Palm Jumeirah is Dubai's most recognisable address — a man-made archipelago stretching into the Arabian Gulf that has, over two decades, become one of the most sought-after residential postcodes on the planet. It draws ultra-high-net-worth buyers, long-term residents who want beachfront living without leaving the city, and investors chasing trophy assets that hold value through cycles. Our honest take: the Palm is not a bargain market, and it was never meant to be. What it offers is scarcity, sea views on three sides, and a brand name that travels. If you're weighing up where to place serious capital in Dubai, this is one of the few addresses that genuinely justifies a premium.
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?
