A SIMPLE FAQ GUIDE FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO BUY PROPERTY IN DUBAI
1. What types of property ownership are available?
Dubai offers three types of ownership:
· Freehold – Full ownership with no time limit
· Leasehold – Long-term lease up to 99 years
· Usufruct – Right to use the property for a fixed term
2. Can expatriates buy property in Dubai?
Yes. According to the article 4 of the Law No.7, non-UAE nationals have the right to buy properties in certain areas determined by the Ruler.
Under Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai and Resolution No. (14) of 2015 Adding Land to the Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals of Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai, expatriates can purchase property in designated freehold areas;
Umm Hurair 2
Emirates Hills 3
Al Rowyah
Al Quoz Industrial Area 2
Palm Jumeirah
Al Barsha South 2
Jebel Ali
Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Quoz Industrial Area 3
Nad Al Sheba
Al Barsha South 3
Al Jaddaf
Sofouh 1
Mirdif
Warsan 1
Emirates Hills 1
The World Islands
Sofouh 2
Dubai Marina
Trade Centre Second
Emirates Hills
Ras Al Khor
Al Quoz 3
Palm Jebel Ali
Madinat Al Mataar
NB: Dubai Land Department (DLD) does not allow foreign companies to directly own real estate in Dubai. A foreign company must establish a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) or such other free zone approved by the DLD from time to time and shall register the real estate it intends to purchase in the name of the Dubai free zone company so established.For more information, please refer to the guidance provided by the Government: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/moving-to-the-uae/expatriates-buying-a-property-in-the-uae
3. What documents do I need to buy a property in Dubai?
You will typically need:
• A valid Passport
• Emirates ID (if resident)
• Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
• Buyer/Seller Forms (Form F)
• Proof of payment for the 4% DLD registration fee
4. What fees do buyers need to pay?
The major fees include:
• 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee
• Approx. AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 depending on the transaction type
• NOC fee from the developer (AED 1,000–5,000)
• Agent commission (usually 2%)
5. How do I verify if a property is genuine and safe to buy?
You should check:
• Title deed authenticity
• Outstanding mortgages
• Service charge history
• Developer NOC
• RERA approvals
• Physical inspection of the property
You can verify many details through the DLD REST App (please refer to the real estate shield) or though the Dubai Land Department.
o Dubai Rest App : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dubai-rest/id1437805105
o Dubai Land Department: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/title-deed-verification-overview/title-deed-verification#/
6. What should I check before buying a ready (completed) property?
• Title deed
• Mortgage clearance status
• Service charges and maintenance history
• NOC from developer
• Ejari (if rented) and whether the landlord has given notice to sell or not
• Building condition
• Market value and rental demand
• Parking availability and chiller provider
7. What should I check before buying an off-plan property?
• Developer reputation
• Status of the Property
• Project escrow account
• Oqood registration
• RERA approvals
• Construction progress
• Payment plan
• Handover date and penalties
• Warranty and snagging rights
8. How do I verify a developer's escrow account?
You can verify escrow details through:
• DLD REST App ( trac project details)
• RERA’s project inquiry system
NB: Payments should only be made to the project’s designated escrow account.
9. What is Oqood and why is it important?
Oqood is the Dubai Land Department’s system for registering off-plan property sales, protecting buyers and ensuring legal ownership until the final Title Deed is issued. The Oqood certificate provides legal assurance to buyers for off-plan properties that are still being built.
How it works:
I. The buyer signs the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) for an off-plan property.
II. The buyer makes the initial payment required by the developer.
III. The developer submits the buyer’s details to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the Oqood system.
IV. DLD issues the Oqood certificate in the buyer’s name
NB:
· The buyer does not register Oqood directly.
· The developer must complete Oqood registration within the required timeframe.
· Oqood proves that
o the official buyer,
o the off-plan unit is legally reserved for the particular individual
o the payments are linked to the escrow account.
· If the developer delays registration, the buyer may follow up and request immediate registration
o because the buyer cannot resell (assign) the unit without Oqood.
o The buyer cannot get a final Title Deed later without Oqood.
10. Are there property taxes in Dubai?
Dubai does not charge:
· Property tax
· Income tax on rent
· Capital gains tax
· Inheritance tax
So, this makes it one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.
11. What determines rental prices in Dubai?
Rent is influenced by:
· Location and connectivity
· Property type and quality
· Building age and facilities
· Supply and demand
· RERA Rental Index (used at renewal)
· Community development and amenities
12. How can I check the rent for a property?
Use the RERA INDEX to see the legally permitted rent range and renewal increase limits. If it is a rented property, the landlord shall give 90 days’ notice to increase the rent.
RERA INDEX: <https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/>
13. What are the benefits of buying property in Dubai?
· High rental yields (6–10%)
· Zero taxes
· Strong capital appreciation
· Transparent property laws
· Stable economy and business environment
· Excellent safety and infrastructure
14. Do I need to be a resident to buy property in Dubai?
No. Residents and non-residents can both buy freehold property in designated areas (please refer to the point 2).
15. How long does the buying process take?
Once the buyer and seller agree, the actual transfer at a DLD Trustee Office usually takes one to two hours. However, before completing the transfer, the buyer should carry out proper due diligence to avoid any unexpected issues.
16. Can I buy a rented property?
Yes.
In this case, the buyer becomes the new landlord, and the tenancy continues under the same terms until expiry. Eviction requires a twelve-month notice. The notice must be given through the notary public or registered post. Other ways of communication cannot be enforceable. If the seller (old landlord) hasn’t served the notice to sell, the tenancy contract can be renewed.
17. What happens if the seller has a mortgage?
The seller must obtain a mortgage clearance letter from the bank. The buyer’s payment is usually deposited to clear the loan before the transfer.
18. What is the role of the DLD Trustee Offices?
They handle:
· Title deed transfer
· Collection of DLD fees
· Verification of documents
· Completion of ownership registration
19. Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Many banks offer mortgages to non-resident buyers with certain conditions and minimum down payments.
20. Is buying off-plan safe in Dubai?
Yes, if:
· The project is approved by RERA
· Funds go to escrow
· Oqood registration is completed
· You choose a reputable developer
Dubai has strong laws protecting off-plan buyers. As an example, the real estate violation complains service of DLD accepts the complains and investigates the matters relating to real estate property violations. You can get accessed through the following link:https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rvs-violation-complaint-overview/rvs-violation-complaint#/
Published by Lexora Legal Consultants on 21 November 2025
(This FAQ is provided by Lexora Legal Consultants for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.)