Dubai Islands

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can own freehold property in designated areas of Dubai. These include popular locations like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and many other designated zones. Foreign ownership is 100% freehold in these areas.

What visa benefits come with property ownership?

Property investors can obtain residence visas based on their investment amount: - 2-year Investor Visa: For properties worth AED 750,000 or more - 5 - -year Investor Visa: For properties worth AED 1 million or more - 10-year Golden Visa: For properties worth AED 2 million or more - Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members and don't require a local sponsor

What are the main costs involved in buying property?

Key costs include: - Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee: 4% of property value - Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of loan amount (if applicable) - Trustee office fee ( registration ): AED 4,000 for off-plan properties - Property valuation ( mortgage ): AED 2,500-5,000

What's the current state of Dubai's real estate market in 2025?

Dubai's real estate market is experiencing strong growth with several key trends: - Property prices expected to grow 8 - 15% annually in 2025 - Average rental yields of approximately 7 - 10% - 60% of sales are off-plan ( under construction ) properties - Strong demand for waterfront living and well-connected neighborhoods

Which areas are most popular for buyers in 2025?

For Apartments: Dubai islands, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Palm Jumeirah are top choices. For Villas: Damac islands, Al Furjan, Damac Hills 2, Dubai Hills Estate, and Palm Jumeirah lead buyer preferences.

Should I buy ready property or off-plan?

Both have advantages: - Off-plan: Lower prices, flexible payment plans, potential for capital appreciation, modern amenities - Ready property: Immediate rental income, no construction risks, ability to inspect before buying, immediate occupancy

Can foreigners get mortgages in Dubai?

Yes, non-residents can obtain mortgages from UAE banks. Typical conditions: - Down payment: 40-50% for non-residents - Maximum loan tenure: 25 years - Income requirements: Minimum monthly income varies by bank - Interest rates: Currently ranging from 3.5% to 7%

What payment plans are available for off-plan properties?

Developers typically offer flexible payment plans: - 10-20% down payment - Progress-based payments during construction (usually 50-60%) - Balance on completion (20-40%) - Some developers offer post-handover payment plans up to 5 years

What rental yields can I expect?

Average rental yields in Dubai are around 8%, but vary by location: - Premium areas: 5-6% - Mid-market areas: 8 - 10% - Emerging areas: 8-10% - Commercial properties: Often higher than residential

Are there any restrictions on renting out my property?

No major restrictions exist for renting freehold properties. Key points: - Properties can be rented furnished or unfurnished - Rent is typically paid annually or in multiple cheques - Tenancy contracts must be registered with Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)

Are there any ongoing taxes on property ownership?

Dubai has minimal property-related taxes: - No annual property tax - No capital gains tax - Service charges: Vary by development (typically AED 5-25 per sq ft annually)

What happens when I sell my property?

When selling: - No capital gains tax - DLD transfer fee: 4% of sale price - Real estate agent commission: Typically 2% ( secondary market ), 0% commission paid in off plan market - NOC (No Objection Certificate) fees from developer if applicable

How long does the buying process take?

Timeline varies: - Ready property: 2-4 weeks from offer acceptance to completion - Off-plan property: Construction period varies (typically 2-4 years) - Mortgage approval: 2-4 weeks for UAE residents, 4-6 weeks for non-residents

Do I need to be present in Dubai to buy property?

Not necessarily. You can: - Appoint a legal representative with Power of Attorney - Complete the transaction remotely through authorized representatives or broker - However, physical presence is recommended for viewing properties and mortgage applications while dealing with secondary market

What should I look for in a property management company?

Key factors include: - RERA license and registration - Experience in your property type and location - Transparent fee structure - Comprehensive services (tenant sourcing, maintenance, financial reporting) - Good reputation and references

What's the forecast for Dubai real estate in 2025-2026?

Market predictions show: - Continued price growth of 8 - 10% annually - Strong rental demand due to population growth - Focus on luxury and waterfront properties - Sustained interest from international investors - Growth in sustainable and smart home technologies

Is now a good time to invest in Dubai real estate?

Current market conditions favor investors: - Competitive prices compared to global cities - High rental yields - Strong economic fundamentals - Government initiatives supporting real estate sector - Growing expatriate population driving demand