Dubai · Guides · How to buy
How to buy property in Dubai
A plain-English walkthrough of buying in Dubai in 2026 — the steps, the fees, the paperwork and how to do it remotely.
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Quick answer
The 6 steps, fees and timeline
Buying in Dubai is fast and open to foreigners of any nationality, in freehold zones, with no residency required and no annual property tax. The flow is six steps: 1) choose the property, 2) verify the title deed and service-charge history (DLD / Mollak), 3) sign the MoU (Form F) and pay a ~10% deposit, 4) the seller obtains the developer NOC, 5) transfer at the DLD and pay the 4% transfer fee, 6) receive the title deed in your name. Budget ~7–10% of the price for total costs (DLD 4%, agency ~2%+VAT, trustee, NOC, title). Ready homes complete in ~2–8 weeks; the whole thing can be done remotely by power of attorney.
2026 market ranges for guidance. 1 USD ≈ AED 3.67. Sources: Property Finder, Bayut, DLD.
By area · 2026
Where buyers start (entry prices)
The most active freehold areas and their entry prices.
| Area | Entry price | Gross yield |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina | from ~AED 720k | 5.5–7.2% |
| Business Bay | from ~AED 690k | 5.5–7% |
| JVC | from ~AED 500k | 7–9% |
| Downtown Dubai | from ~AED 850k | 5–6% |
| Dubai Hills | from ~AED 940k | ~6% |
| Dubai South | from ~AED 450k | 7.5–9.5% |
Worth knowing
Costs & what to know
In favour
- Open to all nationalities in freehold zones
- No residency required to buy
- No annual property tax, no income tax
- Can be completed remotely by POA
- Ready homes close in ~2–8 weeks
Worth knowing
- Total costs ~7–10% on top of price
- DLD transfer fee is 4% of price
- 10% deposit at MoU stage
- Developer NOC fee AED 500–5,000
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Currency
500k6M AED
Gross estimate from typical yields; net is lower after service charges (AED 12–25/sq.ft).
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Buyer FAQ
Common questions
How do I buy property in Dubai step by step?
Six steps: choose the property; verify the title deed and service charges; sign the MoU (Form F) with a ~10% deposit; the seller gets the developer NOC; transfer at the DLD paying the 4% fee; receive the title deed in your name.
How much are the fees to buy property in Dubai?
Budget about 7–10% of the price: DLD transfer fee 4%, agency ~2% + VAT, trustee fee AED 2,100–4,200, title deed AED 580, and developer NOC AED 500–5,000.
Can I buy property in Dubai remotely?
Yes — by granting a notarised, attested power of attorney to your agent or lawyer, the whole purchase including DLD registration can be done without flying in.
How long does it take to buy in Dubai?
For ready property, roughly 2–8 weeks from signed MoU to title deed, depending on whether a mortgage is involved.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
No — there is no annual property tax, no income tax and no capital gains tax. The main cost is the one-time 4% DLD transfer fee.
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