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How to Buy Property in Dubai: 2025 Process, Laws, Rules & Full Guide

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Last Update: 29th Sep 2025
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Dubai’s property market continues to attract global investors in 2025, thanks to its tax-free environment and high rental yields. No matter where you are from, like India, the USA, or the UK, you can buy property in Dubai or invest in real estate hassle-free if you follow the steps properly. Read this complete guide on how to buy property in Dubai 2025 to make your real estate journey smooth.

The Rules of Buying Property in Dubai 

Check out Article 4 of Law No. 7 of 2006 to buy property in Dubai. This is the primary reference and regulation for this matter. According to this law, you can purchase property anywhere in Dubai if you are a UAE or GCC citizen. The good thing for foreigners is that they can buy property on leasehold or freehold. So, are you ready to buy property? Explore available properties in Dubai here.

Freehold and Leasehold

Under freehold ownership law, you can invest in real estate in Dubai without any restrictions. Conversely, with a leasehold, you can own property for a specific period, like up to 99 years. Before making a final decision, you must understand the differences between freehold and leasehold, as they significantly impact your investment goals. 

Key Requirements for Purchasing Property in Dubai

Since January 2025, the process of buying property in Dubai is easy and smooth. No matter if you’re new to the real estate investment Dubai or purchasing property for the first time, make sure to consider these documents to understand how to buy property in Dubai. 

  • Passport Copy
  • Visa 
  • proof of income 
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
  • Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
  • Details about the property
  • The seller’s identity proof
  • Payment information 
  • Buy agreement
  • Register it with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can buy freehold property in designated zones without a visa or local sponsor, and there are no restrictions on your age or place of residence.
  • Up to 99 years, you can easily purchase off-plan units, resale properties, usufruct rights, or leasehold agreements.
  • You don't require a visa, but if you invest more than a particular amount, you can be eligible for a long-term UAE residency visa.

You also have the option of getting a UAE Golden Visa that is long-term and valid for 10 years. This visa attracts investors, professionals, and outsiders. You can get through investment, nomination, or by meeting specific eligibility criteria. To get a 10-year Golden Visa for a property worth at least AED 2 million in the UAE.

Purchasing Dubai Property on a Budget: Is It Possible?

Buy Property in Dubai on Budget

Yes, it is possible to buy property in Dubai within budget, but before you proceed with the process, consider the following things:

  • Start your property search. 
  • Determine your budget and requirements. 
  • Consider factors such as property type, size, location, and proximity to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and transportation.
  • Apply for pre-approval on your mortgage.
  • Inspect the property.
  • Hire a credible and expert real estate agent.

Essential Steps: How to Buy Property in Dubai

If you want to own the property or just want to invest in a real estate agent, the procedure for buying property is the same. To know more about the process of buying property in Dubai in detail, check the steps below: 

1. Ready the Buyer/ Seller Contract

The first step involves discussing the terms of the transaction with the seller. This includes the payment options, flexibility in payment, and any other relevant data. Owning a property in Dubai will give you 2 options:

Cash or Mortgage

  • Cash buyers have a good understanding of how to negotiate and convince the seller to come down on a low price. There is no need to involve a real estate agent or lawyer. Create a comprehensive contract that outlines the terms and conditions to avoid any future misunderstandings.
  • Apartment investment Dubai offer attractive benefits to mortgage buyers, including high rental yields, a stable economy, and tax-free living. To know more about mortgage in Dubai, go to Primo Capital, where you’ll get all the details to get the best mortgage.

2. Sign the Agreement

After agreeing on the terms, it’s time to sign the official Dubai real estate sale agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This document comes from the Dubai Land Department website and contains the terms and conditions of the sale, payment schedules, buying price, and other essential details. The buyer and seller must sign this form, and you’ll need to pay a 10% security deposit on the property. Once you finish the transaction, they will return it to you. 

3. Get No Objection Certificate

In the Dubai property buying guide, the purchaser, seller, and their real estate agent will meet at developer offices, such as Emaar properties or Dubai properties, during the property buying process. 

  • During this session, participants will apply for a No Objection Certificate to affect ownership transfer. 
  • An NOC demonstrates that additional service modifications and illegal property conditions remain absent from the property. 
  • Keep in mind that NOC and Form F are essential documents for Dubai real estate investment.

4. Transfer Ownership at Registrar's Office

You should organize the required documents, meet in person, or send the authorized representative. To finalize the property transfer, you must have the following documents: 

  • Submit the needed documents. 
  • A payable cheque for the property price 
  • Original identification documents of both seller and buyer (Emirates ID & passport) 
  • The original NOC 
  • The signed contract of Form F (Form F, also known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is a legally binding agreement between the buyer and seller that outlines the terms of a property sale in Dubai and is mandatory for all real estate transactions. You can learn more about its creation process on the Dubai Land Department’s official page.
  • Get verification of the data
  • Submit the fees and receive a receipt for payment
  • Get the output through email

The transfer will start processing as you submit all the documents and pay the fees. After that, you will get the new title deed in your name as the new owner. 

Understanding Taxes and Fees on Dubai Property Purchases

Tax Payment to Buy Property in Dubai

Buyers will be happy to hear that you can buy property in Dubai in the absence of traditional property taxes—there’s no income tax or inheritance tax. Buyers must pay a one-time 4% transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department and a monthly ‘housing fee’ of 5% based on the area’s average rental value. Still, with these charges, Dubai still remains more affordable than many global markets. For a $700,000 property, estimated transaction costs are around $28,000 in Dubai, compared to $31,500 in the USA, $29,000 in Australia, $35,000 in Japan, and £18,700 (about $24,000) in the UK—making Dubai a desirable option for investors.

Top Areas for Property Investment in Dubai

If you want your investment to perform well, make sure to choose the right location.

Below is a selection of Dubai’s major areas for property buyers in 2025. To see Properties For Sale in Dubai in these sought-after communities, explore our listings.

1. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina, A Waterfront Community

A renowned waterfront community, Dubai Marina is one of the best places to buy property in Dubai for its opulent lifestyle, which includes high-rise apartments and elegant penthouses. You can get here a plethora of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, which are popular by a magnificent marina full of yachts and a bustling promenade. The average sales price of three-bedroom apartments is AED 2.5 million to AED 7 million. This makes it a top choice for both investors and residents seeking an upscale urban experience.

2. Palm Jumeirah

An Iconic Artificial Island is Palm Jumeirah

An iconic artificial island offering high-end villas and apartments. With a mixture of commercial and residential units, this is the best location to buy property in Dubai amongst investors and tourists. The average sale price of a 3-bedroom apartment in Palm Jumeirah ranges from AED 4 million to AED 7 million, making it the most expensive region in Dubai. The touristic nature of Palm Jumeirah makes it a fantastic place to invest in short-term rental opportunities.

3. Jumeirah Beach Residence

Experience Luxury Lifestyle at JBR

Completed in 2010, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a distinguished waterfront neighbourhood in Dubai Marina that faces the Persian Gulf. JBR has a vibrant urban lifestyle with a beach resort vibe, and it is well-known for its 1.7km of beautiful coastline. The average sale price for an apartment in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is around AED 2.4 million, though this can vary significantly based on the apartment's size and features.

4. Downtown Dubai

One of the Top Areas of Dubai is Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is the home of some of Dubai's most famous structures, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain. This multicultural neighbourhood combines luxurious residential towers with high-end shopping and entertainment experiences. The average sale price of an apartment is 3,868,743 AED. 

5. CityWalk Dubai

CityWalk Dubai is a Vibrant Urban Lifestyle Attraction

CityWalk Dubai is a vibrant urban lifestyle attraction, the developer of this project is Meraas and is currently managed by Merex. Originally built as a bustling neighbourhood and shopping mall, it offers a distinctive blend of comfort and elegance by blending residential units, making it a unique fusion of luxury and comfort. The average sales price of all property types is 3,988,596 AED (up 18.98% YoY) (USD 1,085,926). CityWalk has become a popular tourist attraction and property investment in Dubai because of its attractive fusion of contemporary architecture and outdoor lifestyle options.  

How to Avoid Problems When Investing in Dubai Real Estate?

The market of investing in Dubai real estate is expanding, but like with any rapidly changing investing landscape, there are risks if you're not careful. It's important to stay alert and conduct your research because some people attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

Be cautious of scams and fake listings. Make sure to verify that real estate agents and developers are registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), particularly when dealing with off-plan or completed properties. You can verify agents on Dubai Land Department’s RERA portal. Before making any purchases or transactions, find out what the going rates are in the region to avoid going over budget. Be sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, including the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

šŸ”“ Red flags to watch for:

  • Unlicensed agents or developers
  • Unrealistic pricing or urgent pressure to buy
  • Missing documents like MOU or title deed

āœ… Tip: Always cross-check listings on the Dubai REST app for verified property details.

Minimum Investment to Buy Property in Dubai

The minimum Dubai property investment required for residential property is AED 750,000, and commercial property starts from AED 700k – 1M. In this price range, you can easily purchase property in Dubai with suitable areas, amenities, and favourable neighbourhoods that will make your investment an excellent & profitable asset. To read it in more detail, click on the minimum investment guide

Benefits of Buying Property in Dubai

Benefits of Buying Property in Dubai

Dubai offers a winning combination of high rental income, low taxes, and great value. Here are the reasons why to invest in dubai real estate from around the world:

1. High Rental Yields

  • UAE average rental yield: 4.87%
  • Dubai average: Over 7%

Examples:

  • Palm Jumeirah Studio: ~7.63% yield
  • Downtown Dubai Studio: ~7.92% yield
  • Great for buy-to-let income

2. No Property Taxes

  • 0% annual property tax
  • 0% capital gains tax
  • 0% personal income tax
  • Just a one-time 4% fee to the Dubai Land Department

3. Growing Tourism = High Demand

  • 9+ million tourists visited Dubai in the first half of 2024
  • Tourism makes up about 12% of the UAE’s GDP
  • Government investing $7.1 billion to attract 25 million tourists by 2025
  • Short-term rental demand is growing fast

4. Easy Visa Options

  • 2-year renewable visa with property worth more than AED 750,000
  • 10-year visa for property AED 2 million

5. Strong Price Growth

  • Dubai ranked 6th globally for property price growth
  • Some areas saw up to 19% growth in 2024
  • Even after inflation, growth remains high at 15% 

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners are permitted to purchase property in designated freehold areas of Dubai. These are specific zones where international investors can acquire full ownership. Prominent freehold communities include Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Beach Residence, among others.
Foreign investors should use regulated real estate agents to mitigate the risk of scams. For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide on how a foreigner can buy property in Dubai.

Minimum Salary Required to Purchase a Home in Dubai 

As Dubai is home to both affordable and luxurious houses. The minimum salary required to investing in Dubai ready-made property can vary based on the type and location of the property you want. You must also bear in mind that most banks in the UAE require a minimum monthly salary of AED 15k to qualify for a home loan, similar to the minimum salary needed to take a mortgage loan.

Ready to read more about minimum salary requirements? Let’s give you detailed information with this guide!

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Dubai Property Market?

Good Time to Buy Property in Dubai?

By January 2025, Dubai will be one of the best locations to invest in a property. According to experts, some 41,000 new homes will be constructed in 2025, and another 42,000 are likely to be built in 2026. This means more options and great opportunities for buyers and investors.

The Dubai property investment performs well in 2024. Indeed, the overall increase in residential property prices in Dubai was recorded at 19.46% in November 2024, compared to the same period last year. This continues a trend of rising prices since 2021.

Looking closer:

  • Apartment prices rose by 19% in just one year.
  • Villa prices increased by over 20% during the same time.

There was also an average price per square foot to purchase property in the core market of Dubai of AED 1.558 (approximately USD 424).

Yes, prices are higher now than they were a year ago. However, this stability and security in the real estate business in Dubai are likely to continue expanding towards 2025 and 2026.

Last Words

To buy property in Dubai 2025, characterized by high rental yields, tax-free incentives, and a range of investment zones. You’ll find many budget-friendly areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Al Furjan deliver strong returns, especially for short-term rentals. There are also prime locations like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina that offer long-term value and prestige. As the UAE has regulated freehold ownership, Visa eligibility to buy property in Dubai, and a surging real estate market, Dubai remains a top global choice for property buyers seeking both income and capital growth.

FAQ’s

1. Can I buy a house in Dubai?

Yes, buying property in dubai as a foreigner is easy, but only in designated freehold areas. It’s not for the residents, and owning property can make you eligible for a residency visa if you meet the investment criteria.

2. Is it worth buying property in Dubai?

Buying property in Dubai can be worthwhile, with potential for high rental yields, capital appreciation, strong demand from international residents, and a regulated market.

3. How to invest in real estate in Dubai?

Many big companies offer an installment plan to buy houses and apartments under construction; you’ll pay over several years. 

4. Where can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

International buyers can consider freehold areas include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, and Damac Hills.

5. Why to invest in Dubai real estate?

Reasons to invest in Dubai real estate is tax-free environment, powerful rental, safe city life, booming economy, and growing population.


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