Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?+
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase property in any of Dubai's designated freehold areas, with full ownership and no UAE residency required. Freehold zones include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate and dozens of other communities.
What is the minimum down payment for property in Dubai?+
For expatriate buyers, UAE Central Bank rules require a 20% down payment on properties under AED 5 million and 30% on properties above. UAE nationals pay 15% and 20% respectively. Off-plan purchases typically follow developer-set payment plans starting at 10–20% on booking.
What fees should I expect when buying property in Dubai?+
Typical one-time costs are: 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, AED 4,000 DLD admin fee, 2% real estate agent commission (industry standard), AED 4,000 trustee/registration fee, and a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount if you're financing. Budget an additional 6–8% of the purchase price for fees in total.
What is RERA and why does it matter?+
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is the Dubai government body that licenses brokerages, registers listings, and protects buyers. Every legitimate listing in Dubai must carry a RERA permit number. Disruptive Real Estate operates under ORN 1167819.
Are there property taxes in Dubai?+
There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax on property in Dubai. The only recurring costs are service charges (paid to the building/community management), DEWA utility bills, and home insurance if you choose it.
What's the difference between off-plan and ready property?+
Ready (or 'secondary') property is built and ready to move in or rent out. Off-plan property is sold before or during construction, usually directly from the developer. Off-plan benefits: lower entry price, payment plans, choice of unit/floor, potential capital appreciation. Trade-off: completion risk and waiting time (typically 2–4 years).
How long does the buying process take?+
For ready property, the full process from offer to handover typically takes 30–60 days, depending on whether you're using a mortgage. The DLD transfer itself happens on a single day at a registration trustee office. Off-plan purchases are signed and registered with the developer immediately, with handover at project completion.
Do I need a residency visa to buy property in Dubai?+
No, you do not need a UAE residence visa to buy property. However, owning property worth AED 750,000+ entitles you to apply for a 2-year investor visa, and AED 2 million+ qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?+
Yes, several UAE banks offer mortgages to non-resident buyers, though terms are stricter: typically maximum 50% loan-to-value, higher interest rates, and shorter loan tenors. Resident expats can borrow up to 80% on a primary residence.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?+
Freehold means full, perpetual ownership of the property and the land it sits on, registered in the buyer's name with the DLD. Leasehold grants the right to use the property for a fixed term (typically 99 years) without owning the underlying land. Most foreign-buyer activity in Dubai is in designated freehold zones.
