Dubai is widely regarded as offering outstanding value per square foot when compared with leading global metropolitan and suburban destinations. As a relatively “new” property ownership hub, it continues to attract buyers seeking lucrative opportunities. Yet, this advantage is gaining international attention at a rapid pace. Growing global interest has already fueled consistent demand within the residential sector, producing strong appreciation in property values across the market. For investors, this means Dubai remains a promising destination that combines lifestyle appeal with financial growth, making it one of the most rewarding long-term investment choices worldwide.

Typically, the process begins with the buyer selecting a property. The buyer and seller then sign the sales and purchase agreement, outlining all terms and conditions, including the purchase price, additional costs (agency fees, DLD transfer fee, developer’s charges, service charge refunds, etc.), the transfer date at the DLD, payment schedule, and defined responsibilities and penalties if either party fails to meet the agreement. Upon signing, the buyer usually pays a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price. The seller must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer, which is required to proceed with registration at the DLD. Once the NOC is issued, both parties complete the property transfer and register it in the buyer’s name. Payments are generally made at the time of registration to finalize the transaction.

In most instances, the transaction process goes as follows: Buyer chooses the property. Buyer and seller sign the sales and purchase agreement, where all the terms and conditions of the deal are mentioned: the purchase price, additional expenses (agency fee, transfer fee at the DLD, developer’s fee, service charge refund, etc), the transfer date of the deal at the DLD, terms of payment and clearly-defined responsibilities and penalties for both parties in case they fail to uphold the conditions set out in the agreement. On signing the agreement, the buyer pays the deposit. This is usually 10% of the purchase price. The seller applies for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer in order to sell the property. The NOC is required for the transfer process at the DLD. Once the NOC is ready, the buyer and seller can transfer the property and register it on the buyer’s name. Usually, payments need to be made at the time of registration.

Landlord-tenant relations in Dubai are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007. Under this law, any property owner can lease their unit. Typically, rentals last one year, with possible extensions. Owners may also hire a licensed management company, which handles all tenant communications and responsibilities.

Investors, homeowners, and professionals, including doctors and engineers, are eligible for UAE residency visas of up to 10 years, according to the May 2018 government announcement. Currently, Dubai offers a two-year renewable property investor visa for freehold properties valued at AED 1 million or more on the title deed.

No, as an overseas resident, you are not required to pay any taxes.

RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, oversees Dubai’s real estate sector, manages relationships between contract parties, and organizes property transactions and exchange processes across the city.

After a property is handed over to the buyer, it must be registered under the purchaser’s name at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). If the owner cannot register personally, they may authorize someone with a notarized Power of Attorney to complete registration and collect the title deed. Off-plan properties are initially recorded in the interim register via the Oqood system upon signing the initial sale contract. Once construction is complete, a title deed is issued in the homeowner’s name. Registration requires a 4% fee based on the property value, plus a fixed charge for document preparation and processing.