Buying in Dubai
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-UAE nationals can buy on a freehold basis in designated areas across Dubai, including Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate and many others. You own the property outright, and there is no requirement to live in the UAE in order to buy.
What does buying actually cost on top of the purchase price?
Budget roughly 7 to 10 percent above the price. The largest single item is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee at 4 percent. On top of that sit a trustee office registration fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT for properties above AED 500,000, title deed issuance of around AED 580, and agency commission of 2 percent plus VAT. If you are using a mortgage, add 0.25 percent of the loan for mortgage registration.
How do off-plan payment plans actually work?
Most plans start with a booking deposit of 10 to 20 percent, followed by instalments linked to construction milestones, with a final payment due at handover. Your money goes into a project escrow account supervised by RERA, which is released to the developer against verified construction progress rather than paid to them directly.
Can I buy without travelling to Dubai?
Yes, and most of my clients do. Viewings can be handled by video, documents can be signed under power of attorney, and the transfer itself can be completed without you being physically present. What matters is having someone on the ground who will tell you honestly what a building and its location are actually like.
Owning &
investing
Does buying property get me UAE residency?
A property valued at AED 2 million or more can qualify you for the ten-year Golden Visa. Off-plan units purchased from RERA-registered developers count, and mortgaged properties qualify provided the total property value, not just your equity, meets the threshold. A completed property from AED 750,000 can qualify for a shorter renewable investor visa. Visa criteria are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current rules before buying specifically for residency.
What rental yields are realistic?
Gross yields of roughly 5 to 8 percent are common depending on the community, the unit type and how the property is let. The figure that actually matters is the net yield, after service charges, management fees and realistic vacancy. I will always show you both numbers rather than the flattering one.
Is Dubai property really tax-free?
There is no annual property tax and no personal income tax in the UAE, so rental income is not taxed locally. That does not mean it is tax-free for you. Depending on where you are resident, you may still have a declaration or a liability at home, so take advice in your own country before you buy.
What are service charges and why do they matter?
Service charges are an annual fee, calculated per square foot and set by the building or community, covering maintenance, security, insurance and shared facilities such as pools and gyms. They vary widely between developments, and they are the single most common cost buyers forget to factor in when they calculate a yield.