Freehold areas
Non-UAE nationals can buy property outright, in their own name, in the areas the Dubai government has designated as freehold. These include most of the communities international buyers look at first: Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills and Business Bay among them.
You do not need to be resident in the UAE to buy, and there is no requirement to use a local partner.
How a purchase works
On a secondary (resale) property, buyer and seller agree terms and sign the RERA sale agreement, known as Form F, and the buyer pays a deposit, typically 10% of the price. The seller then obtains a no-objection certificate from the developer.
Transfer takes place at a Dubai Land Department registration trustee office, where the balance is paid, the fees are settled and the new title deed is issued in the buyer's name.
Off-plan purchases are made directly with the developer under a sale and purchase agreement, usually with a staged payment plan through to handover.
How we help
We check title and service charges, negotiate the price and terms, prepare the paperwork and attend the transfer with you, or on your behalf if you are buying from abroad.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees and rules change, so confirm the current position before you commit.