Define your brief.
Set the purpose, budget, holding period and funding route. For a home, test everyday journeys. For an investment, separate rental assumptions from ownership costs and resale expectations.
International buyers
Buying in Dubai,
with a clearer plan.
A practical starting point for an international purchase, from checking the property to planning the full cost.
Reviewed 2 November 2026 · Official sources below
Begin with the specific property.
Confirm whether the exact plot or unit is eligible for your intended ownership structure. Dubai permits foreign ownership in designated areas; do not assume that an area name alone confirms eligibility. Ask for the title deed and verify it through Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Review the asset and seller.
Check the title deed, seller identity and authority, exact unit and area, occupancy, condition and any mortgage or restrictions. Arrange an inspection and review the current service-charge statement and any arrears.
Agree the commercial terms.
Record the price, deposit arrangements, payment milestones, completion conditions, included items and allocation of fees. Confirm financing before accepting commitments that depend on it. Have the transaction documents reviewed for your circumstances.
Prepare the transfer.
DLD’s Property Sale Registration service lists a valid passport for non-resident foreign individuals and an electronic developer NOC in freehold areas among its requirements. Confirm the documents and applicable transfer channel with the registration trustee before arranging travel or payment.
Plan ownership after completion.
Arrange handover, access, utilities, insurance and maintenance. If letting, confirm management responsibilities and the tenancy position. Keep a reserve for vacancy and repairs; a quoted gross yield does not deduct these costs.
Beyond the asking price
Build a complete acquisition budget.
| Cost | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| DLD sale registration | The published registration fee is 4% of the sale value. It is shared equally between seller and purchaser unless agreed otherwise. Confirm the allocation in your contract. |
| Transfer administration | Trustee or service-partner charges, VAT where applicable, title-deed, map and related charges depend on the service route. Obtain a written transaction-specific breakdown. |
| Professional and financing costs | Agreed brokerage and advisory fees, mortgage and valuation costs, bank charges and currency conversion where relevant. |
| Recurring ownership costs | Approved building service charges, maintenance, insurance and management. Check the relevant year in DLD’s Service Charge Index and request the unit’s current statement. |
Official sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal · Regulation No. 3 of 2006, Article 3: designated foreign-ownership areas ↗
Check later amendments and the exact property with DLD.
- DLD · Verify Title Deed ↗
- DLD · Property Sale Registration: process, documents and fees ↗
- Dubai Legislation Portal · Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013, Article 3 and fee schedule ↗
- DLD / Mollak · Service Charge Index ↗
Source pages reviewed 2 November 2026. Requirements and fees can change and depend on the transaction. This orientation guide is not a legal opinion or a mortgage approval. Confirm the latest position with DLD, your bank and the relevant professionals.
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