Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Since 2002, foreign nationals have been able to buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai with full ownership rights. These freehold zones include the most sought-after communities such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay.
There is no restriction on nationality for freehold purchases, and you do not need to be a UAE resident to buy.
What does it cost to buy?
Beyond the purchase price, budget for roughly 7–8% in transaction costs. The largest is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4%. Add agency commission (typically 2%), a trustee office fee, and — if you are financing — mortgage registration of 0.25% plus bank arrangement fees.
- DLD transfer fee — 4% of the purchase price
- Agency commission — typically 2% + VAT
- Trustee registration — AED 4,000–4,200
- Mortgage registration — 0.25% of the loan (if applicable)
The buying process step by step
Once you have found a property and agreed a price, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU, Form F) and the buyer pays a deposit, usually 10%. The seller obtains a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, then both parties attend the DLD trustee office to complete the transfer and register the new title deed.
If the seller has a mortgage, it must be settled before transfer — a step that can add one to two weeks to the timeline.
Financing your purchase
Expat buyers can typically borrow up to 80% of the value for a first property under AED 5 million, meaning a 20% deposit. Securing a mortgage pre-approval before you offer strengthens your negotiating position and clarifies your true budget.
Have a question?
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