Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in designated areas. In Dubai, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property — or usufruct and leasehold rights of up to 99 years — in areas designated under Law No. 7 of 2006 and Regulation No. 3 of 2006; UAE and GCC nationals can own anywhere in the emirate. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 13 of 2019 allows foreign individuals to own freehold property within investment zones. Other emirates set their own rules, so the rights available differ from one emirate to another.

Always confirm the status of the specific property with the relevant land department before you commit — we can help you do this.

It depends on your timeline, cash flow and appetite for risk. Off-plan property is paid in instalments during construction and can suit buyers with a longer horizon, but it earns no rent until handover and carries delivery and market risk. In Dubai, off-plan payments must go into the project's escrow account. Ready property can be lived in or rented out straight away and is easier to finance with a mortgage, but needs more cash upfront.

The right choice depends on your individual circumstances; we compare both options with you on real figures.

The main one-off costs are the Dubai Land Department registration fee of 4% of the price (DLD shows it split 2% buyer / 2% seller, but buyers often pay all of it — the sale agreement should say), the trustee office fee (AED 4,000 + VAT for transactions of AED 500,000 or more, AED 2,000 + VAT below that) and the agency fee, commonly around 2% plus VAT. With a mortgage, add 0.25% of the loan for mortgage registration plus bank fees.

After purchase, budget for service charges, maintenance and, if you rent the property out, management and vacant periods. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts before you transact. Other emirates have their own fee schedules.

Start with recent registered rents for similar units in the same building or community, not advertised asking rents. Gross yield is the annual rent divided by the price; net yield deducts service charges, maintenance, management, insurance and an allowance for vacancy, and divides by the total cost including fees. Net yield is the figure to plan with.

Then test the numbers: what if the rent is lower than expected, or the unit is empty for a few months? Yields are never guaranteed and vary between buildings, so assess each property on its own figures.

Rental income is the rent the property earns while you own it, measured each year as a yield. Capital appreciation is the increase in the property's value, which you only realise when you sell, after selling costs. Income strategies usually favour ready units in areas with steady tenant demand; growth strategies often involve a longer holding period and more tolerance for market risk.

Most investors want some of each. Decide which return you need and which you merely hope for — neither is guaranteed.

Look at the developer's completed projects and delivery history, and speak to existing owners if you can. Confirm that the project is registered with the land department — in Dubai, check DLD records, for example through the Dubai REST app — and pay only into the project's escrow account. Understand the payment plan, the expected handover date (an estimate, not a guarantee) and how you will pay the handover balance.

Finally, read the reservation form and the sale and purchase agreement in full, including the cancellation, penalty and delay clauses.

Yes. Our relationship does not end at the transaction. After handover we can help you find tenants and coordinate leasing and property management, review your rental income and running costs with you, and advise — when your plans change — whether holding or reselling better serves your goals.

Every situation is different, so tell us what you need and we will explain how we can support you.