Dubai’s property market continues to attract buyers from around the world, supported by strong fundamentals, an investor-friendly environment and a transparent regulatory framework. For first-time and international buyers, understanding the terminology, key steps, costs and requirements can make the process a lot smoother.
This guide takes you through buying property in Dubai, from setting your budget and choosing the right property to completing the purchase and receiving your title deed.
Can International Buyers Own Property in Dubai?
International buyers can now own freehold property in designated areas of Dubai without needing UAE residency. Popular freehold communities include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Dubai Hills Estate.
While residency is not required to acquire property, purchasing real estate with a qualifying value of AED 2 million or more can make investors eligible for the renewable 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Under current regulations, this threshold applies to completed properties, mortgaged homes, and qualifying off-plan purchases, subject to standard immigration and developer/bank clearance criteria.
Before proceeding to the next step, it is important for buyers to confirm the property is eligible for freehold ownership and review the latest residency and visa requirements.
Key Considerations Before Buying
A well-considered purchase starts with understanding your goals and setting a clear budget.
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Budget and financing
Decide whether you are buying with cash or a mortgage, and account for fees beyond the property price.
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Investment or personal use
Your objective will shape the right property, location and amenities for you.
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Location and property type
Research the community, connectivity, lifestyle and long-term potential before choosing a property.
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Ready-to-move or off-plan property
Choose between immediate ownership and rental potential with a ready-to-move property, or flexible payment plans and longer-term potential with an off-plan property.
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Secondary market (resale) properties
These properties are resold by an existing owner rather than the developer. They often sit in established communities with visible rental history, though typically with less flexibility on payment terms than a primary purchase.
What Is the Difference Between Ready-to-Move, Secondary Market and Off-Plan Properties?
Ready-to-move properties are completed and available for immediate ownership or rental. You can inspect the physical property before buying and have a better idea of the condition, value and handover. Buyers can also move in or begin generating rental income soon after purchasing the property.
Secondary market properties are properties that are resold by an existing investor or homeowner rather than directly by the developer. While most secondary transactions involve completed, ready homes in established communities with proven rental track records, the secondary market also includes off-plan resales, where an existing owner assigns their Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) before project handover.
Off-plan properties are purchased directly from master or private developers prior to or during construction. Off-plan purchases are governed by structured, milestone-linked payment plans (e.g., 60/40 or 70/30) and often feature attractive launch pricing, broad inventory selection, and capital appreciation potential during construction.
Buyers also have the advantage of choosing from a wider selection of units and, in some cases, benefit from the potential price growth as the project progresses over time.
The right choice depends on your goals. Ready-to-move and secondary market properties may suit buyers seeking immediate use or rental income, while off-plan properties can appeal to those with a longer investment goal.
Finding the Right Property
Once your budget and priorities are clear, you can begin your search through reliable property portals, developers or a trusted real estate agency.
When choosing an agent, make sure they are RERA registered and hold a valid broker license.
As a reputable property advisory company, Prima Luxury can help you:
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Shortlist verified properties that match your requirements
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Assess pricing and market conditions
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Arrange viewings, including remotely for international buyers
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Guide you through negotiation, documentation and due diligence
Working with the right advisor can save a lot of valuable time and make the buying process very seamless.
Securing Mortgage Pre-Approval
If you are planning to finance your property, getting a mortgage pre-approval early can help you understand your borrowing capacity and set a realistic budget. It also allows you to focus on suitable properties and strengthens your position when making an offer.
Under UAE Central Bank mortgage regulations, maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits for foreign and expatriate buyers are generally structured as follows:
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Properties valued up to AED 5 million: Up to 80% LTV (minimum 20% cash down payment).
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Properties valued above AED 5 million: Up to 70% LTV (minimum 30% cash down payment).
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Off-plan properties: Typically capped at 50% LTV.
Since lending criteria vary between residents and non-residents, speak with a bank or qualified mortgage advisor before beginning your search.
Steps to Buying a Ready-to-Move Property in Dubai
For a typical ready-to-move property resale, the process generally follows these steps:
1. Property search and viewing
Shortlist and view suitable properties based on your budget, location and requirements.
2. Offer and negotiation
Agree on the purchase price, payment terms, completion date and other conditions with the seller.
3. Unified Contract of Sale ( RERA Form F / MOU)
Once commercial terms are agreed upon, your broker prepares Contract F (commonly known as Form F or the MOU) via the DLD Broker Portal / Dubai REST application. Both buyer and seller sign this legally binding contract digitally. At this stage, the buyer typically provides a 10% security deposit via a Manager’s Cheque made out to the seller (or held in escrow by the registered brokerage/conveyancing firm) until completion.
4. Due diligence
Verify ownership, legal status, outstanding charges and other relevant property details.
5. Developer No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The seller applies for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the master developer. The developer issues the NOC only after confirming that all outstanding service charges, utility dues, and administrative fees have been cleared in full.
6. DLD transfer
Both parties (or their legal representatives acting under a notarised Power of Attorney) attend a DLD-licensed Registration Trustee office to execute the final transfer. The remaining purchase balance, DLD transfer fees, and trustee fees are settled using bank-issued Manager’s Cheques (or approved DLD digital payment channels).
7. Title deed
Once the transfer is completed, the DLD issues the title deed in the buyer's name.
Off-Plan Property Purchases
Off-plan property purchases follow a slightly different process:
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Reservation & SPA
The buyer pays an initial booking deposit and signs a formal Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer.
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Oqood Registration
The property is registered on the Dubai Land Department’s interim real estate register (Oqood), safeguarding the buyer’s rights during construction.
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Regulated Escrow Accounts
Under UAE law, all buyer payments must be deposited strictly into the project’s DLD-approved Escrow Account. Funds are released to the developer only in verified stages aligned with audited construction progress.
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Handover & Final Title Deed
Once the project receives its Building Completion Certificate (BCC), a pre-handover inspection is conducted, final accounts are settled, and the DLD issues the Title Deed.
What to Check During Due Diligence
Before completing a purchase, verify the property's key legal and financial details, such as:
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Ownership and title
Confirm the seller is the registered owner and check for any legal issues.
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Mortgage and outstanding charges
Check for existing mortgages, service charges or other amounts due.
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Property documents
Review the title deed, approved floor plan and any relevant modifications.
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Off-plan projects
Check the developer's track record, project registration, construction progress and approved escrow arrangements.
For international buyers, a trusted property advisor or legal representative can help complete these checks.
Documents Required to Buy Property
Document requirements can vary depending on the property, transaction type and whether financing is involved. Buyers should generally expect to provide:
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Valid passport copy
For identity verification and property registration.
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UAE Emirates ID and visa, if applicable
Required for UAE residents.
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Proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval
Demonstrates the ability to complete the purchase.
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Signed MOU / Form F or SPA
Records the agreed terms of the purchase.
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No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Confirms that a resale property is cleared for transfer.
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Passport-size photographs, if required
May be requested for certain registration or transaction procedures.
Costs to Consider Before Buying
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should also take into account government charges, professional fees and other transaction costs. Some are calculated as a percentage of the property or loan value, while others are fixed or vary by developer and transaction type.
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DLD transfer fee
4% of the purchase price, plus an administrative fee of AED 580 (for apartments and villas) or AED 40 (for land). While Law No. 7 of 2013 provides that this fee is split equally between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise, standard Dubai market practice places this fee on the buyer.
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Oqood Registration Fee (Off-Plan Properties)
4% of the purchase price, plus administrative fees (typically between AED 1,000 and AED 3,000 depending on project and developer registration).
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Agency commission
Typically around 2% of the purchase price, plus 5% VAT, where applicable.
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DLD trustee office fee
AED 4,000 + 5% VAT for properties valued at AED 500,000 or more, and AED 2,000 + 5% VAT for properties below AED 500,000.
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Title deed issuance fee
AED 250 for the Title Deed, with additional map and administrative charges potentially applicable depending on the property and transaction.
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NOC fee
Charged by the developer to clear the resale transfer, generally ranging between AED 500 and AED 5,000 + VAT depending on the developer and turnaround time.
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Mortgage registration fee
0.25% of the mortgage value, plus applicable registration or service charges.
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DEWA connection deposit
Refundable security deposit of AED 2,000 (apartments) or AED 4,000 (villas), plus connection/activation charges of approximately AED 130 to AED 330 (inclusive of VAT and Innovation/Knowledge fees).
These figures can vary depending on the property, developer, transaction structure and financing arrangements. Buyers should confirm the applicable charges with their property advisor, bank, developer or the relevant authority before completing the purchase.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Property?
The timeline depends on the property type and whether financing is involved. A cash purchase of a ready property can often be completed within one to two weeks, while a mortgage purchase typically takes around four to eight weeks.
Off-plan property purchases follow a longer timeline, with the title deed issued after the project is completed and handed over.
What Happens After Purchasing the Property
Once the DLD transfer is complete and the title deed is issued, you become the legally registered owner.
For ready properties, you can proceed with handover and receive the keys once the agreed conditions are met. For off-plan properties, handover takes place after completion and typically includes a snagging inspection to identify any issues.
After taking possession, you can set up your DEWA account and complete any required building or community registration. If the property is an investment, you can also arrange property management and begin the rental process.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Property
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Underestimating total costs
Budget for DLD fees, agency commission, trustee charges and other costs beyond the purchase price.
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Skipping due diligence
Verify ownership, outstanding charges and, for off-plan properties, the developer's track record and project status.
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Working with unverified parties
Confirm your broker is RERA registered and the developer and project are registered with the DLD.
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Signing without understanding the terms
Review the MOU/Form F or SPA carefully before signing, and seek legal advice if needed.
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Ignoring service charges
Consider annual service charges when comparing properties, particularly in developments with extensive amenities.
What Investors Should Consider
If you’re buying as an investment, consider rental yield, capital appreciation, location and future infrastructure alongside the purchase price.
Buying property in Dubai is accessible to both residents and international buyers. Set a clear budget, choose the right property, and complete thorough due diligence before committing.
At Prima Luxury Real Estate, we guide buyers through Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s property markets, offering trusted advice and personalized support at every stage of the journey.
Reviewed by Prima Luxury’s Real Estate Advisory Team to ensure the information reflects current Dubai property practices and transaction processes.
Sources
Bayut, Confirms the 4% DLD transfer fee, ~2% + VAT agency commission, and 0.25% mortgage registration fee cited in the costs section.
Property Finder, Confirms that secondary-market properties are resold by existing owners and can offer greater visibility into the property and established community.
Bayut, Substantiates the step-by-step transfer process and DLD admin fee figures.
Bayut, Basis for the Form F/MOU, 10% deposit, and documentation sections.
Bayut, Confirms the RERA-registered agent step and overall purchase sequence.
Dubai Land Department (DLD), Official authority for property registration, transfer fees, title deed issuance and the service charge index referenced throughout the guide.