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Location

Discover our office in the heart of Dubai's real estate market.

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Downtown Dubai, UAE

Hours

9 AM - 5 PM

FAQs

Buying & Ownership

1. Can foreigners own property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in designated freehold areas where ownership is 100% registered under the buyer’s name. Owners have full rights to sell, rent, or transfer the property.

2. What’s the difference between Freehold and Leasehold?

• Freehold: Full ownership of the land and the unit.

• Leasehold: You lease the property for a fixed term (usually 50–99 years) but don’t own the land itself.

3. Do I need to be in Dubai to buy property?
No. The entire purchase process can be completed remotely through verified online systems, digital signatures, and secure bank transfers.

Costs & Fees

7. What fees are involved in buying property in Dubai?
Typical costs include:

• 4% DLD registration fee

• Oqood fee (for off-plan)

• Trustee office fee and minor admin charges
  Exact fees vary slightly depending on the project and developer.

8. Are there any property taxes in Dubai?
No personal income or capital gains tax applies. However, 5% VAT may apply to some service fees or commercial properties.

9. What are annual service charges?
These are maintenance fees for building operations and amenities, billed annually or quarterly, usually calculated per square foot.

10. Are there any hidden costs?
Expect potential costs for NOC letters, DEWA connection, Ejari registration, and agency commissions in secondary transactions.

Off-Plan Properties

4. What does “Off-Plan” mean, and why is it attractive?
Off-plan means buying a property before construction is completed. You get early prices, flexible payment plans, and potential capital appreciation by handover.

5. How do I evaluate an off-plan project?
Focus on:

• The developer’s reputation

• Location and demand in the area

• Payment plan and post-handover options

• Construction progress and delivery track record

• Expected ROI and resale liquidity

6. Are off-plan investments risky?
Risks include construction delays or unrealistic ROI expectations. Reduce risk by buying from trusted developers, using RERA-approved Escrow accounts, and verifying contract details before signing.

Financing

11. Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Many banks offer non-resident mortgages, though with lower loan-to-value ratios and stricter eligibility criteria.

12. What’s the typical down payment?
Usually 20–25% for residents and up to 50% for non-residents, depending on the property type and lender.

13. Fixed or variable interest — which is better?

• Fixed: Stability and predictable monthly payments.

• Variable: May start lower but can fluctuate.
  The choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Resale & Exit Strategy

16. When is the best time to sell my property?
That depends on market trends, project completion, and rental performance. Common strategies:

• Sell before handover if appreciation is high.

• Hold after completion to earn rental income, then exit at market peak.

17. Can I sell an off-plan property before completion?
Yes, but only if your developer allows resales after paying a minimum percentage (often 30–40%) of the total value.

Rental & Investment Management

14. What is the average rental yield in Dubai?
Rental yields typically range between 6–10%, depending on area, project type, and tenant demand.

15. Can I rent out my property if I live abroad?
Yes. You can appoint a licensed property management company to handle advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance.

18. What documents do I need to buy property?
Passport/ID, proof of address, and for financing, income verification. For resale, RERA forms and a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) are required.

19. What is an Escrow Account?
A RERA-regulated trust account where all buyer payments go. The developer only receives funds in line with construction progress — it protects your investment.

20. What is an NOC, and why is it required?
A No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming all payments are cleared — required for ownership transfer.

Legal & Documents

21. What is a Snagging Inspection?
A professional handover inspection to identify construction or finishing defects before accepting the property.

22. Is there any warranty after handover?
Yes. Most developers offer:

• 10 years structural warranty

• 1 year warranty on finishes, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)

Handover & Guarantees