Freehold ownership: the short answer
Since 2002, foreign nationals of any nationality can own freehold property in designated freehold zones. In 2026, virtually every ultra-prime community in Dubai — Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills, Downtown, Marina, DIFC, Business Bay — is fully freehold. Ownership is registered at the Dubai Land Department in the buyer's name, with a Title Deed issued the same day the transfer completes.
The seven documented steps
- 1
Define the brief
Budget, location, use-case, hold period. A good brief eliminates 80% of the market before you view a single property.
- 2
Engage a private acquisition advisor
A buyer-side advisor represents you exclusively — not the seller — and unlocks access to off-market inventory that never reaches public portals.
- 3
Shortlist and inspect
Physical inspection, DLD records, community service charge history, building financials for apartments, structural due diligence for villas.
- 4
Sign the MOU (Form F)
Formal Memorandum of Understanding at 10% deposit, held by the broker or a lawyer. This is the point of legal commitment.
- 5
Obtain the developer NOC
The developer issues a No-Objection Certificate confirming no outstanding service charges. Typically 3–7 working days, AED 500–5,000.
- 6
Bank valuation and mortgage (if financed)
The bank appoints a RICS-qualified valuer; mortgage approval and pre-issuance follow. Cash buyers skip this step.
- 7
DLD transfer and Title Deed
Attendance (or by POA) at a DLD Registration Trustee. Manager's cheques exchanged; Title Deed issued the same day.
Costs to plan for
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of purchase price |
| Agency fee (where applicable) | ~2% + 5% VAT |
| Title Deed issuance | AED 4,000 |
| Trustee registration | AED 4,200 |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | 0.25% of loan amount |
| NOC fee | AED 500 – 5,000 |
Total transaction costs typically fall in the 6–8% range for a ready property purchase.
Golden Visa & taxes
A property purchase of AED 2 million or more qualifies the buyer and immediate family for a 10-year renewable UAE Golden Visa. Off-plan and mortgaged properties both qualify. There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax on Dubai residential property. The only recurring costs are the community service charge (paid to the developer or Owners Association) and utilities.
Financing as a non-resident
Non-resident buyers can typically borrow up to 50–60% LTV from a UAE bank; residents can borrow up to 80%. Rates in 2026 sit in the 4–6% range depending on tenor and product. Some non-resident mortgages require a minimum salary threshold; private banking clients can often arrange bespoke Lombard structures against portfolio assets.
Frequently asked
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Since 2002, foreign nationals of any nationality can buy freehold property in designated freehold zones — which now include almost every ultra-prime community: Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, Downtown, Marina, DIFC, and Business Bay. Ownership is registered in the buyer's name at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) with a Title Deed.
What are the total transaction costs in Dubai?
Expect roughly 6–8% of the purchase price in total costs for a ready property: 4% DLD transfer fee, ~2% agency fee (where applicable), AED 4,000 title deed issuance fee, ~AED 4,200 trustee registration, and mortgage registration fees of 0.25% of the loan amount if financed. For off-plan, the DLD Oqood fee is 4% of the purchase price at booking.
Do I need to be in Dubai to buy?
No. A signed Power of Attorney (POA), notarised and apostilled from your home country, allows an advisor or lawyer to complete the entire transaction on your behalf — including opening a bank account, signing the MOU, and registering the Title Deed at the DLD.
Does buying property qualify me for a Golden Visa?
Yes. A property purchase of AED 2 million or more qualifies the buyer (and their family) for a 10-year renewable UAE Golden Visa. The property can be ready or off-plan, mortgaged or cash-purchased. The visa is tied to continued ownership.
Is there any property tax in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax on Dubai residential property. The only recurring costs are the community service charge (paid to the developer/OA), and DEWA (utilities) — both paid by the owner.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, but with tighter LTV limits. Non-resident buyers can typically borrow up to 50–60% of a property's value from a UAE bank. Residents can borrow up to 80%. Rates in 2026 sit broadly in the 4–6% range depending on tenor, fixed vs variable, and bank.
How long does a Dubai property purchase take?
A cash purchase of a ready property, start to Title Deed, is typically 2–4 weeks. A mortgaged purchase is 4–8 weeks depending on the bank. An off-plan booking is same-day at the developer's sales office, with SPA signed within 30 days.