Buying Property in Dubai
Find the right Dubai property for your budget and buy with confidence: a licensed, professional team with you from advice and selection to title transfer and residency.
Reviewed by Dr. Sina Ghaderi, AKT founder, RERA ORN 15673 · Updated: 7 July 2026
Newest Off-Plan Projects in Dubai
New launches with ~10% down payment and installments beyond handover
Skyhills Residences 3
HRE Development
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
The Lifestyle Collection
DAMAC Properties
DAMAC Hills, Lagoons & Riverside
The Yards
Beyond Developments
City of Arabia, Dubailand
Barari Palace
ARY & MAZ Developments
Majan (Al Barari)
Buying in Dubai: key facts for foreign buyers
Buy your dream Dubai home with no commission to pay
Dubai property price list (starting price by area)
The table shows approximate starting prices by area in AED and USD. The exact price of any property depends on size, developer and location.
Conversion basis: about AED 3.67 per USD (approximate).
Prices updated: July 2026
What can your budget buy in Dubai?
- Budget homes: from about USD 109,000 (International City, Arjan).
- Economy homes: about USD 150,000–163,000 (JVC, Silicon Oasis, Sports City).
- Luxury homes: from about USD 231,000 up to USD 899,000+ (Business Bay, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah).
Figures are approximate and exclude the annual service charge; ask an AKT advisor for the exact price of any property.
What affects property prices in Dubai?
A property’s price in Dubai depends on a few key factors:
- Area and location: proximity to the sea, metro, malls and attractions raises the price.
- Developer and build quality: established brands like Emaar hold their value better.
- Project stage: off-plan usually has a lower entry price than ready property.
- Size, floor and view: units with open views and higher floors cost more.
- Community amenities: pool, gym, security and management services affect the price.
- Current supply and demand in each area.
With recent developments, can foreigners still buy in Dubai and get residency?
Foreign nationals can obtain UAE residency by buying property in Dubai, with no restriction on buying or getting residency. In freehold areas the title is in your name and you own 100%. The detail most sites miss: under the DLD’s April 2026 rule, a property from around AED 400,000 qualifies you for the renewable 2-year residency; on joint purchases each share must be at least AED 400,000, and from AED 2M you qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
To get Dubai residency and the Golden Visa through property, leave your details
A renewable 2-year Dubai residency from around AED 400,000
From April 2026 the Dubai Land Department eased the old AED 750,000 requirement: a property from around AED 400,000 qualifies you for the renewable 2-year residency. On a joint purchase each co-owner’s share counts — an AED 800,000 property qualifies two buyers and their families. AKT, a licensed agency, confirms each case’s eligibility for free.
Full Legal Ownership
In freehold areas the title deed is in your name — no residency or local partner required.
Residency Through Property
A renewable 2-year residency from around AED 400,000, and the 10-year Golden Visa from AED 2M.
0% Tax
No annual property tax, income tax or capital gains tax for individuals.
Installment Plans
Start with about 10% and pay monthly, on some projects even beyond handover, from 1% per month.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. You do not need to be a UAE resident and you do not need a local partner. Foreign nationals have full ownership rights in designated "freehold" areas — the title is registered in your name with full rights to sell, lease or transfer it. An AKT advisor confirms a property’s freehold status before you buy.
Most of Dubai’s popular areas are freehold:
Dubai property market forecast for 2026
Dubai’s market has grown steadily in recent years, with a positive outlook for 2026. Keep these in mind:
- Demand from foreign buyers, especially across the Middle East and Asia, keeps rising.
- New Emaar, DAMAC and Sobha launches widen supply, with more installment plans available.
- Dubai’s population and tourism growth keep rental demand high in key areas.
- Exact price-growth figures cannot be guaranteed; decide on current data and your own goal. AKT shares an up-to-date area analysis for free.
Source: Official transaction data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
Buy your ideal Dubai home on monthly installments
Dubai property law updates in 2026
A few current points worth knowing:
- The residency-through-property path remains open and legal for foreign nationals.
- From April 2026 the DLD eased the old AED 750,000 requirement; the 2-year residency path opens from a property around AED 400,000.
- On joint purchases, each co-owner’s share must be at least AED 400,000 to qualify.
- Since February 2026 the 10-year Golden Visa no longer requires AED 1M paid upfront; the title deed or Oqood value is what counts.
- Dependents of a property-residency holder can now work in the UAE under new rules.
- All transactions are still registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and handled through escrow.
- Exact case conditions can change; an AKT advisor checks the latest status for free.
Key considerations before buying in Dubai
For a sound decision, it helps to know these too:
- Budget for the closing costs (about 5% on off-plan and 7–8% on a ready property) and the annual service charge.
- For off-plan, check the developer’s track record and handover date before signing.
- Rental yield depends on the area and how the property is managed; it is not a fixed number.
- For a safe transfer, work through the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) and escrow.
- Before buying, confirm the freehold status and title with a RERA-licensed advisor.
AKT reviews all of this with you transparently before you buy, so you can decide with confidence.
Property types to buy in Dubai
Apartment
The most in-demand option for investment and rental; from studios to multi-bed.
Villa
Ideal for family living in quiet communities with full amenities.
Townhouse
Attached homes with private yard and entrance; balance of price and space.
Penthouse
A luxury option with open views and large floor area for premium buyers.
Studio
Low-cost entry to the market with high rental demand and good yield.
How to buy property in Dubai, step by step
Set a budget & choose
Define your budget and goal (living or investment); your AKT advisor shortlists suitable options.
Agree & contract
Agree the price and sign the contract form (MOU / Form F).
Pay the deposit
Typically a 10% deposit is paid.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Obtained from the developer or building management.
Title transfer
At the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or a trustee office the title is registered in your name.
For ready properties this usually takes 2–4 weeks, and 30–60 days with a mortgage or off-plan. AKT manages all the paperwork for you.
For expert advice on buying property in Dubai, leave your details
Closing costs of buying property in Dubai
On off-plan — which is most of our purchases — the main side cost is only about 5%: the developer pays our commission, so the buyer pays none. On a ready property with a 2% commission the total comes to about 7–8%:
In Dubai there is no annual property tax, income tax or capital gains tax for individuals. What your property earns stays yours.
Installments & off-plan
You don’t need the full amount up front. On off-plan projects, typically:
- about 10% on reservation,
- the balance during construction in installments — as low as 1% per month on some projects,
- and a portion on handover.
This way you own the property without a bank loan. If you want a ready property to live in or rent immediately, "ready" options are also available.
Ways to invest through property
Off-plan
Lower entry price, flexible payment plan and capital-growth potential by completion. Best for maximizing returns.
Ready property
Immediate ownership and income, viewing before purchase, and lower delay risk.
Secondary (resale)
Immediate handover, market-based pricing, and a chance to inspect the property before buying.
Dubai residency through property (Golden Visa)
Under the Dubai Land Department’s April 2026 rules:
from ~AED 400,000
renewable 2-year residency
Joint purchase — each share from AED 400,000
renewable 2-year residency for each co-owner
from AED 2,000,000
10-year family Golden Visa
It is renewable and can cover your spouse and children. For example, if two buyers purchase an AED 800,000 property together, each share is AED 400,000 and both of them, with their families, can qualify. For mortgaged or installment properties a bank/developer NOC is required, and on completed properties at least half the price or AED 375,000 must be paid. AKT, a licensed agency, confirms your case’s exact eligibility for free.
Types of property ownership in Dubai
Freehold
Full, permanent ownership for foreigners; can be sold, leased and inherited. All AKT-recommended projects are freehold.
Leasehold
Time-bound ownership (up to 99 years); the underlying land stays with the freeholder.
Local
Reserved for UAE and GCC citizens; not available to foreign nationals.
Free consultation to buy property in Dubai
Documents required to buy property in Dubai
- Buyer’s passport (original and copy)
- Proof of funds and bank statements
- Forms A and B in the Dubai REST app
- NOC arranged via the developer
- Signed sale contract between seller and buyer
- Three passport-size photos
Best areas to buy in Dubai (with indicative yield)
Downtown Dubai
ROI 5–7%Near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall; strong value.
Dubai Marina
ROI 5–7%Waterfront living, strong rental demand.
JVC
ROI 6–9%Affordable homes with good yield.
Business Bay
ROI 6–8%Near business hubs, steady growth.
Palm Jumeirah
ROI 5–8%Luxury beachfront villas and apartments.
Dubai Hills
ROI 4–7%Villas and family living, green spaces.
Yield figures are estimates dependent on the property and market, not guarantees.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, under certain conditions. Typically an active company with cash flow, or a monthly salary above AED 10,000, enables a mortgage. Exact terms depend on your finances and the bank’s policy; an AKT advisor reviews the options with you.
Choose the right property with an Emaar Top-15 team
AKT Real Estate Awards & Recognitions
Al Habtoor Developer Award
Amaal Developer Award
Danube Developer Award (Diamondz)
Danube Developer Award (Shahrukhz)
Emaar Developer Award 2022
Emaar Developer Award 2025
Mira Developer Award
Samana Developer Award
Sobha Developer Award
Trusted Dubai developers
AKT works with Dubai’s most reputable developers. AKT’s founder, Dr. Sina Ghaderi, was an Emaar Top-15 Seller in 2025.
Emaar
Builder of Burj Khalifa and Downtown; one of the world’s most valuable developers.
DAMAC
Over 20 years in luxury projects across Dubai and globally.
Nakheel
Builder of Palm Jumeirah and landmark waterfront projects.
Meraas
Urban and lifestyle projects in key Dubai areas.
Binghatti
Modern, high-volume projects with on-time delivery.
Danube
Over 30 years of experience and flexible payment plans.
Buying a home in Dubai, made easy and secure with AKT
- Full support from the first call to the title deed and your residency file
- A property matched to your budget and goal, with clear prices in USD and AED
- A free price and yield report for your chosen area, before you decide
- In-person or online viewings, plus legal and contract work in your language
- Step-by-step handling of your 2-year residency and Golden Visa file
- An introduction to rental management after purchase, so you can earn income
- RERA-licensed (ORN 15673); founded by Dr. Sina Ghaderi, an Emaar Top-15 Seller in 2025
- Transparent dealing overseen by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and through escrow, with an office in Bay Square, Business Bay
Your consultation and case review are free and you decide at your own pace; we recommend the property that is genuinely right for you and stay with you until you reach the right choice.
Our Team
AKT licensed advisors, ready to guide you at every step
Talk to an AKT expert advisor now
Frequently asked questions about buying property in Dubai
Can foreign nationals buy property in Dubai and get residency?+
What is the minimum cost to buy in Dubai?+
Do I need residency to buy property in Dubai?+
What property value do I need for residency?+
How much are the closing costs?+
Is 100% ownership in the buyer’s name?+
Off-plan or ready property — which is better?+
Is renting out property in Dubai a good income?+
Can foreigners get a mortgage?+
How do I make sure the transaction is safe?+
Can I buy from abroad?+
Can the property be inherited?+
Does property residency allow working?+
What is the price of a house in Dubai in US dollars?+
What does an average home in Dubai cost?+
How much are Dubai’s most expensive homes?+
How much have Dubai property prices risen recently?+
What is the DUBAI REST app?+
Is there an age limit to buy property in Dubai?+
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Dubai?+
What is Dubai’s new 2026 property residency rule?+
Can joint buyers get residency through one property?+
Can the Golden Visa cover my family?+
Free consultation with an AKT expert advisor
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The consultation is completely free with no obligation; we recommend the property that is genuinely right for you and stay with you until the right choice.
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