Dubai is one of the few major cities where foreigners can own property outright, with no annual property tax and a transparent, government-regulated buying process. If you are buying in Dubai for the first time, this step-by-step guide explains how the process works, which costs to budget for and how to avoid common mistakes.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents and UAE residents of any nationality can buy freehold property in designated areas such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, Dubai Hills and many more. Freehold means you own the property and the land share indefinitely, and you can sell, rent out or pass it on.
Step-by-step: buying a ready (resale) property
- Set your budget and goal — home or investment, cash or mortgage. If you need a mortgage, get a pre-approval first.
- Choose a RERA-licensed agent and view properties. Every advertised listing must carry a DLD advertisement permit (Trakheesi).
- Agree the price and sign the MOU (Form F) — the sale agreement between buyer and seller, usually with a 10% security deposit cheque.
- Developer NOC — the seller obtains a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges.
- Transfer at a DLD Trustee Office — buyer and seller (or their representatives) meet, payments are made and the new title deed is issued in your name, often the same day.
Step-by-step: buying off-plan
- Choose the project and unit, and review the developer’s track record.
- Pay the booking amount and sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
- The developer registers your purchase with the DLD on the Oqood system.
- Pay the instalments according to the payment plan during construction.
- On completion, pay the final amount, receive the keys and your title deed.
Costs to budget for
On top of the purchase price, plan for roughly 6–8% in additional costs for a ready property. The main items are:
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the purchase price.
- Agency commission: typically 2% + VAT.
- Trustee Office fee: around AED 2,000–4,000 + VAT depending on the price.
- DLD title deed / admin fees: a few hundred dirhams.
- Mortgage costs (if applicable): mortgage registration at 0.25% of the loan amount plus bank processing and valuation fees.
Fees are set by the authorities and banks and can change, so always ask for an up-to-date cost breakdown before you sign.
Mortgages for non-UAE nationals
Banks in the UAE lend to residents and, in many cases, non-residents. For a first home, expatriates can usually borrow up to around 80% of the value for properties up to AED 5 million (lower percentages above that and for off-plan purchases). Get a pre-approval early so you know exactly what you can afford.
Golden Visa through property
Investing in property worth AED 2 million or more can make you eligible for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa, subject to the current conditions of the authorities. This makes Dubai real estate attractive not only as an investment but as a long-term base for you and your family.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a deposit before checking the listing’s permit and the agent’s RERA licence.
- Ignoring service charges, which directly affect your rental return.
- Buying off-plan without reviewing the developer’s delivery history and the escrow arrangements.
- Forgetting to budget for the 4% DLD fee and other costs.
Buy with confidence
Sajio Real Estate guides local and international clients through every step — from shortlisting and negotiation to the final transfer at the Trustee Office. Browse our properties or book a free consultation with our team.