The 6 steps, fees and timeline
2026 market ranges for guidance. 1 USD ≈ AED 3.67. Sources: Property Finder, Bayut, DLD.
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% |
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 up to ~7% on top of price
- DLD transfer fee is 4% of price
- 10% deposit at MoU stage
- Developer NOC fee AED 500–5,000
How you actually pay — cheques, fees, mortgages
On a resale, the 10% deposit is a manager’s cheque in the seller’s name, written when you sign Form F (MOU) — the RERA broker holds it uncashed until transfer. Budget the fixed costs on top: developer NOC AED 500–5,000, trustee office AED 4,000 + VAT (less below AED 500k), optional conveyancing AED 5,000–15,000 — all in, roughly 7–10% above the price.
Mortgages: UAE-resident expats can borrow up to 80% LTV under AED 5M (70% above; 50% for off-plan). Non-residents get 50–65% in practice from ENBD, Mashreq, FAB, HSBC or DIB, at roughly 4–4.5%+ (July 2026); banks want passport, 3–6 months of statements and proof of income. We pre-match the bank before you commit a deposit. Paying with crypto instead? See our USDT/BTC route guide.
Estimate your return
Gross estimate from typical yields; net is lower after service charges (AED 12–25/sq.ft).
Want this matched to your budget?
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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 up to about 7% 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 someone you trust — a relative or lawyer (our conveyancer can assist if you have no one), 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.
How do I pay the deposit when buying in Dubai?
On resale deals the 10% deposit is a manager’s cheque in the seller’s name, handed over at Form F (MOU) signing; the RERA broker holds it uncashed until the DLD transfer. Fixed fees on top: developer NOC AED 500–5,000, trustee office AED 4,000 + VAT, optional conveyancing AED 5,000–15,000.
Can a non-resident get a Dubai mortgage?
Yes — ENBD, Mashreq, FAB, HSBC and DIB lend to non-residents at 50–65% LTV in practice (residents: up to 80% under AED 5M), at roughly 4–4.5%+ in July 2026, against passport, bank statements and proof of income.
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