Buying property in Dubai: FAQs.

Yes. International buyers can own property outright — 100% freehold — in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, JVC, Dubai South and Dubai Islands. You do not need to be a UAE resident to buy.

The main cost is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, plus registration and trustee office fees. On resale purchases, agency commission is typically 2%. With a mortgage, add mortgage registration and bank fees. Imperial Realty provides a full cost sheet before you commit — or estimate it with our purchase cost calculator.

Off-plan offers lower entry prices, staged payment plans and potential capital growth before handover. Ready property can be rented immediately and earns income from day one. Many clients hold both; we model the returns of each against your goals.

Dubai has one of the most regulated off-plan markets in the world. Developers register projects with RERA, and buyer payments go into a dedicated escrow account released only as construction milestones are met. Your purchase is registered with the DLD (Oqood). We recommend developers with a proven delivery record.

A typical off-plan plan asks for a 10–20% down payment, instalments during construction and the balance on handover. Post-handover plans spread part of the price over months or years after you receive the keys, so rental income can help fund the remaining payments.

Yes. Viewings can be done by video, sale agreements signed digitally and registration completed through a Power of Attorney where needed. Our team handles each step on the ground for you.

A property investment of AED 2 million or more can qualify you for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa, which can also cover your family. The value can be made up of more than one property, and eligible off-plan and mortgaged properties may qualify subject to conditions. We guide you through the application.

Yes. UAE residents can typically borrow up to 80% of the value on a first home under AED 5 million. Non-residents can also get finance, usually at 50–60% loan-to-value. We work with leading banks and mortgage advisors to secure competitive terms.

There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no annual property tax in Dubai. Individuals holding property in their own name are generally outside UAE corporate tax. Check with a tax advisor about obligations in your home country.

Dubai offers some of the highest rental yields of any major global city — up to 8–10% gross depending on community, unit type and price. Mid-market communities such as JVC often produce higher percentage yields, while prime addresses such as Downtown and Palm Jumeirah tend to deliver stronger long-term capital growth.

Owners pay an annual service charge for building and community upkeep, calculated per square foot and regulated by RERA. Other costs are limited to utilities (usually paid by the tenant) and optional property management.

Yes. Short-term rentals are permitted with a holiday home permit from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. In the right location this can outperform a long-term lease. Our aftercare team can arrange licensing and management.

We arrange the handover inspection, find and vet tenants, register the lease (Ejari), and offer property management and resale advice — so your investment keeps working while you are away.

Imperial Pacific Real Estate is at The Exchange Tower, Office 105, Business Bay, Dubai. We are open 365 days a year, 10 am to 6:30 pm. Call +971 4 452 8881.