Abu Dhabi's new MLS rules are here - and this agency is leading the market

Khaleej Times

24-06-2025

With Abu Dhabi's real estate market entering a new era of transparency and efficiency through the launch of the Madhmoun Multiple Listing Service (MLS), property owners face a pivotal decision: choosing the right agency to list and manage their assets.
The introduction of Madhmoun by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) is set to transform the market by mandating verified, centralised listings and eliminating misleading advertisements, thus raising the bar for professionalism and results. Under this new framework, owners are required to list their properties with up-to three professional agencies. This restriction is designed to enhance transparency, reduce market fragmentation and ensure that only verified properties are listed and promoted in the market.
In today's changing market, owners are encouraged to be more thoughtful when choosing an agency to list their property. While there will now be a monthly fee to keep a property listed – covered either by the owner or the broker – this adjustment is designed to enhance service quality and commitment.
Importantly, owners are not burdened with new restrictions but rather given the opportunity to define their own criteria for selecting the most suitable agency. With more options than ever, working with a trusted agency – one that brings transparency, market knowledge, dedication and data driven decisions – has become even more essential to ensure a smooth and effective sale.
Why sellers must choose their agents carefully
Under the new MLS system, every listing is verified and property visibility is expected to increase significantly. This means competition among listings will intensify and only agencies with the expertise, resources and market insight to position properties effectively will deliver results. Sellers should not simply pick the first agent they encounter or be swayed by empty promises. Instead, they must evaluate agencies based on proven performance, transparency and the ability to provide end-to-end support.
Data-driven decisions: The key to success
In a market where every listing is scrutinised and compared, data becomes the seller's most powerful tool. One of Abu Dhabi's leading agencies, Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, stands out by empowering owners with bi-monthly listing performance and market reports. These reports provide full visibility on competing live listings, comparative market analysis and up-to-date trends – eliminating guesswork and ensuring that pricing and positioning are always based on real-time market intelligence. With Metropolitan, sellers never have to wonder how their property is performing or what's happening in the market; they have the facts at their fingertips.
Metropolitan capital real estate: The one-stop-shop advantage
Metropolitan is not just another agency – it is Abu Dhabi's leading full-service real estate partner, trusted by buyers and owners for its holistic approach and unmatched track record. There are several key factors that separate Metropolitan from other agencies and establish them as the preferred choice for discerning sellers:
Unrivalled market share: Metropolitan commands a remarkable 19 per cent of Abu Dhabi's residential secondary market, outperforming the competition and closing record-breaking deals, including landmark villa sales on Saadiyat Island.
Expert team: With over 250 sales professionals, Metropolitan brings together one of the largest and most skilled teams in the Emirate, ensuring that every property benefits from deep market knowledge and a vast network of buyers. Agents are trained to serve the customers not only to-close-a-deal.
Precision marketing: Metropolitan markets properties with integrity – no fake prices, no 'shoppers,' just targeted campaigns that attract serious buyers. Every listing is crafted to stand out in the new MLS environment, maximising exposure and minimising time on market.
Comprehensive in-house services: From pricing and branding to meetings, viewings, mortgage facilitation and ownership transfer, everything is managed under one roof. This seamless process eliminates confusion and ensures that every step – from listing to closing – is handled with professionalism.
Transparency and communication: Sellers receive bi-monthly performance updates and market intelligence, including comparative analysis and trend reports. This level of transparency means owners are always informed and empowered to make the best decisions.
Transaction management: Metropolitan offers end-to-end conveyancing services to ensure a seamless and stress-free property ownership transfer process. From the moment the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is drafted and signed, our expert conveyancers take charge of every detail - managing documentation, coordinating with banks and developers, and maintaining clear timelines with regular updates.
The team ensures that all necessary documents are thoroughly verified, prepared, and submitted accurately to protect their clients' rights by confirming that the complete and correct set of required documents is in place. This includes securing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from developers promptly, calculating and settling all relevant fees, and advising clients on any special conditions or obligations.
The team at Metropolitan Capital also works closely with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Abu Dhabi Municipality), ADGM, developers, and other relevant entities to facilitate a timely and secure closing. The company prepare final transfer documents with full transparency, ensuring there are no hidden costs or unclear terms and that the rights of both parties are fully protected.
For international clients, it also offers an Escrow Agent Service to ensure safe and compliant fund transfers. With Metropolitan, clients receive comprehensive support throughout the conveyancing process, allowing them to focus on their new investment while the company takes care of the paperwork and legalities.
Award-winning excellence: Metropolitan's commitment to quality is recognised industry-wide, with over 100 awards, including Best Brokerage at the 2023 and 2024 Property Finder and Bayut Awards. These accolades reflect a consistent standard of service and results.
Post-deal support: The relationship doesn't end at closing. Metropolitan offers post-deal support, escrow, conveyancing and assistance with both long-term and short-term rentals, including holiday homes.
Accredited and trusted: As an accredited broker for all major developers and a leader in both off-plan and secondary markets, Metropolitan is uniquely positioned to serve every type of property owner.
In the new era ushered in by ADREC, through the launch of Madhmoun/Phase1, property owners must be strategic, data-driven and selective in choosing their agency partners.
Metropolitan Capital Real Estate's combination of market leadership, expertise, transparency and end-to-end service makes it the clear choice for owners who want to maximise their property's potential and achieve seamless, successful transactions in Abu Dhabi's dynamic real estate market.
For more information, visit: https://abu-dhabi.realestate or call on [phone].