Dubai Marina is the city's most established waterfront district — a 3.5-kilometre man-made canal lined with residential towers, promenade restaurants, and a working marina that berths everything from day cruisers to superyachts. It's dense, walkable, and unapologetically urban. Our take: this is the area that put Dubai on the global rental map, and it hasn't lost its edge. Whether you're buying a studio for yield, a full-floor apartment for personal use, or hunting a branded residence before handover, the Marina's depth of supply and liquidity make it one of the few places in Dubai where you can genuinely buy and sell on your own timeline.
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?
