Learn how foreigners can legally buy property in Dubai, including documents, costs, mortgages, and key areas. A complete guide from Splendid Homes Real Estate.
🏡 Buying Property in Dubai as a Foreigner: What You Should Know
Dubai continues to attract international investors with its luxurious lifestyle, tax-free environment, and high rental yields. If you’re a foreigner planning to buy property in Dubai, here’s everything you need to know—explained simply by the experts at Splendid Homes Real Estate.
✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai?
Yes! Foreign nationals (non-UAE and non-GCC citizens) can legally buy freehold properties in designated areas of Dubai. That means full ownership of the unit—and in most cases, the land.
Popular freehold areas include:
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
- JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle)
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Arabian Ranches
- Business Bay
🏘️ What Types of Property Can You Buy?
As a foreign buyer, you can purchase:
- Apartments
- Villas
- Townhouses
- Off-plan properties (still under construction)
These can be for personal use, rental income, or long-term investment.
💰 What Are the Buying Costs?
Besides the property price, expect the following costs:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee | 4% of property value |
| Registration fee | AED 2,000–4,000 |
| Agency commission | 2% |
| NOC (developer) | AED 500–5,000 |
| Mortgage registration (if applicable) | 0.25% of loan + AED 290 |
🏦 Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents can apply for a mortgage from a UAE bank. You’ll typically need:
- 20–25% down payment
- Proof of income
- A clean credit history
We recommend securing pre-approval before making an offer.
📄 Documents Required to Buy Property
Whether you’re a resident or buying remotely, prepare these documents:
- Passport copy
- Proof of income (bank statement or salary slip)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank letter)
- UAE Visa & Emirates ID (if residing in Dubai)
- Mortgage pre-approval letter (if applicable)
🔍 Leasehold vs. Freehold Ownership
- Freehold: You own the unit and the land (forever).
- Leasehold: You lease the property for up to 99 years.
Splendid Homes specializes in freehold properties, ideal for long-term investment and resale value.
🏗️ Off-Plan Properties: Pros & Cons
Off-plan (under construction) projects offer:
✅ Lower prices
✅ Flexible payment plans
✅ High ROI potential
But always check for developer reputation, RERA registration, and completion timelines.
🧠 Why Work with a Registered Real Estate Agent?
Dubai’s real estate rules and transaction systems can be complex. An experienced agent helps you with:
- Market research
- Legal paperwork
- DLD registration
- Price negotiation
Splendid Homes Real Estate is fully registered with the Dubai Land Department. We make the process stress-free for international and local buyers alike.
📞 Ready to Buy Property in Dubai?
We’ll walk you through every step—documents, legalities, mortgages, and move-in. Whether you’re investing from abroad or relocating to Dubai, we’re here to help.
👉 Contact us today:
📧 info@splendid-homes.com
📞 +971-586927055
📸 @dubaisplendidhomes
🌐 www.splendid-homes.com
