Foreigners can buy property in designated freehold areas in Dubai. The Dubai government specifies these areas and allows non-UAE nationals to own property with full ownership rights.

You don’t need to be a resident to purchase property in these areas, making Dubai an attractive destination for international investors.

Additionally, the legal process requires:


Dubai Land Department (DLD) Registration: The property must be registered with the DLD.

No Residency Requirement: Non-residents are eligible to buy and own property.

Property Visa Options: Investors who purchase property over AED 750,000 can qualify for a residency visa (subject to certain conditions).

Yes, expats and foreign investors can obtain mortgages in Dubai. However, the terms vary depending on whether you are a UAE resident or non-resident.

For UAE Residents: You can typically get up to 80% of the property’s value financed for your first home.

For Non-Residents: Lenders usually offer up to 50% financing for non-residents. The exact amount can vary based on the bank and your financial profile.

Documents required include proof of income, a valid passport, and bank statements.

Freehold Property: You have full ownership of the property and the land it sits on. Freehold properties are available to UAE nationals and foreigners alike in designated areas.

Leasehold Property: You own the property for a lease period, usually between 30 to 99 years, after which ownership reverts to the landowner (often the Dubai government or a private entity). Leasehold areas are typically more affordable but come with certain restrictions compared to freehold ownership.

Purchasing an off-plan property means buying a property that is still under construction or in the planning stages. The process includes:

Booking the Property: You will usually pay a booking fee, ranging from 5% to 10% of the property price.

Payment Plan: Developers often offer flexible payment plans spread over the construction period, with some plans extending post-handover.

Completion Timeline: You will receive updates throughout the construction process, and once the property is complete, it will be handed over to you.

Off-plan properties often offer lower prices and higher appreciation potential, but the risks include project delays or developer insolvency.

In addition to the property’s purchase price, you should factor in the following costs:

Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fees: Typically 4% of the property’s purchase price, payable upon registration.

Agent’s Commission: This is usually 2% of the property price, paid to the buyer’s agent.

Service Charges: These are annual fees paid to maintain common areas in apartment buildings or gated communities, and they vary depending on the property type and location.

Mortgage Fees: If you’re taking a mortgage, expect to pay processing fees ranging from 0.25% to 1% of the loan amount.

Maintenance Fees and Utilities: You’ll need to budget for ongoing maintenance, utility bills, and property upkeep.

Service charges, similar to condominium fees in Canada and the US,  are annual fees paid by property owners to cover the maintenance of shared facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, elevators, and gardens.

These charges are calculated on a per-square-foot basis and vary depending on the property type, location, and the quality of facilities provided.

For example:

Luxury Apartments: Higher service charges due to premium facilities.

Villas: Service charges can be lower since communal areas are smaller, but individual villa maintenance costs may be higher.

The handover process occurs once construction is complete (in the case of off-plan properties) or when the sale is finalized for completed properties. It includes:

Final Inspection: You inspect the property for any defects or issues.

Handover Fees: There may be minor fees for the property’s final registration.

Final Payments: The final payment of the purchase price and any outstanding fees are made.

Title Deed Transfer: The property title is officially transferred to your name by the Dubai Land Department.

If you are a foreign buyer your agent can assist you with the above.

Yes, as a property owner in Dubai, you have the right to rent out your property even if you are not living in the UAE. Many foreign investors purchase properties with the goal of generating rental income.

Dubai has a thriving rental market, and I can assist in finding reliable property management services to handle tenant sourcing, property maintenance, and rental payments while you’re abroad.

Dubai offers a tax-free environment, which is one of the primary reasons it attracts international investors.

There is:
No Capital Gains Tax on property sales.
No Income Tax on rental income.
No Property Taxes or annual property ownership taxes, making it a highly favorable investment location.

The timeframe for buying a property in Dubai can vary depending on the type of property:

For completed properties: The process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, including property searches, negotiations, financing, and legal formalities.

For off-plan properties: The timeline depends on the construction schedule. You’ll need to wait for the developer to complete the project, which can take several years, depending on the phase of construction at the time of purchase.

While it’s not mandatory to have a lawyer, it’s highly recommended. A lawyer can assist with:

Contract Reviews: Ensuring the terms of the sales agreement protect your interests.

Legal Checks: Verifying the property’s legal status, especially for off-plan purchases.

Transfer of Ownership: Facilitating the smooth transfer of the title deed and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Investors who purchase property in Dubai can qualify for a property investor visa, depending on the property value. The general requirement is to invest in a property worth at least AED 750,000.

This visa allows you to live in Dubai and is renewable as long as you maintain ownership of the property. It’s a popular option for retirees, long-term investors, and expats looking to establish residency.

Developers in Dubai offer flexible payment plans for off-plan properties. These plans often allow you to pay a small percentage of the total price upfront and spread the rest over the construction period and even after handover.

For example:

Down Payment: 10% to 20% at the time of booking.

Construction Payments: A percentage paid at key construction milestones.

Post-Handover Payments: Some developers offer payment plans that extend 1 to 5 years post-handover.

To evaluate whether a neighborhood is a good investment, consider:

Rental Yields: High rental demand areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Jumeirah Village Circle offer competitive rental yields.

Infrastructure Development: Upcoming infrastructure projects like metro expansions and shopping malls can boost an area’s property value.

Amenities and Lifestyle: Neighborhoods that offer a high quality of life, good schools, and proximity to business hubs generally appreciate faster.