100 FAQs on dubai real estate

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Buying Real Estate in Dubai

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The process includes agreeing on a price, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and transferring ownership. Contact us for expert guidance in buying property.

Buyers must pay a 4% DLD registration fee, agent commissions (varies), and NOC fees.

Yes, mortgages are available for residents and non-residents. Contact us to find the best mortgage deals for your property purchase.

An NOC is required from the developer to transfer property ownership.

The process can take 30 to 60 days, depending on financing and documentation.

Foreigners can only buy properties in designated freehold areas. Contact us to explore available freehold properties in Dubai.

Documents include a valid passport, proof of address, and financial statements.

Yes, remote purchases are possible with the help of legal representatives.

While not mandatory, working with a registered agent ensures a smoother transaction. Contact us to connect with a licensed real estate agent.

Conduct due diligence, verify the developer, and work with licensed brokers. Contact us to find trusted brokers for your property investment.

Investing in Dubai Real Estate

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Investing in property worth AED 750,000 or more may qualify you for a residency visa.

Yes, foreigners can invest in designated freehold areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Contact us for a list of available properties in these areas.

You can diversify by investing in different property types, such as residential, commercial, and off-plan properties.

Yes, you can rent out your property for short-term or long-term leases, depending on the property type and location. Short-term rentals may require a permit.

Ready properties are completed units available for immediate occupancy or rental, while off-plan properties are sold before construction is complete, often at lower prices.

Rental yields in Dubai typically range from 5% to 9%, depending on the property type and location. Areas with high demand often offer better yields.

Yes, off-plan properties can be sold before completion, but you may need to meet specific conditions set by the developer, such as paying a certain percentage of the property price.

Check the developer’s registration with the Dubai Land Department and review their past projects for completion records and quality.

Yes, short-term rentals require a permit from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Commercial properties can provide higher rental yields and long-term leases. Common options include offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.

Dubai Real Estate - Market Trends

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The market is seeing increased demand for luxury properties and high-end apartments due to the influx of foreign investors and expatriates.

Demand is driven by wealthy expatriates, foreign investors, and Dubai’s attractive lifestyle, including tax-free living and world-class amenities.

Ongoing infrastructure projects like new metro lines and highways increase property values and boost demand in newly connected areas.

Yes, there is a growing interest in eco-friendly developments, with several projects focusing on sustainable living and green building standards.

Rapid population growth increases demand for both rental and owned properties, especially in prime residential areas.

Tourism drives demand for short-term rental properties and holiday homes, particularly in areas like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.

Yes, initiatives like the Golden Visa and reduced fees for property transactions are boosting investor confidence.

Currency fluctuations can make Dubai real estate more attractive to foreign investors, particularly when their home currencies strengthen against the dirham.

Yes, there is growing demand for affordable housing due to the increasing middle-class population and expatriate workforce, leading to new developments in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Dubai South.

Property prices in Dubai are expected to remain stable or increase gradually, driven by strong investor demand, population growth, and continued infrastructure development. For the latest market insights, it’s advisable to consult real estate experts.

Dubai Real Estate - Strategies

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Areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay are known for high rental yields and capital appreciation.

Off-plan properties often come with lower prices and flexible payment plans, while ready properties provide immediate rental income.

Investing in a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality properties across different locations can diversify your portfolio.

Expo 2020 has boosted infrastructure development and increased demand in certain areas, positively affecting property values.

Investors meeting specific criteria can obtain long-term residency, enhancing investment stability.

Market volatility, regulatory changes, and property-specific issues are potential risks to consider.

Various mortgage options are available for both residents and non-residents, subject to eligibility criteria.

The average ROI varies by area but typically ranges from 5% to 8%.

Dubai offers a tax-free environment with no property tax or capital gains tax, making it attractive for investors.

Yes, holiday homes are a popular investment, offering high returns through short-term rentals, especially in tourist areas like Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai.

Financing & Mortgages

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You can apply for a mortgage through banks or financial institutions in Dubai. Eligibility criteria include income stability, a good credit score, and a debt burden ratio (DBR) under 50%.

For residents, the typical down payment is 20% of the property value, while non-residents usually need to pay 25% to 30%.

Yes, non-residents can apply for a mortgage, but the terms may be stricter, with higher down payments and interest rates.

Documents typically include a valid passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), proof of income, bank statements, and existing debt details.

Mortgage approval can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the lender and the completeness of the applicant’s documents.

Fixed rates remain constant for a specific period, while variable rates can change based on market conditions, affecting your monthly payments.

Yes, joint mortgages are available, allowing co-buyers such as spouses or business partners to share the loan and ownership.

A pre-approved mortgage is a preliminary assessment by the bank that gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow before house hunting.

The DBR limits your total monthly debt repayments to 50% of your income. Exceeding this ratio can reduce your mortgage eligibility.

Yes, refinancing is allowed and can help you secure lower interest rates or more favorable terms.

Yes, Islamic home financing options such as Ijara and Murabaha are available, and they comply with Sharia law.

For first-time buyers, the LTV ratio can be up to 80% for properties priced below AED 5 million.

Yes, you can switch your mortgage lender by refinancing with another bank, but early settlement fees may apply.

Some lenders charge early settlement fees, typically around 1% of the outstanding loan amount.

Yes, buy-to-let mortgages are available for investors looking to generate rental income.

Mortgage tenures in Dubai typically range from 5 to 25 years, depending on the borrower’s profile and the lender’s terms.

A good credit history increases your chances of getting approved and securing better interest rates, while a poor credit score may result in higher rates or rejection.

Some banks require life insurance as part of the mortgage process to protect against the risk of default due to the borrower’s death.

Yes, some banks offer mortgages for off-plan properties, but the down payment and approval process may differ from ready properties.

Interest rates vary based on the lender, borrower profile, and market conditions. They typically range from 2.5% to 4.5%.

Dubai Real Estate - Legal aspects

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Property ownership transfer involves signing a sales agreement, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and registering the transfer with the Dubai Land Department.

Yes, all property transactions must be registered with the DLD to be legally recognized.

Yes, foreigners can inherit property in Dubai, but inheritance laws may vary depending on the deceased’s nationality and religion. Legal advice is recommended for estate planning.

Property disputes can be resolved through the Dubai Land Department’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) or by filing a case with the Dubai Courts.

Yes, joint ownership is allowed, and the ownership share of each party is mentioned in the title deed.

Service charges are regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and must be approved annually before being applied to properties.

Yes, Law No. 13 of 2008 protects buyers by requiring developers to register off-plan sales with the Dubai Land Department and complete construction according to approved timelines.

An NOC is a document issued by the developer confirming there are no outstanding fees or issues with the property, allowing the transfer of ownership.

No, verbal agreements are not legally binding. All property transactions must be documented and registered with the Dubai Land Department to be enforceable.

Dubai real estate law, under RERA regulations, mandates that developers register off-plan projects and comply with construction milestones. If a project is delayed or canceled, buyers may be entitled to compensation or refunds through the DLD’s legal framework.

Property Management

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Property management companies offer services such as tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal support.

Fees typically range from 5% to 8% of the annual rental income, depending on the services offered.

While not mandatory, hiring a property management company can save time and ensure smooth operations, especially if you’re an overseas investor.

Look for licensed companies with a proven track record, positive client reviews, and transparent fee structures. Here is the link to find licensed property / real estate management companies.

Yes, property management companies can handle eviction processes in compliance with Dubai’s rental laws.

They coordinate with professional service providers to address maintenance and repair issues promptly, ensuring tenant satisfaction.

Most property management contracts in Dubai are for one year, with an option to renew based on mutual agreement.

Yes, they assist with marketing by listing properties, arranging viewings, and negotiating rental agreements.

Property management companies must be licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to operate legally.

Review the contract terms for termination clauses, which usually require prior notice, and settle any outstanding obligations before termination.

Renting of Dubai Real Estate

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Leases are typically for one year, though shorter terms can be negotiated.

Ejari is a system for registering rental agreements, ensuring legality and transparency.

To avoid disputes, ensure that all terms are clearly stated in the tenancy contract and registered with Ejari.

The security deposit typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the annual rent and is refundable upon contract completion, subject to the property’s condition.

Early termination depends on the lease agreement, and penalties may apply unless there is a mutually agreed termination clause.

Rent increases are regulated by RERA’s rental index, which sets the allowable increase based on the current market rates for similar properties.

You can register your tenancy contract with Ejari online or through authorized typing centers. Ejari registration ensures the legality of the lease agreement.

Generally, tenants handle minor repairs, while landlords are responsible for major maintenance unless otherwise stated in the contract.

A landlord must provide a 12-month written notice for eviction, either for personal use or sale of the property, and the notice must be sent via registered mail or notarized delivery.

No, landlords must give at least 90 days’ notice before the lease renewal date to propose any rent increase, and it must comply with RERA’s guidelines.

general info - dubai real estate

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The DLD oversees property transactions in Dubai, ensuring transparency and regulation.

Real estate in Dubai is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which ensures compliance and transparency.

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Dubai’s designated freehold areas. Contact us for help in finding the right freehold property.

Dubai real estate offers apartments, villas, townhouses, and commercial properties.

No, Dubai does not impose property taxes, making it attractive for investors.

A freehold property gives the owner full ownership of the land and building.

Leasehold properties allow ownership for a set period, usually up to 99 years.

Dubai real estate offers high rental yields, a tax-free environment, and excellent infrastructure.

You can verify developers by ensuring they are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Here is the link where you can search by entering the developer's name.

DREI provides training and certification for real estate professionals in Dubai.