Buy property in Dubai
Foreign nationals can buy property in Dubai with full ownership in designated freehold areas, and you do not need to be a resident to do it. Buying here is straightforward once you understand the process and the costs. Capital Gain guides you end to end, from shortlisting the right property to registration and handover, with honest, data-led advice at every step.
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Eligibility
Who can buy property in Dubai
Foreign nationals can buy freehold property with full ownership in Dubai's designated freehold areas, which include popular communities like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Circle. You do not need to live in the UAE or hold residency to buy.
Both UAE residents and overseas buyers can purchase, whether for a home or an investment. Owning property can also support your residency plans, and property valued at AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa.
Explore Dubai's communitiesThe process
How to buy property in Dubai, step by step
A quick overview of the journey. For a full walkthrough, see our complete buying guide.
Define your goals and budget
Decide whether you want a home or an investment, and how you will fund it, in cash or with a mortgage.
Arrange your finance
If you are using a mortgage, get pre-approval first, so you know your budget and can move quickly when you find the right property.
Shortlist and view
We help you find properties that fit your goals and give you an honest read on each one, including the trade-offs.
Make an offer and sign the agreement
Once your offer is accepted, both sides sign the sale agreement, and the buyer pays a deposit, usually 10% of the price.
Get the No Objection Certificate
The developer confirms there are no outstanding charges on the property, which clears the way for transfer.
Transfer ownership at the DLD
At the trustee office, the balance and fees are paid and the title deed is transferred into your name.
Take handover
You collect the keys and register your utilities. We stay with you through snagging and move-in.
Costs
What it costs to buy property in Dubai
Dubai charges no annual property tax and no capital gains tax, but there are one-time transaction costs to budget for. As a rule of thumb, set aside roughly 6% to 7% of the purchase price for fees, on top of your deposit or down payment.
| Cost | What to expect |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the purchase price, paid to the Dubai Land Department. Applies to both ready and off-plan property. |
| Trustee and registration fee | Around AED 4,000 plus VAT for properties above AED 500,000. |
| Title deed admin fee | Around AED 580 for apartments and offices. |
| Deposit at agreement | Usually 10% of the price, paid when the sale agreement is signed. This forms part of the purchase price, not an extra cost. |
| Mortgage down payment (if financing) | Under current Central Bank rules, expats generally need at least 20% for a first home under AED 5 million, and more for higher-value or additional properties. Non-residents usually need more. Your bank sets the exact figure. |
| Mortgage registration fee (if financing) | 0.25% of the loan amount, plus a small admin fee. |
| Agency commission | Resale purchases in Dubai typically include a real estate agency commission, a standard part of the market. We explain all costs clearly before you commit. |
Since a 2025 Central Bank directive, transaction fees such as the DLD fee and agency commission must be paid upfront in cash and cannot be added to your mortgage, so plan your available cash accordingly.
Figures based on Dubai Land Department and UAE Central Bank rules, current as of 2026. Rules can change and banks may apply their own limits. Last reviewed: [add date before launch].
Your advantage
How Capital Gain helps you buy
For investors
Buying as an investment
If you are buying to invest rather than to live, the questions change. Rental yield, tenant demand, resale liquidity, and service charges all shape your return, and the right community depends on whether you want income or growth. Our investment advisory helps you weigh these with real data, so your capital works as hard as it can. Ownership at AED 2 million or more can also qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Questions
Common questions about buying property in Dubai
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property with full ownership in Dubai's designated freehold areas, including communities like Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and JVC. You do not need UAE residency to buy, and the purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
In short: define your goals and budget, arrange finance if needed, shortlist and view, make an offer and sign the sale agreement with a deposit, obtain the developer's No Objection Certificate, then transfer ownership at the DLD and take handover. We guide you through each step.
Beyond the price, budget roughly 6% to 7% for one-time fees. The main charge is the 4% DLD transfer fee, plus trustee, registration, and, if you finance, mortgage fees. Dubai has no annual property tax or capital gains tax, which keeps long-term costs low.
Typically your passport, and your Emirates ID and visa if you are a resident. You will also need proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval, the signed sale agreement, and the developer's No Objection Certificate. We help you prepare and check everything before transfer.
Yes. You do not need to live in the UAE or hold residency to buy property in Dubai. Many overseas investors buy remotely, and much of the process can be handled through appointed representatives. We can guide international buyers through each step.
Off-plan offers lower entry prices and flexible payment plans, but you wait for handover and take some construction risk. Ready property earns income or lets you move in immediately. The right choice depends on your timeline, cash flow, and goals, which we help you weigh honestly.
Ready to buy in Dubai?
Tell us your budget and goals, and we will help you find the right property, price it fairly, and handle the process from offer to handover.