Where can foreigners buy?
Foreigners can buy with full ownership in areas designated as "freehold". Well-known ones include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Creek Harbour.
You can browse listings on portals like Bayut and Property Finder. For transaction records and official information, use the DLD website.
Ready or off-plan?
| Ready | Off-plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Handover | Immediate | Usually 2–4 years |
| Payment | Cash or mortgage | Instalment plan spread over construction |
| Rental income | Starts right away | After handover |
| Risk | Low | Delay and developer risk; payments go into an escrow account |
When buying off-plan, make sure your payments go into the project's legally required escrow account and check the project's DLD/RERA registration.
The buying process
- Find the property and negotiate. Check that the agent holds a RERA licence.
- Sign the sales agreement (Form F / MOU). A deposit of about 10% of the price is usually given by cheque.
- NOC. The seller obtains a certificate from the developer showing no outstanding dues.
- Transfer. Buyer and seller meet at a DLD-approved trustee office, payments are made and the title deed is issued in the new owner's name.
Costs
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the price (the largest item)
- Title deed: ≈ AED 580
- Trustee office fee: AED 2,000 below AED 500,000, AED 4,000 above, + 5% VAT
- Agent commission: usually 2% + 5% VAT
- Developer NOC fee: ≈ AED 500 – 5,000
- With a mortgage: mortgage registration of 0.25% of the loan + AED 290, valuation ≈ AED 2,500 – 3,500, bank processing fee (usually up to 1%)
On top of these, you'll pay an annual service charge, which varies per square foot by building and area.
Mortgages: how much can foreigners borrow?
UAE residents buying a first home up to AED 5 million can usually borrow up to 80% of its value. Banks are more cautious with non-residents, typically lending around 50–60%, and terms differ by bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy with full ownership in designated freehold areas; you don't need to be a UAE resident.
What are the total costs of buying in Dubai?
About 7–10% of the price. The DLD fee is 4% and agent commission 2%; the rest is title deed, trustee and, if relevant, mortgage costs.
Does buying property give me residency?
Property worth AED 2 million or more lets you apply for a Golden Visa; AED 750,000 or more for a 2-year investor residency.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax. You pay the 4% DLD fee when buying, and there is no personal income tax on rental income.