Property Type Highlights

Apartments

Apartments are available in configurations ranging from studio units to expansive four-bedroom residences. These properties are often located in high-density districts such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Reem Island, and Yas Island. Facilities typically include swimming pools, gyms, concierge services, and secure parking. Consistent tenant demand contributes to strong liquidity and competitive gross rental yields.

Townhouses

Townhouses provide a balance of private living and shared community amenities. Many include small gardens or terraces, parking spaces for two vehicles, and access to landscaped parks and swimming pools. Popular townhouse communities include Mudon, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, JVC, and Yas Island, with designs suited to long-term residential occupancy.

Villas

Villas occupy larger plots with landscaped gardens, multiple en suite bedrooms, family rooms, and staff accommodation. Prominent villa locations include Dubai Hills Estate with golf course views, Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah Park for suburban layouts, Palm Jumeirah for beachfront exclusivity, and Saadiyat Island for cultural proximity.

Penthouses

Penthouses occupy the uppermost floors of residential towers, offering panoramic views, expansive terraces, and often private elevator access. These units are concentrated in luxury areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, and Saadiyat Island, frequently within branded or serviced residences.

Duplexes

Duplexes are split-level apartments that separate living and sleeping areas. This format is often found in integrated communities with retail, hospitality, and public transport links. Many duplexes offer additional internal space compared to single-level apartments, at competitive price points.

Sky Villas

Sky Villas combine the scale of a traditional villa with the elevated positioning of a penthouse. Features often include double height living spaces, expansive terraces, staff quarters, and premium interior finishes. Due to limited supply, these properties are typically found in prime waterfront or urban districts.

Hotel Apartments

Hotel Apartments, or serviced residences, are operated by recognised hospitality brands. They are delivered fully furnished and include housekeeping, reception, maintenance, and optional rental management programs. Key locations include Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay, DIFC, Yas Island, and Al Reem Island.

Search by City

• Properties in Dubai gives investors an opportunity to benefit from the global business and tourism hub with extensive freehold zones, advanced infrastructure, and a robust rental market.
• Properties in Abu Dhabi feature island developments, master-planned neighbourhoods, and strong cultural and economic anchors.
• Sharjah provides properties for cost-effective buyers in family-oriented communities, and with connectivity to Dubai and other emirates.

Key Costs and Registrations

Dubai: The Dubai Land Department charges a transfer fee of 4% of the property price, in addition to administrative costs. All payments for off-plan properties must be made to an approved escrow account registered with the authority.

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) lists a standard 2% registration fee for off-plan properties. Rates can vary depending on the property type, stage of construction, and applicable government incentives or promotions.

Investor Residency

Ownership of qualifying property can make investors eligible for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa program. The UAE Government Portal and the Dubai Land Department provide official eligibility requirements, including a minimum investment value of AED 2 million.

How to Buy Property in the UAE

1. Identify developments that meet budget, location, and investment criteria, considering projected yields and infrastructure growth.
2. Secure financing or confirm available developer payment plans using the Mortgage Calculator. Mortgage requirements for expatriates may involve larger down payments.
3. Reserve the selected property by signing a booking agreement and paying the initial deposit within the developer’s specified timeframe.
4. Execute the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and register the transaction with the relevant authority.
5. Complete scheduled payments in line with construction milestones, ensuring funds are deposited into the authorised escrow account.
6. Finalise the handover process upon completion, subject to all contractual and financial obligations being met.

FAQs

What are the main advantages of investing in Dubai property?

Dubai offers freehold ownership in designated zones, regulated off-plan payment protection, strong rental yields, zero annual property tax, and potential eligibility for a long-term residency visa.

How can the legitimacy of a developer or project be confirmed?

Verification can be carried out through the Dubai Land Department by checking developer registration and escrow account details. Off-plan project data is available via Dubai REST.

What costs are involved when purchasing property?

Costs typically include registration fees (4% in Dubai, 2% in Abu Dhabi for off-plan), trustee fees, title deed issuance, developer no-objection certificates, bank fees, valuation charges, and annual service fees.

What is the process for applying for a Golden Visa via property purchase?

Eligible transactions require a minimum value of AED 2 million. Documentation from the Dubai Land Department must be submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Where can approved service charges be checked?

The RERA Mollak provides registered budgets and service fee data for properties in Dubai.

Is rental permitted after purchase?

Yes. Leasing activity must be registered through Ejari on the DLD platform or via Dubai REST.

How is a property sale completed?

Outstanding mortgages must be cleared, a developer no-objection certificate obtained if required, and transfer formalities finalised at a Dubai Land Department Trustee Office.

What financing options are available for property acquisitions?

Banks in the UAE extend mortgage facilities to residents and non-residents, subject to varying loan-to-value limits and eligibility criteria. Pre-approval is generally recommended before committing to a purchase.

What should be known about off-plan payment plans?

Developers may offer structured plans such as 40/60, 50/50, or post-handover schedules. All payments must be directed to an approved escrow account.

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