Dubai Communities

Yes. Non-residents and expatriates can buy freehold property in Dubai's designated freehold areas, which include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Dubai Hills Estate. You do not need a residence visa to buy, and the title deed is issued in your own name by the Dubai Land Department.

Budget for about 6% to 7% on top of the purchase price. The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4% of the price. The registration trustee fee is about AED 4,200 for a property above AED 500,000, the title deed fee is about AED 580, and agency commission is typically 2% plus VAT. Buyers with a mortgage also pay a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount.

Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for a 10-year Golden Visa, and property worth AED 750,000 or more for a 2-year investor visa. The rules are set by the UAE authorities and change from time to time, so we confirm your eligibility before you commit to a purchase.

Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, typically up to 50% to 60% of the property value. UAE residents can usually borrow up to about 80% on a first home priced under AED 5 million. Our in-house mortgage specialist arranges pre-approval before you start viewing.

A cash purchase of a ready property usually completes in two to four weeks: a sale agreement (Form F), the developer's no-objection certificate, then the transfer at a Dubai Land Department trustee office. A mortgage purchase takes six to eight weeks because of the bank valuation and final offer letter.