Buy Property in Dubai:
The Complete Guide
Zero property tax. Zero capital gains tax. Full freehold ownership for all nationalities. A 10-year Golden Visa pathway. Here is everything you need to know before you buy property in Dubai.
Why Buy Property in Dubai in 2025?
Dubai has delivered five consecutive record-breaking years in its residential market. In 2024 alone, AED 682.5 billion changed hands across 214,912 transactions — a 30.6% rise in value year-on-year. Yet despite this momentum, rental yields remain among the highest of any global city and entry prices are significantly lower than London, New York, or Singapore.
- Zero property tax — you pay no annual tax on what you own, ever.
- Zero capital gains tax — every profit on resale is yours.
- Zero income tax on rental income — full yield goes to you.
- Full foreign ownership — freehold rights in 60+ zones.
- UAE Golden Visa — AED 2M+ earns a 10-year family residency. Full guide →
- Stable currency — AED pegged to USD at 3.67 since 1997.
- World-class infrastructure — #1 globally by IMD.
Buyer’s Quick Reference
Key facts for buying property in Dubai
Best Areas to Buy Property in Dubai
Each freehold zone has a distinct character, price point, and investment profile. Here are the districts that consistently dominate buyer demand.
Dubai Marina & JBR
Waterfront · High-rise · Yield PlayThe original waterfront address. Strong short-term and long-term rental demand, vibrant lifestyle, and a liquid secondary market. Ideal for yield-focused investors.
Downtown Dubai
Iconic · Burj Khalifa · PremiumDubai’s most globally recognised address. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain. Premium prices, premium resale liquidity — the city’s benchmark investment.
Dubai Hills Estate
Family · Golf · GreeneryEmaar’s flagship community around an 18-hole golf course. Top schools, hospitals, retail. The go-to for families seeking space and quality of life.
Business Bay
Central · Canal · Golden VisaDubai’s CBD with a canal frontage. Strong corporate and professional occupancy. A reliable income asset — and a popular choice for Golden Visa buyers at the AED 2M threshold.
Dubai Creek Harbour
Waterfront · Off-plan · GrowthEmaar’s next waterfront destination on the historic Dubai Creek. Creek Tower and cultural district make this a long-term capital growth story at today’s prices.
Dubai Islands
Ultra-prime · Beachfront · BrandedFive man-made islands set to be Dubai’s next ultra-prime coastal destination. Branded residences, pristine beaches, limited supply — one of 2025’s most exciting launches.
How to Buy Property in Dubai
Dubai’s purchase process is transparent and RERA-regulated. Here is what to expect from search to title deed.
Define Your Budget & Goals
Clarify your objective — end-use, rental income, capital growth, Golden Visa, or all of the above. Always add 6–7% on top of your property budget for transaction costs.
Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
If financing, get a pre-approval letter before you begin viewing. It sets your exact budget and makes your offer significantly stronger. UAE banks lend up to 80% LTV. Mortgage Guide →
Search, View & Shortlist
Work with a RERA-registered broker for market intelligence — comparables, yield benchmarks, developer track records — not just property access. Browse our listings →
Make an Offer & Sign the MOU
Agree on price, sign the Memorandum of Understanding (Form F), and pay a 10% deposit held in escrow. The MOU sets the completion timeline — 30–60 days for cash, longer for mortgage.
Due Diligence & NOC
Your broker checks for outstanding charges or encumbrances. The seller obtains a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer — mandatory before the DLD will register the sale.
Transfer at the Dubai Land Department
Both parties attend the DLD. The buyer pays the balance via manager’s cheque. The DLD registers the transfer and issues a title deed in your name — usually within the same appointment.
Full Cost Breakdown
Budget these costs on top of your property price — total transaction cost for a cash buyer is typically 6–7%.
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of price | Mandatory at transfer |
| Title Deed Fee | AED 250 | Flat fee |
| Registration Trustee Fee | AED 4,200 | Properties above AED 500K |
| Agent Commission (buyer) | 2% of price | Standard market rate |
| Mortgage Registration | 0.25% of loan + AED 290 | If financing |
| Bank Valuation | AED 2,500–3,500 | Mortgage buyers only |
| NOC Fee (resale) | AED 500–5,000 | Developer dependent |
| Conveyancing | AED 6,000–15,000 | Optional, recommended |
| Total (cash buyer) | ~6–7% of price | Budget on top of property price |
Ready to start your search?
Browse 600+ properties — apartments, villas, townhouses & off-plan launches.
UAE Golden Visa Through Property
Purchase AED 2 million or more in Dubai real estate and qualify for a 10-year renewable residency visa for you and your family.
AED 2M Minimum
Property value (not equity) must meet or exceed AED 2M. Multiple properties can be combined.
Full Family Coverage
Covers you, spouse, all children of any age, and in some cases parents and domestic workers.
10-Year Renewable
Renews every 10 years while you maintain the investment. No minimum days in UAE required.
Mortgage Qualifies
A mortgaged property qualifies — total value (equity + loan) must equal or exceed AED 2M.
Straightforward Process
After title deed registration, the visa is processed through GDRFA. Your broker guides you through.
All Nationalities
No nationality restrictions. Any passport holder meeting the AED 2M threshold can apply.
Getting a Mortgage in Dubai
Dubai’s mortgage market is mature and competitive, with both local and international banks actively lending to expatriate and non-resident buyers. Rates are linked to EIBOR for variable products, or offered fixed for an initial 1–5 year term.
Expatriate residents can borrow up to 80% LTV for properties under AED 5 million. Non-residents can access financing from select banks at 60–65% LTV.
| Buyer Type | Max LTV | Min. Down |
|---|---|---|
| Expat resident (under AED 5M) | 80% | 20% |
| Expat resident (AED 5M+) | 70% | 30% |
| Non-resident | 60–65% | 35–40% |
| UAE national (under AED 5M) | 85% | 15% |
Mortgage registration: 0.25% of loan + AED 290
Bank valuation: AED 2,500–3,500
Life insurance: ~0.2–0.4% p.a. of outstanding balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from buyers looking to purchase property in Dubai.
Ready to Buy Property in Dubai?
Our RERA-registered advisors match buyers with the right property for their goals — whether buying to live, investing for yield, or securing a Golden Visa. Fill in the form and we will be in touch within one business day.
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