Buy
Buying Property in Dubai
Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai. Here is how a typical resale purchase works, from offer to title deed.
Official sources & verification
Combined registration fee: 4% (2% seller + 2% buyer), plus applicable service and document charges. Contractual allocation should be confirmed.
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Dubai property ownership framework and Law No. 8 of 2007 concerning development escrow accounts.
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Dates apply only to the claims described above, not every sentence in this guide. Fees can change; consult the linked authority before committing. Commercial terms and timelines are not government guarantees.
4% of price
DLD transfer fee
Contract agreed
Deposit
Case dependent
Timeline
Freehold areas
Ownership type
The process
Step by step.
- 01
Define your brief
Budget, community, property type and whether you will live in it or rent it out. If financing, get a mortgage pre-approval first.
- 02
Shortlist & view
We shortlist properties that fit, arrange viewings and check the listing permit and ownership details.
- 03
Agree terms (Form F / MOU)
Buyer and seller sign the RERA Memorandum of Understanding, and agree the security deposit in their contract.
- 04
Developer NOC
The seller obtains a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming no outstanding service charges.
- 05
Transfer at the Trustee Office
Both parties meet at a DLD-registered trustee office, payments are exchanged and the new title deed is issued.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if resident)
- Mortgage pre-approval (if financing)
- Signed Form F / MOU
- Manager's cheques for the balance and fees
Questions
Good to know
Can non-residents buy in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents can buy freehold property in designated areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah.
Are there other costs besides the 4% DLD fee?
Yes. The 4% is the combined registration charge (2% seller and 2% buyer under the DLD schedule); confirm contractual allocation. There may also be a trustee office fee, title deed fee, agency commission and, if financing, mortgage registration and bank fees. Ask us for an itemised estimate.
General guidance only. Fees and regulations change — confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department, RERA or your bank.
