Buying Property in Dubai as a Foreigner – What You Need to Know

Buying Property in Dubai: the simple overview

Let’s strip it back. Most buyers come to Dubai for one of three reasons: lifestyle (sun, safety, convenience), investment (rental yield and demand), or a long-term base (business, family, flexibility). Whatever your motivation, Buying Property in Dubai usually comes down to the same set of steps: choose the right area, confirm you can legally own in that location, agree terms, and complete a DLD-registered transfer (or an off-plan registration route).

Who this guide is for

• First-time international buyers (including “buying property in Dubai from the UK”)
• Expats already in the UAE who want a clearer buying checklist
• Buyers comparing “buy property in UK or Dubai”
• Buyers asking “is buying property in Dubai worth it?” or “is it safe?”

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai (and where)?

Yes — foreigners can buy and own property in Dubai, but location matters. Ownership for non-UAE/GCC nationals is permitted in designated areas (sometimes described as “freehold areas”), and Dubai Land Department guidance explains that these designated zones are where foreign nationals can hold ownership rights. Always confirm the community/project is within a designated area before you commit.

Popular designated areas international buyers look at

Which area is “best” depends on your priorities (views, walkability, schools, beach access, rental demand, or value). As a starting point, international buyers often shortlist established locations such as:

• Dubai Marina
• Downtown / Business Bay
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
• Palm Jumeirah
• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
• Dubai Hills (family-focused master communities)

Freehold vs long lease vs usufruct: what you’re really buying

Buyers often see “freehold” and assume it means the same thing everywhere in the world. In Dubai, the key point is that the title type defines your rights. In designated areas, foreign nationals may hold freehold ownership or other real property rights such as long lease or usufruct (often up to 99 years).

Freehold

• You own the property outright (and, depending on the title, associated rights in the land/building).
• You can sell, rent, and generally transfer ownership in line with the rules for that project and the DLD process.

Long lease / leasehold

• You hold rights to use the property for a defined term (commonly long periods).
• This can still work well for some buyers, but resale dynamics and lender appetite can differ.

Usufruct

• A right to use and benefit from the property for a period, subject to the agreement and registration.
• It’s crucial to understand what transfers to a new buyer if you sell mid-term.

Fees and costs when buying property in Dubai

The purchase price is only part of the budget. A premium buying experience is about knowing your numbers early — so you don’t get squeezed at transfer day. Costs vary by deal, but there are common headings most buyers will see.

DLD transfer fee and trustee / registration charges

• DLD transfer fee: commonly 4% of the sale value, and the DLD “property sale registration” service page also shows a typical structure where buyer pays 2% and seller pays 2% (unless agreed otherwise).
• Service partner / trustee fees: the DLD property sale registration page lists service partner fees that can depend on the property value (for example, different fees above/below certain thresholds), plus admin items such as title deed issuance and map charges.

Agent commission and other common costs

• Agency commission: often around 2% (plus VAT where applicable) — confirm up front.
• Developer NOC fee: commonly payable on resale in many communities (varies by developer and building).
• Service charges: ongoing annual charges for building/community upkeep. Dubai provides a service to check approved service charges via a service charge index.
• Mortgage-related fees: if you finance, there may be bank valuation, arrangement, and mortgage registration charges.

Step-by-step: how to purchase property in Dubai

Buyers often ask “how does buying property in Dubai work?” The detail varies slightly between ready property (resale) and off-plan, but the spine of the process is consistent: reserve, verify, transfer/register, and collect your ownership proof.

Off-plan purchases: what changes?

Off-plan can be attractive for payment plans and new stock, but the process is different to a resale. DLD’s “Oqood” portal is part of how off-plan units and initial sales are registered and managed within official systems. For buyers, the key is to confirm the developer’s track record, escrow arrangements, handover expectations, and what happens if timelines move.

Buying property in Dubai with a mortgage (resident and non-resident)

“Buying property in Dubai mortgage” searches are common for a reason: finance rules affect your options. Some buyers pay cash for speed; others prefer leverage. Either way, get clarity early — especially if you’re buying property in Dubai as a non-resident.

How much deposit do you need?

The UAE Central Bank rulebook includes maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for mortgage lending (for example, limits that change depending on property value). In practice, banks often apply stricter affordability and deposit requirements for non-residents than for UAE residents.

• UAE residents (expats): some banks advertise financing up to 80% of property value for eligible applicants.
• Non-residents: some lenders advertise borrowing up to around 60%, meaning a larger deposit is typically required.

Buying property in Dubai without interest

Some buyers look for “buying property in Dubai without interest”. In the UAE, Shari’ah-compliant home finance exists (often structured differently from conventional interest-based loans). What matters is choosing a product that fits your goals, timeline, and affordability — and understanding all fees and early settlement terms.

Buying a house in Dubai and getting a visa: what’s realistic

There’s a lot of confusion online around “buy house in Dubai and get visa” or “buy property in Dubai and get Golden Visa”. The honest answer is this: buying a property does not automatically grant residency. However, property ownership can support certain residency routes if you meet the official criteria and apply through the correct channels.

Golden Visa (property investor route)

Dubai Land Department’s Golden Visa investor service page lists conditions including a property value threshold (for example, AED 2 million), ownership requirements, and notes that mortgaged property may be accepted subject to specific documentation (such as a bank no-objection letter). The page also states the applicant must be inside the UAE to apply.

Does buying property in Dubai give you residency?

Potentially — but it depends on the visa category, the property value, and the applicant’s circumstances. If residency is part of your plan, treat it as a separate workstream: confirm visa criteria first, then buy a property that aligns with those requirements rather than hoping the property “creates” the visa.

Buying property in Dubai and renting it out

Renting out can be a strong part of the Dubai proposition — and many buyers ask “can I buy property in Dubai and rent it out?” Yes, in most cases you can, but you’ll want to plan the operational side properly.

Key practical points for landlords

• Tenancy registration (Ejari): Dubai Land Department provides an official service to register or renew tenancy contracts through Ejari.
• Service charges: they can materially affect net returns, so check approved charges via the service charge index before you buy.
• Rent increases and market checks: Dubai also provides a rental index service to help calculate rental increases and market averages.

Risks and pitfalls when buying property in Dubai

Dubai can be wonderfully smooth when the deal is clean. Problems usually arise when buyers rush, rely on verbal assurances, or don’t verify paperwork. Below are the pitfalls we see most often — including from people asking “is buying property in Dubai safe?” or “do not buy property in Dubai”.

1) Not confirming the legal status of what you’re buying

• Buying in the wrong area (not eligible for the ownership type you assumed)
• Confusion between freehold, long lease, and other rights
• Not checking building rules that affect rentals (short-term letting, for example)

2) Underestimating running costs

• Service charges can be significant in amenity-heavy towers and communities
• Fit-out, furnishing, and snagging costs add up fast
• Vacancy periods and letting fees should be part of your model

3) Treating “visa outcomes” as guaranteed

If residency is your goal, always follow official criteria. Plan for the possibility that processing times, document requirements, or thresholds shift.

4) Skipping proper due diligence on resales

• Outstanding fees or disputes tied to the unit/building
• Unclear seller authority or missing documents
• Rushing transfer timelines without a clean paper trail

Buying property in Dubai vs UK (and Dubai vs Sharjah)

Comparisons help you decide with confidence — especially if you’re weighing “buy property in UK or Dubai” or looking at “buying property in Dubai vs Sharjah”. Rather than claiming one is “better”, we recommend comparing what matters most to you.

Dubai vs UK: the homeowner/investor lens

• Process: Dubai transfers can be fast once documents are ready, whereas UK conveyancing can feel slower and more back-and-forth.
• Ongoing costs: Dubai has service charges; the UK has its own mix of taxes and ownership costs. Think in “all-in annual ownership cost”.
• Usage: If you want a lifestyle base, consider seasonality, travel patterns, and how often you’ll realistically use the home.

Dubai vs Sharjah: what to compare

• Ownership rules: different emirates have different designated areas and regulations.
• Commute and lifestyle: schools, travel time, and amenities can change the daily experience.
• Rental demand: tenant profiles and demand drivers can differ by emirate and location.

FAQs: Buying Property in Dubai

Key facts snapshot: Buying Property in Dubai

Next steps (the calm way to move forward)

1. Decide your “why”. Lifestyle, investment, or a blend — this shapes everything.
2. Pick 2–3 target areas. Then compare building quality, service charges, and rental demand.
3. Line up documents early. Passport copies, proof of funds, and (if needed) mortgage pre-approval.
4. Run due diligence before you reserve. Especially if you’re buying remotely.
5. Speak to DLH. We’ll help you keep the process clean, premium, and buyer-safe.

Useful external links (official references)

• Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration (fees and process)
• Dubai Land Department: Golden Visa (investor) service
• UAE Government portal: Golden Visa overview
• Dubai Land Department: Know your rights (ownership in designated areas)
• Dubai Land Department: Register / renew Ejari contract
• Dubai Land Department: Service charge index
• Dubai Land Department: Rental index
• UAE Central Bank rulebook: mortgage lending regulations

Final thoughts

Buying in Dubai can be an exceptional move — but the “best” purchase is always the one that fits your goals, your budget, and your risk comfort. If you treat paperwork and due diligence as part of the luxury experience (rather than an annoying delay), you’ll avoid most of the common headaches.

If you’d like, our DLH team can help you sense-check areas, run a buyer-safe checklist, and guide you through the cleanest route to completion.