How to Buy Property in Dubai (Expats & Non-Residents)

Dubai’s booming real estate with its consistent growth and secure returns makes it one of the best cities to live in. In 2024, its real estate market reached a total of 180,900 transactions valued at AED 522.1 billion, marking the highest growth ever recorded. Buying property in Dubai is supposed to be an easy and blissful process, but if you rush into it without proper research, it can turn into quite a hassle. Invest time and effort in researching everything, exploring your options, speaking to professionals, and hearing from trusted sources before making a decision. 

Armed with this knowledge, both expats and non-residents can make an informed choice and enjoy the process of buying a property in Dubai. Read on to learn how to buy property in Dubai so you can advance confidently with your purchase.

Average cost of buying property in Dubai

Source: Properstar.sg

Step-by-Step Process of Buying Property in Dubai(Expats & Non-Residents)

A flow chart of the property buying process in Dubai

You should get to know the process of buying property in Dubai in order to feel more confident and make it an enjoyable and memorable experience. To do so, it is best to go over all the steps involved in the process like the documents you’ll need, signing a memorandum of understanding and more. Making sure you go over each step with careful consideration can help you avoid mistakes and further delays when buying a property.

1. Step: Find The Right Property

The type of property you choose should be based on your needs and preferences. The most common property types are apartments (usually ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units), villas, townhouses, and penthouses either in a building or in a closed, gated community. 

You can either buy a ready property, which means it’s 100% completed, or you can buy an off-plan property, which means that it is being planned or under construction (directly from developers or from another party). 

In Dubai, expats and non-residents can buy property in areas called freehold zones. Both non-residents (foreigners who don’t live in the UAE) and expats can own property there without restrictions. They can also have property for up to 99 years through rights like usufruct or leasehold.

Know How and Where to Look for The Right Property

When you’ve thought through the basics, you’ll want to know how and where to look for your perfect home. You can do this by visiting a good listing site and browsing the offering while filtering for your desired location, type, price, amenities, or other features. 

Contact an agent for more information when a specific property catches your attention, and then go to view it (if already built), or research the project, developers, plans and licenses (for off-plan). It’s not a good idea to choose a property without properly thinking it over or inspecting it carefully. Also, there are areas where expats and non-residents are allowed to buy properties, some of these neighborhoods include the popular Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.

2. Step: Find a Licensed Real Estate Agent

While it is true that property buying can be done by anyone and without a real estate agent, however, it might feel like a full time job. That is why a real estate agent is the right expert that can analyze the market for you, give you different options and act as your guide throughout the property buying process. Not only is the real estate agent well-versed in market trends but they also have negotiation skills and legal knowledge to help you secure the best deal for you in Dubai.

If you want a positive, smooth experience when buying property in Dubai, Kredium has the best real estate agents for you. The customized help allows you to go through all of the parts of the process knowing that you are not missing a single step.

3. Step: Gather Documents You Need to Buy Property in Dubai

Before diving into property ownership in Dubai, you should familiarize yourself with the documents you need and their purpose. Having the right paperwork like the no-objection certificate, memorandum of understanding and others allows you to have a seamless experience. A real estate agent can help you stay on track by making sure that all the documents are drafted accurately and submitted on time. In the table below we compiled a list of documents and their purpose for property purchase in Dubai.

Required Documents for Property Purchase in Dubai (Expats and Non-Residents)

4. Step: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the initial legally binding document between the buyer and the seller. It helps clarify all the terms of the purchase like the price, schedule of payments and responsibilities so that the transaction is completed in a smooth and timely manner. This document also helps to minimize any kind of disputes later on in the transaction because it clearly outlines all the important terms and it formalizes the agreement. Here are the sections included in the MoU agreement: 

• Parties Involved

• Purpose of Agreement

• Payment Structure and Deposit

• Documentation Completion Deadline

• Legal Responsibilities

• Amendment Clause

5. Step: Get Mortgage Pre-Approval (If Applicable)

A lot of potential property buyers are considering whether it is a better idea to pay for a property upfront, in cash, or through a mortgage. When you get a mortgage pre-approval, you will know upfront how much the bank can lend you. Combining this amount with the deposit can help you create a budget for the property you want to purchase. This budget will then allow you to communicate with your real estate agent about it, which will help them make a list of the properties that are in your budget.

Even more so, getting your mortgage pre-approved will show the seller of the property that you are a serious buyer that has the budget figured out. You’ll also have better chances of getting the property you want with the pre-approval. For expert guidance and personalized support throughout the process, reach out to Kredium.ae, where reliable mortgage brokers and real estate professionals are ready to assist you.

6. Step: Complete Property Transfer

The Dubai Land Department is in charge of registering, organizing as well as promoting the real estate investments in Dubai. To ensure compliance with Dubai real estate laws, legal protection and to avoid disputes, property ownership transfer is crucial for both buyers and sellers. To start off the process, buyers and sellers have their own required documents, so let’s list them all below.

Required Documents for The Buyer:

• Valid Emirates ID

• Passport Copy

• Mortgage Pre-approval

Required Documents for The Seller:

• Original Title Document

• Valid Emirates ID

• Passport Copy

• No Objection Certificate from the property developer

So, to transfer property ownership in Dubai, the buyer and seller have to agree on sale terms, sign an MOU, and the seller obtains a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer. Both parties then visit the Dubai Land Department to register the transfer, pay the necessary fees, and sign the Transfer Agreement. Once this is completed, the buyer will receive the new Title Deed, finalizing ownership.

Determine Your Eligibility Criteria (Expats and Non-Residents)

It is important to know where you stand in terms of eligibility before you embark on the journey of property buying in Dubai. Expats and non-residents both have different requirements that make them eligible to buy property in Dubai. For example, Dubai introduced freehold property ownership for expats and foreigners, starting with 99-year land leases in 2001 and allowing property purchases in 2002. Today, many areas in Dubai are freehold zones, and to start off your property search you should know exactly which areas those are.

There are other eligibility criteria you should consider to help you understand Dubai’s legal framework like the Musataha agreement, Usufruct rights and the property registration process. We’ll cover these in more detail below.

Freehold Investment Areas

Expats and non-residents have certain freehold investment areas in Dubai where they are allowed to buy property. Each area caters to different investment goals, whether residential, commercial or mixed-use. You can buy property here and get full ownership rights so it can be a great option for both long-term living and investment opportunities. There is a long list of these areas where you can look for properties and we put them all in a table that categorizes them based on the types of properties and the characteristics of the area.

A list of freehold areas based on category

Leasehold Investment Properties

Leasehold investment properties give expats and non-residents the right to live on the property, however, they do not own the property. These leases are usually valid for up to 99 years or less with the full access to the unit but not the land. Also, the landowners and not the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep, and you might need a permit to make adjustments to the interior of the property. 

Moreover, if you want to sublet the property, you can only do so with the freeholder’s permission. Otherwise, this type of investment is a budget-friendly option and it is usually priced lower than the freehold properties.

Musataha

With Musataha, an individual (Musataha) is able to lease the land owned by the government for 10 to 50 years with the rights to develop, invest, mortgage and lease the land. In return, Musataha should pay the landowner a premium or a share of the profits from development. Another responsibility of Musataha is the cost of construction, maintenance and taxes, while the landowner receives a portion of the profits.

The difference between a real estate agreement and Musataha lies in VAT which is not the same when it comes to important factors like registration, the type of the land and more.

Usufruct

Usufruct is a legal right that lets a person use and enjoy a property that is owned by someone else. The holder of usufruct is able to live in the property, lease and generate income from it. All the while, the original owner of the property keeps the title and ownership. In Dubai, usufruct is used for expats and non-residents so they can benefit from owning the property(this period is usually up to 99 years) without having full ownership. The only thing the usufruct owner is not able to do is to lease and or transfer ownership of the property.

Property Registration

The process of registering your property in Dubai starts with the buyer and the seller agreeing on the sale terms and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The seller then gets a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer which allows him to confirm that there are no outstanding debts on the property. The buyer and the seller then visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) with all the documents needed to complete the transfer.

When it comes to the fees, the buyer pays a 4% transfer fee and other additional administrative fees. When the DLD verifies the documents and payments, a new Title Deed is issued in the buyer’s name which officially transfers the ownership of the property.

Legal Consultation

To avoid any disputes, legal issues or financial losses when buying property in Dubai, expats and non-residents should get legal advice from experienced lawyers. Namely, clear rules exist when it comes to taxes, dispute resolutions and transfer processes which might be a bit complex for non-natives to understand. 

An experienced lawyer can help you understand different regulations and remain compliant with the local laws. Your property rights will be protected as well, ensuring that all agreements are legally sound, and that you are fully informed throughout the entire process, minimizing risks and securing your investment.

Important Factors to Consider When Buying Property in Dubai

You want to go over every aspect of the property buying in Dubai before you are sure that you understand the process. Expats and non-residents alike should take different factors into consideration and we outlined each one of them below. Things like the ownership duration, market conditions, property size and location and others. Going over each of these factors before you make a decision on buying a property can save you a lot of time and money later on. 

The Location of The Property

Among other factors that should be considered when buying property in Dubai, location is one of the most important. The area in which the property is located can be a deal-breaker in terms of amenities it offers and the ones that are the most important for you. For example, you should prioritize areas that are in close proximity to schools, work and other important daily services. Also, do not overlook the daily commute time it would take to reach your destination, be it work, shopping mall or other. All of these factors can make living in Dubai more or less enjoyable based solely on the location of the property.

Budgeting and Financing The Property

One factor that should not be overlooked is how you budget and finance your property purchase. It is important that you go over this aspect before you consider buying a property since it can help you understand your abilities going forward. For example, establishing a clear budget can show you what you can afford realistically and how to avoid any unnecessary financial burdens. To help you understand your limits when it comes to financing your property and the down payment, make sure to outline the budget first. Then, you’ll also be able to come up with the amount to help you cover the mortgage later on.

Developer Reputation

Verifying the credibility of a real estate agent can be a crucial step in deciding whether or not to buy property in Dubai. A reliable developer should be licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) as well as registered at the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). A good idea would be to also check their reviews and ratings from previous customers. You should be able to see plenty of positive experiences from buyers who were satisfied with their work. Also, examining their completed projects as well as communicating with satisfied customers can be a great way to tell whether or not to opt for that developer. 

Market Conditions and Trends

Being in tune with the current market conditions and trends for real estate properties in Dubai and more specifically, for the area you choose can help you pick the right timing to buy a property. Based on factors such as demand, supply, current economic conditions and government policies, the Dubai real estate market can fluctuate. 

Rental yields and the resale value is also influenced by market conditions and trends. By understanding current market trends, and whether the prices are rising or stabilizing, you’ll be able to make a well-timed decision.

Appreciation Potential

When you buy a property, it has a chance to increase in the value of an asset over time. This can be calculated by comparing the original purchase price to the current market value. Let’s say you bought a property for AED 1,000,000 and it is now worth AED 1,100,000, the capital appreciation should come around to AED 100,000, or a 10% increase. Namely, capital appreciation represents the profit that is made when selling the asset at a higher price than what you paid initially.

For instance, in Dubai, supply and demand can affect property selling prices and influence the potential for capital appreciation. Understanding this concept will help you calculate the potential growth of your investment and make better decisions.

Maintenance Costs

Do not overlook maintenance costs for your property in Dubai since there is an extensive list of fees that apply to maintenance. For example, you can expect to pay an average of $15-60 for maintenance per square meter or approximately $1.39 - $5.58 per square foot. Also, it is important to note that this amount is paid a year in advance. When it comes to bills for electricity, water, garbage collection and air conditioning, the amount is calculated based on the area where the property is located and according to the meter readings.

For those who want to rent out the property, maintenance costs will include additional fees. Even though you do not pay tax on income when you rent out, you’ll have to pay the municipal fees that are usually about 2.5% to 10% of the price for renting out. 

Service Fees and Costs When Purchasing Property in Dubai

If you do not combine all the fees that come with property buying in Dubai, you might be in for a surprise. Namely, accurate knowledge of all the costs involved can help you stay on track and  complete the purchase. You should go over the estimated cost of each fee type, like the legal & will fees, property transaction fees and other, to help you understand the total financial commitment. Let’s take a look at all the fees involved in the table below.

All fee types and estimated costs when buying property in Dubai

Is is Worth Buying Property in Dubai?

You can be sure that buying property in Dubai will be a rewarding experience that will continue to make sense for years to come. You might be wondering, is buying a property in Dubai a good investment? Namely, people see Dubai as the most investment-friendly place in the world due to the tax benefits, strategic location, robust infrastructure and real estate growth. There is no reason why you would want to miss out on buying property here. Let’s go over all the benefits in more detail below.

Tax-Free Investment

The tax-free environment makes the property-buying process in Dubai an attractive opportunity. Namely, the UAE offers a tax-friendly environment for buyers by not imposing personal income tax, capital gains tax, or property tax. This means that investors can fully capitalize on their property investments. This tax-free environment allows you to have higher returns on investment (ROI) and gives a competitive edge over other markets where taxes can eat into profits. Also, this lack of property tax allows investors to maintain financial flexibility, making Dubai an attractive place for both residential and commercial real estate ventures.

Different Property Options

The Dubai real estate market has something to offer for people with different budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxury villas, high rise apartments, townhouses as well as commercial properties and pick an investment option based on your needs. For example, Burj Khalifa Residences are high-rise luxury apartments with breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. This variety allows expats and non-residents to find the perfect property that goes well with their lifestyle and goals as it offers opportunities for both long-term capital appreciation and rental income.

Residency Visa

When you buy property in Dubai, in certain conditions, you could be entitled to receive a residency visa. For expatriates, this can be a particularly valuable advantage since it allows them to live and work in the UAE. Those who invest in properties that are valued at AED 1 million or more are the ones who typically receive the residency visa. Overall, property investment in Dubai seems like an attractive option to a long-term residency in Dubai.

Even more so, the residency visa allows you to sponsor your immediate family members which allows you to have a more secure and stable living arrangement in Dubai. Depending on how much you invest, the visa gives you a renewable period of two to three years. This means that you can have a lot of opportunities for business and professional growth in Dubai, while enjoying access to the world-class infrastructure and a vibrant multicultural environment.

Rental Yields and ROI

Some of the highest rental yields in the world are offered by Dubai. Rental returns are ranging from 5% to 9% depending on the kind of property and where it is located. Buy-to-let investors are presented with a lucrative opportunity to invest and enjoy Dubai’s attractive market where you can generate passive income and long-term capital growth. To help you get an idea about the average price of Dubai apartments in 2025, here is a table detailing the location, developments, prices as well as the apartment highlights. 

Property developments in key Dubai locations

Future-Focused Innovation and Sustainability

Dubai is the leader when it comes to innovation and sustainability in real estate development. The city is focused on building smart, eco-friendly communities that meet global standards. Expats and non-residents who invest in these sustainable projects not only help to protect the environment but it also makes sure that there is steady growth in property value. Overall, owning property in Dubai has plenty of benefits like the tax-free investment, strong rental yields, rising property values and popular amenities. 

FAQs on How to Buy Property in Dubai (Expats & Non-Residents)

There is a lot to consider when it comes to the intricacies of buying a property in Dubai, so we compiled some additional questions and answers below.

1. Can foreigners fully own property in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can fully own property in Dubai, but only in designated freehold zones where such ownership is permitted.

2. How long can property owners stay in Dubai?

Property owners can stay in Dubai with a residence visa (valid for up to 2 years) and renew it as long as they continue owning the property and visit the country at least once every 180 days.

3. What is the cost of the Golden Visa for Dubai?

The cost of obtaining a new 10-year Golden Visa in Dubai for investors in 2025 is 10,400 AED, which includes approval fees, a medical check, and the Emirates ID.

Final Thoughts on Buying Property in Dubai

As you've seen, the procedure is far more complex than it appears, but with the correct information, it becomes much simpler. It ultimately comes down to making an informed decision, selecting a property, deciding on financing, applying for and receiving approval, handling administration, and then enjoying living in your home or reaping the rewards of your wise investment. 

If you need assistance Kredium is here to guide you through the process and make it easier in any way possible.  Capitalizing on our close relationships with all of the major real estate developers and banks in Dubai, we can help you finance and find the right property that matches your needs. 

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Source | Kredium