back.
08:59 – Does Kickback Culture Affect Advice?
How higher commissions from certain developers can influence recommendations.
10:42 – Allocation Truth: Who Gets the Best Units?
A revealing insight into how buyers who demand kickbacks may lose priority or premium inventory.
12:44 – Is It Actually Illegal?
Discussion on blacklisting, regulation, and why both giving and taking can be problematic.
13:45 – Do Clients Really Win With Discounts?
Nidhi shares her personal investor perspective and why long-term value beats short-term cashback.
16:09 – Client Mindset: Value vs Bargaining
The difference between clients who prioritize advisory and those who negotiate commission first.
18:31 – More Brokers Than Taxi Drivers?
Market saturation, survival pressure, and why desperation distorts behaviour.
20:46 – Rental Commissions and Global Comparisons
Dubai versus UK property management fees and what investors overlook.
22:52 – Does This Damage Dubai’s Market?
Why the overall credibility of the UAE real estate ecosystem remains strong.
23:58 – The Worst Client Question
A story about being asked for the full commission back.
25:08 – The 3% Promise That Ended in a Block
Real example of a broker promising a large kickback and disappearing.
26:57 – Market Maturity and Future Regulation
How older markets evolved and whether Dubai may tighten systems.
28:37 – Final Takeaways
Closing reflections on professionalism, dignity of labour, and long-term trust.