Dubai Property
Questions, Answered

Yes. International buyers can own property outright in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, which include Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Meydan and most major communities.

The main cost is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price. Buyers should also budget for registration and trustee fees, agency commission (customarily 2% plus VAT on secondary-market purchases) and mortgage fees if financing.

Property with a Dubai Land Department valuation of at least AED 2 million can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. Since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan property can count towards the threshold. Requirements change, so we confirm eligibility for each purchase.

There is no annual property tax and no personal capital gains tax on property in Dubai. Owners pay annual service charges to maintain the building or community, and the transfer fee on purchase. Tax in your home country may still apply.

Off-plan property is bought from a developer before completion, usually on a payment plan, with payments held in a regulated escrow account. Ready property can be lived in or let immediately. We help clients compare both on total cost, risk and timing — our Off-Plan ROI Calculator is a good starting point.

Ejari is Dubai’s official system for registering tenancy contracts. Registration makes a lease legally recognised and is required for utility connections and many residency-related services.

Service charges are annual fees paid by owners for the maintenance and management of a building or community. They vary significantly between developments and should be factored into any yield calculation.

We start by understanding your objective, then curate a shortlist of on-market and off-market opportunities and advise through to completion and beyond. Request a private consultation to begin.