Frequently Asked Questions

Freehold ownership allows individuals or non-citizen companies to fully own and possess a property indefinitely. This includes apartments, villas, commercial buildings, and lands. It means that the buyer owns a portion of the land in addition to the purchased property. This ownership transfers absolutely to heirs. With freehold ownership, the owner has the right to lease, reside in, or use the property for any purpose.

Yes, any foreigner can own property in specific areas designated for freehold ownership in Dubai, and the heirs can inherit it. Investors and foreign buyers must comply with local laws and regulations and engage with legal advisors before making a purchase to ensure compliance with the required legal and financial procedures.

Some popular areas for freehold ownership in Dubai include Palm Island, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, and Al Barsha.

Leasehold ownership allows individuals or non-citizen companies to own a property for a specified period, usually 99 years. After the lease term expires, the ownership returns to the original developer or landowner.

– Valid passport.

– Emirates ID (if you are a resident of the United Arab Emirates).

– Booking form.

– Credit card authorization form for card payments.

– Customer information form.

Once all the required documents are ready, the property sale registration takes an average of 30 minutes.

OQOOD Service is an electronic service provided by the Dubai Real Estate Solutions Corporation to facilitate property registration between developers and buyers.

A property on the master plan refers to a property that is still in the planning stage and has not been fully constructed yet.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the government entity responsible for regulating and executing policies and laws related to real estate and land in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It serves as the primary reference for all matters related to real estate, regulation, and services for any property transactions in Dubai.

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is an organization that operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The agency is responsible for implementing real estate policies and regulations, licensing and regulating developers, real estate agents, and brokers, as well as providing protection for buyers and tenants. RERA’s functions include registering and licensing real estate projects and agents, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in the real estate sector, and providing advice and support to investors, buyers, and tenants in real estate matters.

DEWA Dubai is a government entity, an abbreviation for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. It is responsible for meeting the water and electricity needs of Dubai’s residents, commercial, industrial, and governmental establishments.

You can contact DEWA Dubai via phone or visit one of their customer service centers. You can obtain the contact information and addresses of the centers through DEWA Dubai’s official website.

To apply, you will need to submit a request for electricity and water services. You can request a new connection if you are opening a new property or request a service transfer if you are moving to a new house within Dubai.

You will need to provide some documents to prove your identity, property address, and ownership. The required documents may include a passport or ID card, lease agreement or property ownership document, and a completed service application form.

Ejari Dubai is a UAE-based electronic platform for renting apartments and houses in the Emirate of Dubai. It provides multiple options of apartments and houses for rent and allows you to choose based on specifications and location.

Tenants are required to register each lease contract with Ejari. The required documents include the landlord’s ownership document, the lease contract, passport, entry visa, Emirates ID, a copy of the owner’s ID or passport, and fingerprint.

A tenant has the right to terminate the lease contract by notifying the landlord two months in advance. They will be required to pay two months’ rent from the day of vacating the property, in addition to settling all utility bills.

The following is a list of required documents:

– Copy of a valid passport.

– Copy of the Emirates ID.

– Copy of a valid residence visa.

– Refundable security deposit.

– Real Estate Agent fee.

– If the tenant is a company, a valid trade license and a copy of the General Manager’s passport (if they are signing the contract) are required.

– A security deposit of 5% for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished properties.

– For apartments, a deposit of 2,000 AED, and for villas, a deposit of 4,000 AED.

– A fee of 225 AED for the Ejari program.

This deposit is retained as a reserve to protect the landlord in case the depositor is unable to fulfill any obligations. It covers rental loss, damages that may occur to the property, repairs, and maintenance.

The buyer is eligible to obtain a UAE investor visa if their investment value is one million AED or more in a maximum of three properties.

No, as a non-resident, you are not required to pay property tax in Dubai.

– Ensure that the property owner has paid all service fees before handing over the property to you. Your agent should verify and document this.

– In case of any property or maintenance issues, make sure they are addressed before taking possession of the property.

– You can request the property owner to ensure that your apartment or villa is cleaned before you receive it.

– Check the condition of the building or villa before taking possession, and ensure that you have the right to access and benefit from everything mentioned in the lease agreement.

The down payment is the percentage you pay from the total amount, and the required down payment percentage ranges from 5% to 10%. While it is always advisable to pay a higher down payment, such as 20%, as the down payment percentage increases, the value of the installments you will pay decreases, making it easier for you to repay them, and the interest added in case of installment decreases.

It is customary to pay the commission upon successfully completing a sale, purchase, or lease transaction. Therefore, you should ask in advance about the value of the service provided by the real estate agent so that you can take it into account.

The commission rate is not fixed and is subject to agreement, but it varies depending on whether you are the seller or the buyer. In general, the commission rate ranges from 1.5% to 2.5%, but we always recommend reaching a prior agreement with your real estate agent so that you can adhere to it.

There are several factors that can ensure you find the right property for your aspirations within a short period of time, including:

– Having a pre-planned, clear, and detailed financial plan before starting the property search.

– Identifying your needs and preferences in a home or property to avoid wasting time in random searches.

– Setting a timeframe for making a decision and avoiding hesitation to prevent wasting time on property viewings.

– Studying the market situation before selling or buying and ensuring that the timing is suitable for listing your property or searching for a suitable home.

– Save yourself the effort and time by seeking the assistance of an expert or real estate agents.

You may consider avoiding the use of a real estate agent or advisor to reduce the financial cost, whether you are a seller or a buyer. However, if you decide to rely entirely on yourself, you will certainly save a sum of money that you would not pay as a commission to the real estate agent. On the other hand, the process of selling or buying a property may take much longer due to your lack of experience in the market. You may also fall victim to any type of fraud if you do not take precautions to avoid it.

If you decide to enlist the help of a real estate agent or advisor, you will pay a certain amount of money in exchange for a service tailored to your needs, and they will lead you to the desired results faster. Additionally, a real estate agent provides you with all the guarantees that protect you from any manipulation or fraud. Therefore, we always advise you to deal with a reputable and experienced real estate agent.

There are various services that a real estate advisor or agent can provide to you, including:

– Free consultations (you can obtain them by directly contacting the real estate agent and asking for what you desire).

– Searching for properties that suit your needs and preferences and presenting the available offers in advance. They will accompany you from the initial meeting to view the diverse offers until reaching a final agreement with the other party.

– Providing legal services and ensuring the proper execution of contracts, along with offering advice that helps you understand the legal procedures related to contracts to ensure all your rights.

– Home staging and interior design services if you choose to seek assistance in providing customized designs that match your preferences, leading to the execution of the finishing touches in your home.

– You can also list properties for sale through the real estate agent, and in this way, you will receive purchase requests in a shorter timeframe.

The primary objective of real estate investment is to achieve profit and increase financial returns. Real estate investment relies on buying and selling transactions and implementing investment projects. Real estate investors aim to allocate a specific capital with the goal of achieving monetary returns, which differs from the field of real estate development. Investments are usually made in land or property for a specified period with the intention of buying and selling, and once a deal is completed, the investment moves on to other properties.

There are various aspects and areas of real estate investment that you can consider, such as:

– Residential homes or villas, which are the fastest areas of investment to achieve quick financial returns.

– Commercial properties, such as retail stores or residential buildings designated for investment purposes.

– Administrative and medical complexes, which are among the investments that yield high returns.

– Land.

Yes, you can obtain U.A.E citizenship through real estate investment in the United Arab Emirates, subject to the following conditions:

– Investing in real estate or properties with a value of no less than 5 million AED.

– The property must be fully owned by the citizenship applicant.

– Obtaining a real estate loan exceeding 50% of the property value is not allowed.

– The property must be held for a minimum of 3 years before applying for citizenship.

– Submitting a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.

– Providing evidence of legitimate residency in the UAE for a period of no less than 7 years.

– Having a good reputation, conduct, and legal status.

– Proficiency in the Arabic language (reading and writing).

  If these conditions are met, you can submit an application to obtain Emirati citizenship through real estate investment.

Yes, you can obtain a Golden Residency Visa in Dubai by owning property under the Dubai Golden Visa Property Program, subject to the following conditions:

– The property must be either a residential apartment or villa.

– The minimum value of the property is 1 million AED.

– The property must be fully paid for, with no mortgage.

– The applicant for residency must provide a valid property ownership contract for duration of 3 years.

– The cost of the Golden Residency Property Visa fees is 5% of the property value.

– The maximum duration of residency is 3 years, renewable.

Note: The property cannot be sold before the completion of a 3-year period from the date of obtaining the Golden Residency.

Villas prices in Dubai are among the highest globally, particularly in luxury residential areas. Small villas start at around 2 million AED, while villas in upscale neighborhoods can reach over 50 million AED.

Apartment prices in Dubai vary significantly depending on the location. Generally, apartment prices in Dubai start at around 500,000 AED in less expensive areas and can go up to millions of AED in luxury areas like Downtown Dubai and Palm Island.

The prices ranges for houses in Dubai are between 1.5 to 3 million AED in regular areas.

Observers believe that land prices in Dubai are trending towards further increase, making it a guaranteed profitable investment opportunity. The price per square meter of land ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 AED in developing areas.

Here are the steps to buy property in Dubai:

– Identify the type of property (apartment, villa, land) and the desired area. Search through websites or real estate agencies, then visit the shortlisted properties and choose the suitable one.

– Determine the payment method (cash, mortgage, etc.) and communicate with banks to explain the required financing and choose the best financing offer.

– Ensure the validity and authenticity of property documents (lease agreement if applicable or sale and purchase agreement from the owner).

– Pay the property transfer fees and visit the Land Department to register the property under the new name.

– Submit the required documents for registration at the Real Estate Regulatory Agency and pay the applicable fees. Obtain the property registration certificate.

Here are the steps to list a property for sale in Dubai:

– Ensure property ownership and gather all relevant documents such as ownership contract, title deed, and property maps.

– Determine the appropriate price for the property based on its location, size, and prevailing prices in the area.

– Contact licensed real estate agencies in Dubai and present the property for them to handle the selling process. Alternatively, list it directly on real estate websites.

– Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the property and present it in an appealing manner to interested buyers during property viewings.

– Provide all necessary information about the property transparently to interested buyers, including the area, designs, and utility bills.

– Negotiate the final price after finding an interested buyer and agree on the terms of the sale.

– Complete the property transfer procedures after signing the sales contract with the buyer.

– Hand over the property to the buyer after receiving the agreed-upon amount and successfully completing the sale.

Apartment rental prices in Dubai vary significantly based on several factors, including:

– Area: Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay are among the most expensive areas for apartment rentals.

– Apartment size: The larger the apartment, the higher the price. Studio apartments are usually the cheapest option.

– Property type: Residential apartments are generally cheaper than hotel apartments.

– Furnishing: Furnished apartments are typically more expensive.

  Generally, rental prices range as follows:

– Small studio apartment in a medium area: 30,000 – 50,000 AED annually.

– 1-bedroom apartment in a good area: 60,000 – 80,000 AED annually.

– 2-bedroom apartment in an upscale area: 80,000 – 120,000 AED annually.

– Luxury 3-bedroom apartment: Above 150,000 AED annually.

  It’s worth noting that prices significantly increase in exclusive areas like Dubai Marina, Palm Island, and Jumeirah.

Real estate agency fees typically include the following:

– Marketing and promotion fees for the property, ranging from 1% to 2% of the property value.

– Sales commission, which can reach up to 2% of the property value upon sale.

– Property management fees for overseeing maintenance, electricity, water, etc. These fees are usually charged annually based on the property size.

– Insurance fees to cover the property with an appropriate insurance document.

– Additional service fees such as photography services, property staging, advertising, property viewings, etc.

– Value Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 5% on the total fees.