Buying property in Dubai as a first-time buyer or foreign national is more accessible and more straightforward than most people expect, but only once you have a clear picture of how the process actually works. This guide covers every stage of a Dubai property purchase in 2026, whether you are buying off-plan directly from a developer or buying in the secondary market from a private seller.
I am a RERA-licensed Dubai real estate broker (licence number 44415) with Edwards and Towers, active in the market since 2014. Every question buyers ask me repeatedly is covered below.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in Dubai without UAE residency, without a local company, and without a national sponsor. The Dubai Land Department maintains a register of designated freehold zones where non-UAE nationals can hold full ownership title. These zones cover the communities where international buyers most commonly search, including Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, Sobha Hartland, and many others.
There is no minimum time you need to have spent in the UAE before buying. You can complete a Dubai property purchase as a foreign national from anywhere in the world, making Dubai real estate one of the more accessible international property markets for global investors.
Off-plan property vs secondary market: understanding the two routes
Every property purchase in Dubai falls into one of two categories. Which route is right for you is the first decision to make before you begin searching.
Buying off-plan property in Dubai
Off-plan means buying a property directly from a developer before it is completed. You sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement with the developer and pay in stages according to a payment plan tied to construction milestones. The Dubai Land Department requires developers to hold buyer funds in a RERA-regulated escrow account, providing a strong layer of legal protection for buyers.
Before committing to any off-plan purchase in Dubai, verify that the project is registered on the Dubai Land Department's Oqood system. This is the official off-plan registration platform and is your confirmation that the project is legally authorised for sale.
Buying in the Dubai secondary market
The secondary market means buying a completed, existing property from a private seller. Transactions typically complete within 30 to 60 days. You can physically inspect the property before signing anything, and mortgage financing is available for secondary market purchases in a way it typically is not for off-plan.
Secondary market transactions in Dubai involve a formal transfer at the Dubai Land Department, a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming no outstanding liabilities on the property, and registration fees paid on the day of transfer.
Step-by-step: how to buy off-plan property in Dubai
Choose your developer and project
Research the developer's completion record. Verify the project is registered on the DLD Oqood system before paying anything.
Pay the reservation deposit
Typically 5 to 10 percent of the purchase price. This secures the unit and triggers the Sales and Purchase Agreement.
Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement
The SPA sets out all terms. Read it carefully. Your RERA-licensed broker should walk you through any clauses before you sign.
Oqood registration and DLD fee
The developer registers the purchase with the Dubai Land Department's Oqood system. You pay the 4 percent DLD registration fee at this stage.
Pay according to the construction plan
Payments go to the RERA-regulated escrow account, not directly to the developer. Keep all receipts and confirmation documents.
Handover and title deed
At completion you inspect the property, raise any snagging issues, pay the remaining balance, and receive your Dubai Land Department title deed.
Step-by-step: how to buy in the Dubai secondary market
Make an offer
Your RERA-licensed broker presents the offer to the seller's broker. Once agreed verbally, you move to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Sign the MOU (Form F)
The Form F is the standard RERA Memorandum of Understanding. It records the agreed price, the 10 percent deposit, and a completion deadline of 30 to 60 days.
Obtain the NOC
A No Objection Certificate is obtained from the developer confirming no outstanding service charges or liabilities on the property.
Arrange mortgage if applicable
If financing, your bank conducts a property valuation. Ensure mortgage pre-approval is in place before signing the MOU to avoid delays.
Transfer at the Dubai Land Department
Buyer, seller, and both brokers attend the DLD transfer appointment. The balance is paid by manager's cheque. All fees are paid on the day.
Receive your title deed
The DLD issues the title deed in your name on the day of transfer. DEWA and service charge accounts are transferred to you.
What does it cost to buy property in Dubai?
| Fee | Off-Plan | Secondary Market |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Land Department Transfer Fee | 4% of purchase price | 4% of purchase price |
| DLD Admin Fee | AED 580 | AED 580 |
| Agency Commission | 2% plus VAT (sometimes waived by developer) | 2% plus VAT |
| Mortgage Registration Fee | Not applicable (most off-plan is cash) | 0.25% of loan amount |
| NOC Fee | Not applicable | AED 500 to AED 5,000 |
| Trustee Fee | Not applicable | AED 4,000 (properties above AED 500,000) |
| Budget on top of purchase price | 4 to 5 percent | 6 to 7 percent |
Can non-residents get a mortgage to buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Several UAE banks offer mortgage financing to non-resident buyers of Dubai property, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and HSBC UAE. The key figures to understand are:
- Non-residents: maximum loan-to-value ratio of 50 percent, meaning a minimum 50 percent cash deposit is required
- UAE residents: up to 80 percent LTV on a first property valued under AED 5,000,000, meaning a minimum 20 percent deposit
- Mortgage pre-approval before you begin viewing is strongly recommended, as it confirms your budget and makes your offers credible to sellers
- Banks conduct their own independent property valuation, which occasionally differs from the agreed purchase price
For off-plan properties, most Dubai developers do not accept mortgage financing during the construction period. Buyers pay in cash instalments according to the payment plan. Mortgage financing can be arranged at or after handover once the Dubai Land Department has issued a registered title deed.
What documents do you need to buy property in Dubai?
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Emirates ID if you are already a UAE resident
- Proof of funds or a mortgage pre-approval letter
- A UAE bank account for local fee transfers (a non-resident account at Emirates NBD, ADCB, or Mashreq is sufficient)
- For secondary market: both parties sign Form F, the RERA-regulated Memorandum of Understanding
What is RERA and why does it matter?
RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, is the Dubai government body that licences all real estate brokers in Dubai, regulates developers, oversees the off-plan escrow system, and maintains the official property register under the Dubai Land Department. Every RERA-licensed broker carries a registration number. My RERA licence number is 44415. Always ask to see a broker's current RERA registration before proceeding with any transaction.
The UAE Golden Visa and Dubai property
Purchasing property in Dubai at or above AED 2,000,000, registered with the Dubai Land Department, qualifies you to apply for the UAE 10-year Golden Visa. The Golden Visa grants long-term UAE residency without needing an employer sponsor, and can be extended to your spouse, children, and parents.
For the full detail on eligibility, fees, the application process, and what the Golden Visa gives you, read the dedicated guide: The UAE Golden Visa Through Property: Everything You Need to Know in 2026.
Related guides on buying property in Dubai
Frequently asked questions about buying property in Dubai
Tatiana Egorova
Dubai real estate advisor since 2014. RERA-licensed broker (#44415) with Edwards & Towers. Focused on luxury sales and investment.
