Professional Accounting For Real Estate in UAE
Are you looking for reliable real estate accounting services in UAE? As one of the leading accounting firms in Dubai, Oncount delivers structured, compliant, and scalable real estate accounting services tailored specifically for UAE businesses. Our professional accountants ensure your financial records remain accurate and up-to-date, helping you streamline operations while maintaining full compliance with UAE corporate tax regulations.
Understanding the Difference Between Real Estate Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in UAE
While often confused, real estate accounting and bookkeeping services in UAE serve distinct yet complementary purposes:
FTA guidance stipulates that all real estate companies must retain original financial records for at least seven years. Bookkeeping services ensure this base is reliably maintained; accounting services use it to generate VAT filing, corporate tax returns, and management reports. These services are essential for audit preparedness, financial transparency, and strategic growth planning in both mainland and free zone companies in UAE.
- Real estate accounting involves the accurate, chronological recording of financial transactions, maintaining updated chart of accounts, and organizing financial statements according to international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
- Bookkeeping services encompass the interpretation of those records, preparation of financial reports, VAT compliance, and strategic advisory services for real estate business operations.
FTA guidance stipulates that all real estate companies must retain original financial records for at least seven years. Bookkeeping services ensure this base is reliably maintained; accounting services use it to generate VAT filing, corporate tax returns, and management reports. These services are essential for audit preparedness, financial transparency, and strategic growth planning in both mainland and free zone companies in UAE.
Comprehensive Real Estate Accounting Solutions
Oncount's real estate accounting solutions are designed to ensure full compliance with UAE regulations while supporting operational efficiency. Our accounting and bookkeeping firm provides services mapped to the requirements of:
- UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022)
- UAE VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017)
- Dubai Land Department regulations and real estate regulatory requirements
Core Financial Management Services
Our professional real estate accounting services in the UAE are structured to ensure full compliance with UAE real estate sector regulations, supporting both operational accuracy and financial reporting transparency:
- Chart of accounts setup with IFRS-compliant accounting standards
- Monthly VAT filing, periodic return filing, and transaction matching (FTA portal integration)
- Corporate income tax computation and filing based on UAE tax calculation rules
- Monthly financial statements, financial records, and audit-ready documentation
- Accounts payable reconciliation and cash flow management
Reconstruction Services
Our real estate accounting company in UAE offers services designed to recover historical compliance, restore reporting accuracy, and prepare businesses for regulatory audits:
- Reconstruction of missing or delayed financial records
- Support for late corporate tax registration and voluntary disclosures
- Documentation compilation for FTA audit queries and compliance reviews
- Creating and maintaining financial information for previous periods
Advisory Services
These consultancy services help real estate companies maintain regulatory alignment while protecting against compliance risks and operational challenges:
- Anti-money laundering laws compliance with FTA-linked systems
- Escrow accounts registration for designated real estate firms
- Financial data review for red flags and suspicious transaction reporting in line with UAE regulations
Business Setup and Corporate Support Services
In addition to real estate accounting, Oncount supports the full corporate lifecycle in the UAE, from company formation to regulatory upkeep, making us one of the best accounting and financial services firms in the region.
- Business registration in free zone jurisdictions (DIFC, ADGM) and major mainland emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
- Assistance with UAE corporate bank account setup, KYC preparation, and compliance documentation
Company Formation & Banking
- Trade license renewal reminders and coordination
- Dubai Land Department registration for off-plan property validation
- Ongoing support with VAT declarations and corporate tax notifications
License & Regulatory Maintenance
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Legal Real Estate Accounting Requirements in UAE: Why Accurate Financial Management is Crucial for Real Estate Companies in UAE
All real estate companies in UAE must maintain compliant financial records, regardless of size or legal structure. As per the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022), records must reflect a true and fair view of financial performance. Services such as structured real estate accounting, tax filing, and financial statements preparation ensure businesses meet these legal obligations consistently and accurately.
UAE real estate accounting must comply with federal laws, administrative penalties, and FTA rules on taxation and recordkeeping:
- UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022)
- Cabinet Decision No. 116 of 2022 (Corporate Tax Executive Regulation)
- FTA recordkeeping and VAT guidelines for real estate sector
Applicable Laws & Resolutions
Oncount helps reduce fines through timely filings, compliance checks, and accurate financial reporting:
- Failure to maintain proper accounting practices may trigger fines of AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 under FTA penalties
- Misclassification under free zone exemptions may invalidate corporate tax benefits
- Our tools include audit readiness checklists, record backup protocols, and deadline monitoring to ensure penalty avoidance
Risk & Penalty Mitigation
Client Integration & Customization
- Embedded accounting support (on-site or remote)
- Custom dashboards showing KPIs, cash flow, profit margins, and ROI metrics
- Preparation of investor presentations and bank-ready reporting packs
- Streamline your financial management process with tailored solutions
Industry-Specific Expertise
- Retail and eCommerce: Revenue recognition for property sales and rental income
- Logistics/Trading: Warehouse and distribution center accounting
- Professional Services: Property management and real estate brokerage accounting
- IT/SaaS: Technology infrastructure and PropTech accounting solutions
- Real Estate: Comprehensive accounting for real estate companies including developer accounting, property management, and investment accounting
Industry-Specific Real Estate Accounting Services
Our real estate accounting services are tailored to the operational and regulatory realities of each client sector, with in-depth knowledge of specific accounting and compliance demands:
About Oncount: Top Real Estate Accounting Firm in UAE
Oncount is a Dubai-based accounting and advisory services firm specializing in end-to-end financial compliance. With a focus on UAE corporate regulation, our services are built to align with both FTA mandates and international accounting standards. We support both mainland and free zone businesses by integrating local regulatory awareness with international accounting rigor.
Oncount prioritizes transparency, communication, and actionable insights over passive data entry. Each client is assigned a dedicated accounting manager with a defined escalation structure. Reports are delivered in investor-ready formats, supporting strategic planning and regulatory readiness. Our comprehensive services include:
- Full bookkeeping and maintenance of financial records
- VAT filing and corporate tax compliance
- Monthly financial statements and advisory services
- Escrow account management and property transaction processing
- Anti-money laundering compliance and regulatory reporting
- Financial analysis and complex revenue recognition
- Structured monthly workflows with cutoff dates and SLA-based delivery
- Communication via Zoom, WhatsApp, and secure email
- Custom reporting templates for board meetings, lender reviews, and tax submissions
8+ Years of Local Experience, 320+ Clients Served
Established in 2016, Oncount has served over 320 companies in the UAE, ranging from startups to multinational subsidiaries:
- Services delivered in English, Arabic, and Russian to support UAE's multilingual business community
- Full adherence to FTA guidelines, UAE Cabinet Decisions, and IFRS reporting practices
- Jurisdiction-specific expertise across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and free zone licensing authorities
Clarity Over Routine: Professional Accountants and Consultants in UAE
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Why Choose Us for Real Estate Accounting Services in UAE
Oncount's systems, personnel, and regulatory knowledge are designed for businesses that prioritize both compliance and clarity, making us one of the leading accounting and bookkeeping firms in UAE.
Our deliverables are executed through standardized review procedures to ensure precision, compliance, and audit-readiness across all financial operations:
- Dual review of financial records for accuracy
- Periodic reconciliation of bank statements, accounts payable, and cash flow balances
- SOPs mapped to FTA and IFRS standards
- Financial data verification and documentation
Quality Control Process
Our solutions combine automation with regulatory insight, enabling error-free reporting and full alignment with UAE statutory requirements:
- Use of certified accounting software (e.g., Zoho Books, Xero, QuickBooks UAE edition)
- Full implementation of VAT-compliant, corporate tax-compliant, and IFRS-compliant workflows
- Accounting system customized to your real estate business needs
Legal and Technical Accuracy
Our support features include responsive communication and seamless access to financial data, ensuring clarity and speed in all client interactions:
- Communication in four languages for cross-border teams
- SLA-based ticket resolution for accounting adjustments
- Instant access to monthly reports and audit documentation via cloud portal
Multilingual, Real-Time Support
Outsourcing Real Estate Accounting Services: The Smart Choice for UAE Businesses
When you handle your accounting activities through outsourcing your accounting services to professional accounting firms in UAE like Oncount, you gain:
The challenges faced by the real estate companies in the UAE include complex revenue recognition, managing escrow accounts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Our accounting solutions address these specific needs while providing accurate VAT calculations and detailed financial analysis.
If your company requires accurate, legally compliant, and fully customized real estate accounting services in UAE, Oncount offers unmatched regulatory alignment, industry experience, and responsive client support to meet the needs of all businesses in the UAE real estate market.
- Time to focus on core business growth initiatives
- Cost-effectiveness compared to in-house accounting teams
- Expert real estate accounting services and strategic financial guidance
- Accurate and compliant accounting aligned with UAE requirements
- Reduced risk of regulatory penalties
- Up-to-date financial information insights for better business decisions
The challenges faced by the real estate companies in the UAE include complex revenue recognition, managing escrow accounts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Our accounting solutions address these specific needs while providing accurate VAT calculations and detailed financial analysis.
If your company requires accurate, legally compliant, and fully customized real estate accounting services in UAE, Oncount offers unmatched regulatory alignment, industry experience, and responsive client support to meet the needs of all businesses in the UAE real estate market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Accounting Services in UAE
The simple method allows smaller real estate businesses to maintain basic financial records, while the detailed method requires comprehensive accounting practices including proper chart of accounts, regular financial analysis, and audit-ready documentation. Most real estate companies benefit from the detailed method for better financial management.
How does the simple method vs. detailed method work for real estate accounting?
What are the key challenges in real estate accounting and how can they be addressed?
Key challenges include managing finance leases, handling complex revenue recognition for off-plan properties, maintaining accurate escrow account records, and ensuring smooth functioning of financial processes. Professional accounting services provide the expertise needed to address these challenges effectively while maintaining operational efficiency.
We recommend accounting software that supports IFRS compliance, VAT calculations, and integration with FTA systems. Popular options include Zoho Books, Xero, and QuickBooks UAE edition, which provide features specifically designed for the UAE real estate sector.
What accounting software is recommended for real estate companies in UAE?
Real estate companies must implement robust financial controls, maintain detailed transaction records, and report suspicious activities to regulatory authorities. Proper accounting practices help ensure compliance with anti-money laundering requirements and protect against regulatory penalties.
How do anti-money laundering laws affect real estate accounting in UAE?
Outsourcing accounting provides access to specialized expertise, reduces overhead costs, and ensures compliance with UAE regulations. In-house staff may lack the specific knowledge of real estate accounting complexities and international accounting standards required for proper financial management.
What is the difference between in-house accounting and outsourcing accounting services for real estate firms?
VAT in UAE applies to most real estate transactions at 5%, with specific exemptions for residential property sales and long-term rentals. Real estate professionals must ensure accurate VAT calculations and timely filing to avoid penalties from the FTA.
How does VAT apply to real estate transactions in UAE?
Real estate companies in UAE must maintain financial records according to IFRS standards, comply with VAT regulations, and prepare for corporate income tax obligations. Companies must also manage escrow accounts for off-plan properties and ensure proper revenue recognition for property sales and rental income.
What are the specific accounting requirements for real estate companies in UAE?
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