Dubai Real Estate FAQs

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Dubai on a freehold basis in designated freehold areas, which cover most of the popular investor communities — Downtown, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Dubai Hills, JVC, Palm Jumeirah and many more. Freehold ownership gives you full title to the property and the land it sits on. You do not need to be a resident to buy, and the whole purchase can be completed remotely with the right support.

The property buying process in Dubai is straightforward: (1) shortlist and view properties with your agent; (2) agree a price and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) with a deposit, usually 10%; (3) obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer; and (4) complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), where the title deed is issued in your name. For off-plan, you buy directly from the developer on a payment plan. We guide you through every step and can act on your behalf if you're overseas.

The main cost is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price. On top of that, budget for a property registration fee, a trustee office fee, a title deed issuance fee, and the agency commission (typically 2%). If you use a mortgage, there is also a mortgage registration fee. As a rule of thumb, allow around 6–8% of the purchase price for total transaction costs. We give you an itemised breakdown before you commit — no surprises.

Yes. Expats and, in many cases, non-residents can obtain a Dubai property mortgage. For residents buying a ready home, banks typically finance up to 80% of the value for a first property (so a 20% down payment), with different loan-to-value limits for non-residents, higher-value homes and off-plan. Approval depends on income, age and credit profile. We can connect you with reputable mortgage advisors to compare rates and pre-approval — useful to know your budget before you shop.

Off-plan can be an excellent investment because of the lower entry price and flexible payment plans — including 1% monthly and post-handover options — but it depends entirely on the developer, location and price. The keys are buying from a credible developer, checking realistic handover timelines, and confirming the numbers stack up at completion. We help you separate the launches that are genuinely worth buying. See our off-plan projects for current launches.

Gross rental yields in Dubai commonly range from about 6% to 9%, which is higher than many global cities. Higher-yield communities include JVC, Arjan and Dubai South; more established areas like Dubai Hills and Downtown tend to offer steadier capital appreciation with slightly lower yields. Net yield depends on service charges and vacancy. Our Dubai property investment guide breaks this down by area.

To rent, you agree the annual rent and payment terms (often 1–4 cheques), pay a security deposit (usually 5%) and the agency fee, sign the tenancy contract, and register it through Ejari — the official rental registration system. You'll also transfer or set up DEWA (utilities). We keep our rental list current and handle the paperwork so you can move in quickly. Browse property for rent in Dubai.

We're an investment-led and RERA-registered real estate company in Dubai (BRN 96054). That means licensed, accountable advice with the attentiveness of a dedicated team — clear pricing, honest return projections and dependable support for local and overseas clients. We'd rather earn a long-term relationship than push a quick sale. Contact us to see the difference.