Question 1

Can I buy property in Dubai as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can purchase property in designated freehold areas across Dubai. You receive full ownership rights including the ability to rent, sell, or pass the property to heirs. No residency requirement.

Question 2

What is off-plan property?

Accepted Answer

Off-plan properties are sold before or during construction. Buyers benefit from lower prices, flexible payment plans during construction, and potential capital appreciation before completion. Learn how to buy off-plan.

Question 3

What are the main costs when buying in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Main costs include: 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, registration fees (~AED 2,000-5,000), Oqood fee (~AED 2,000), and developer trustee/admin fees. Budget an additional 5-7% of property value for all fees combined. For a full breakdown, see our buying guide.

Question 4

Can I get a mortgage for off-plan property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both residents and non-residents can obtain mortgages for off-plan properties in Dubai. Non-residents typically need 25-30% down payment, while residents may get 20%. Many developers also offer in-house financing.

Question 5

What rental yields can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Rental yields in Dubai typically range from 5-8% gross annually, depending on location and property type. Prime areas like Marina and Downtown offer 5-6%, while emerging communities can yield 7-8%+. Use our ROI calculator to estimate your net returns.

Question 6

Do I have to visit Dubai to buy property?

Accepted Answer

No, the entire purchase process can be completed remotely. All documents can be signed digitally through secure channels, and payments made via international bank transfer.

Question 7

What is the typical payment plan for off-plan?

Accepted Answer

Most developers require 10-20% on booking, with the remainder spread over construction milestones (foundation, structure, finishing). Some offer post-handover payment plans. Payment terms vary by developer and project. Read our step-by-step guide.

Question 8

Are there property taxes in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No annual property tax in Dubai. You pay a 4% one-time DLD fee at purchase. Ongoing costs include service charges (maintenance fees) typically AED 10-25 per sq ft annually.

Question 9

How long does construction typically take?

Accepted Answer

Most off-plan projects in Dubai are completed within 18-36 months from launch. Established developers have strong track records of on-time delivery. Always check the developer's history before buying.

Question 10

Can I sell my off-plan property before completion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can transfer your booking to another buyer before handover. This requires developer approval and payment of transfer fees. Many investors flip properties before completion for profit. Learn about selling your property.

Question 11

How do I calculate ROI and ROE on a Dubai investment?

Accepted Answer

ROI (Return on Investment) is annual net income divided by total investment. ROE (Return on Equity) shows return relative to your own capital after financing. Include all costs: DLD fees, registration, furniture, service charges, and potential vacancy periods. Use our calculator to compare different scenarios.

Question 12

What fees come when buying in Dubai (DLD, registration, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Total transaction costs typically range from 5-7% of purchase price and include:
• DLD fee: 4% of purchase price.
• Oqood registration (for off-plan only): approximately AED 3,000-5,000.
• Admin and registration fees: approximately AED 2,000-4,000.
• Additional costs such as utility connection, service charges, and potential furnishing.

Developers can sometimes include certain fees, but these are typically included in the price. Always check what costs apply to your specific unit. See our full buying guide for details.

Question 13

What is a typical service charge?

Accepted Answer

Service charges typically range from AED 18-23 per square foot annually, depending on property amenities. Luxury or waterfront projects are usually more expensive. Newer and energy-efficient buildings may have lower fees. We always include service costs in our yield calculations.

Question 14

What is a distress property deal in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A distress deal occurs when a property owner needs to sell quickly, at a price below current market value. The motivation is personal: a payment plan they can no longer sustain, a relocation, a business restructure, or currency losses. The asset itself is not impaired. Browse current distress deals.

Question 15

Are distress deals available in Dubai in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Distress deals are active across both ready and off-plan property in Dubai. Completed units from motivated sellers and off-plan assignment exits at below-market pricing are available throughout the year. See available deals.

Question 16

What is an assignment and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

An assignment transfers the original Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) from the initial buyer to a new buyer before the developer issues a title deed. The new buyer acquires the seller's paid-in equity and assumes responsibility for remaining developer installments.

Question 17

What discounts are realistic on distress deals in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Genuine discounts on assignments typically fall in the range of 10 to 30% below current secondary market pricing. The most significant discounts are found where the seller has a hard deadline.

Question 18

Why aren't distress deals listed on Bayut or Property Finder?

Accepted Answer

Motivated sellers with tight timelines call agents they have direct relationships with, not platforms where their listing might sit for weeks. Access comes through agent networks, not portals.

Question 19

Can non-UAE residents buy distress properties in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dubai's freehold property market is open to international buyers in designated freehold zones. Non-residents can purchase, own, and sell property in Dubai.

Question 20

Are there bank repossessed or foreclosure properties in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Bank repossessed properties and foreclosures exist in Dubai but are relatively rare. Most below-market value deals come through SPA assignment exits and motivated seller transactions rather than traditional bank foreclosures.

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