It looks pretty simple from the outside — find a property you like, sort the paperwork, and it’s yours. But if you’re an expat thinking of buying in Dubai, there’s a lot that doesn’t make the brochure. Not bad things necessarily, just… things you only learn after you’re knee-deep in the process.
So let’s talk about them — the actual stuff no one really tells you until it’s a bit too late to go back.
You Can Own Freehold — But Not Just Anywhere
One of the best things about buying in Dubai is that you don’t need a local sponsor. Expats can own property outright — as in full ownership — in designated freehold areas. Places like JVC, Downtown, Business Bay, Meydan, Studio City… the list keeps growing.
But there are still areas where you’re only offered leasehold rights, which basically means you have long-term use, but not true ownership. Something to double-check before falling in love with a unit.
The Sticker Price Isn’t the Full Story
Let’s say the apartment is listed at AED 1.2 million. That’s great — but you’ll also be paying around 7–8% on top of that once everything’s said and done. Here’s where that money goes:
- 4% to the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
- Around 2% to the agent
- Oqood fee if it’s off-plan
- Legal fees, maybe mortgage setup fees
- And later? Annual service charges, which can sneak up fast
A lot of people budget for the home but not the rest. It catches them off guard.
Yes, There’s a Visa Angle
You’ve probably heard that buying property can get you a visa in the UAE. That part’s true — to an extent. If you buy something worth AED 750,000 or more, you can apply for a two-year residence visa. Hit AED 2 million (fully paid, no mortgage) and you might be eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Just don’t expect it to be instant. There’s paperwork, criteria, and the property has to be 100% in your name. If you’re halfway through an off-plan payment plan, that won’t cut it yet.
The Rules are Actually Pretty Decent
DLD and RERA (Dubai’s real estate regulators) have created a system that’s quite protective for buyers. There’s an escrow account system, which means your money goes directly into a DLD-monitored account until construction hits certain stages.
You can also track developer progress on the Dubai REST app. Problem is, most people don’t know these tools exist — or how to use them.
So while it’s structured well, you need to be proactive.
Off-Plan? It’s Not a Straight Line
If you’re buying a property under construction (which a lot of expats do), you won’t get a title deed right away. First comes an Oqood registration — sort of a placeholder showing you own the unit. You’ll only receive the actual deed once the project is completed and handed over.
That’s normal here, just not something people always expect.
Mortgages are Possible — Just Not Always Easy
You can get a mortgage as an expat, sure. But it’s easier if you live and work in the UAE. If you’re non-resident, banks might offer you a lower loan-to-value ratio (like 60%) and tighter conditions.
Also, if the project is still early in construction, you might have to wait until it’s further along before a bank even considers financing.
So yeah — it’s doable, but not always smooth.
There are No Property Taxes — But Don’t Confuse That with “No Fees”
This is one of the things that draws people to Dubai. No annual property tax. No capital gains tax. That’s all true — for now.
But there are still plenty of transactional costs. You’ll pay 4% to DLD every time you buy or sell. Agents usually take a 2% commission. And service charges? Those can add up over the years — especially in fancier buildings.
It’s still cheaper than property ownership in many parts of the world. But it’s not fee-free.
Final Thoughts
Buying as an expat in Dubai can absolutely be worth it — thousands of people have done it and built solid investments or dream homes. But there’s a learning curve. What looks like a quick process often involves a few detours, extra costs, and surprises along the way.
The good news? Most of it is manageable — as long as you know what to ask. Look into escrow. Ask about service charges. Double-check the area is freehold. Confirm how soon you can resell. And keep a little budget buffer for things no one mentioned at the start.
Because when it comes to real estate, it’s rarely just about the property. It’s about everything around it too.
About QUBE Development:
QUBE Development, a subsidiary of DHG Investments, is a leading real estate developer in Dubai of high-quality residential and commercial properties. Standing on a 30-year legacy of experience and excellence, QUBE is dedicated to transforming living spaces in the UAE by integrating sustainable architecture, captivating design, and unparalleled amenities.
As a community-focused property developer in Dubai, QUBE Development aims to set the benchmark for real estate development by creating the foundation for generational wealth for customers. The company prioritizes durability and quality in every project. Expanding its portfolio throughout the UAE, QUBE Development responds swiftly to the evolving market demands, maintaining a commitment to providing the highest quality builds through collaborations with world-renowned architects and in partnership with a dedicated contractor to ensure meticulous attention to design and construction.
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