How to buy a property in Dubai
Foreigners can buy property in Dubai on a full-ownership (freehold) basis in designated areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Dubai Hills. You do not need to be a resident. The purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and the standard buyer cost on top of the price is roughly 6 to 7 percent in fees.
Set your budget
Decide your all-in budget and, if you need finance, get a mortgage pre-approval. Non-residents can typically borrow up to about half the property value.
Shortlist with us
Tell us your area, size and goal (to live or to invest). We shortlist what fits, including quiet off-market and off-plan options you will not see on the portals.
View and offer
We arrange viewings, share honest guidance on value and rental yield, and negotiate the price and terms on your behalf.
Sign and deposit
Buyer and seller sign the sale agreement (Form F / MOU) and you pay a deposit, usually 10 percent. The developer or bank issues the no-objection certificate (NOC).
Transfer at the DLD
Ownership transfers at a DLD-approved trustee office and your title deed is issued in your name, often within a few weeks of the offer.
Fees to budget for when you buy
On top of the purchase price, budget for these standard costs. Percentages are set by the Dubai Land Department and are stable; confirm exact fixed amounts at the time of purchase.
| Cost | Who sets it | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | Dubai Land Department | 4% of price |
| Agency commission | Brokerage | 2% + VAT |
| Property registration (trustee) | DLD trustee office | ~AED 4,000 + VAT |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | DLD | 0.25% of loan |
| Developer NOC | Developer | ~AED 500 to 5,000 |
Popular freehold areas to buy in Dubai
Each area suits a different goal, capital growth, rental yield or a home to live in. We will match you to the right one for your budget and plans.
Dubai Marina
Waterfront apartments with strong short and long-let demand. A reliable rental-yield play.
Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall on the doorstep. Premium apartments that hold value.
Palm Jumeirah
Signature villas and beach apartments. Trophy addresses with limited supply.
Business Bay
Central, well-connected apartments popular with investors and young professionals.
Dubai Hills Estate
Family villas and townhouses around a golf course and park. Strong owner-occupier demand.
Jumeirah Village Circle
Some of the highest rental yields in the city at accessible entry prices.
Not sure where to start? Browse new off-plan projects or talk to our team.
Buying off-plan in Dubai
Off-plan means buying directly from the developer before or during construction, usually on a staged payment plan. It is the lowest entry point into a new Dubai property and often the strongest for capital growth. We work with launches across Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha and more.
See off-plan projectsBuying property in Dubai: FAQs
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy and fully own property in Dubai's designated freehold areas, whether or not they live in the UAE. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department and a title deed is issued in the buyer's name.
Do I need to be a resident to buy?
No. You do not need UAE residency or a local sponsor to buy a freehold property in Dubai. Many owners buy first and use the purchase to apply for a property-linked residency visa afterwards.
What are the fees when buying a property in Dubai?
Budget for around 6 to 7 percent on top of the price: a 4 percent Dubai Land Department transfer fee, a 2 percent agency commission plus VAT, a trustee registration fee of about AED 4,000, and a developer NOC fee. If you take a mortgage, add a 0.25 percent registration fee on the loan.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, typically up to about 50 percent of the property value, with residents able to borrow more. A pre-approval before you shortlist makes your offer stronger.
Does buying property give me residency?
It can. Buying property worth AED 2 million or more can make you eligible for the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa. Lower-value purchases can qualify for shorter property-linked visas. We can point you to the current thresholds.
How long does buying take?
A ready (completed) property can transfer within a few weeks of an accepted offer once finance and the NOC are in place. Off-plan is immediate to reserve and then follows the developer's payment plan through to handover.
Should I buy ready or off-plan?
Ready property gives you rental income or a home from day one. Off-plan lets you enter with a smaller deposit on a payment plan and is often stronger for capital growth. We will weigh both against your budget and goal.
Tell us what you are looking for
Share your budget, area and goal. A consultant will come back within 24 hours with options that fit, including quiet listings that never reach the portals. No pressure, no spam.
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