Buying Property in the UAE

Over the past decade, the UAE has become one of the world’s most active real estate markets. Prime residential districts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi now sit alongside global investment hubs, drawing buyers from every region. Buying Property in the UAE has become increasingly attractive due to liberal ownership laws, no capital gains tax, and residency opportunities linked to property purchases. In 2025 alone, close to 10,000 new millionaires are expected to arrive, with property transactions forecast to climb by about 15% on last year.

This article looks at the main laws, ownership types and stages involved in buying property across the emirates.

Who Regulates the Market

In the UAE, property transactions are handled at emirate level, with each land department setting the rules and a dedicated regulator overseeing how they are applied in practice. In Dubai, for example, the Dubai Land Department works with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency to decide who may sell, develop or manage property, and to ensure every project and transaction meets the required legal standards. Other emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, have comparable systems shaped by their own laws. These bodies license developers and brokers, register transfers, and keep an eye on compliance, so buyers and investors know there is a defined process from the first agreement through to final handover.

Who can buy and what you can own

Foreign buyers can own property in designated freehold zones, which cover many of the UAE’s most popular residential and commercial areas. A freehold title gives full ownership of the unit and the land it stands on, while leasehold agreements grant rights for a set term, often up to 99 years, after which ownership reverts to the freeholder. The exact locations open to non-UAE nationals are set by each emirate. In Dubai, for instance, they include large parts of Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah and several new master-planned communities, while Abu Dhabi allows foreign ownership in areas such as Yas Island and Al Reem. Buyers do not need to be residents to purchase, although lenders may set stricter conditions for non-resident mortgages.

The buying process in brief

Once you have chosen a property, the process moves through a few clear stages. First comes agreeing the price and terms with the seller, often through a broker. This is followed by signing a sale agreement, which sets out the conditions and timelines. The final step is the transfer of ownership at the relevant land department, where payment is made and the title deed issued in your name. In most cases, your broker or legal adviser will guide you through these steps so they run in the right order and meet local requirements.

Costs you’ll need to budget for

Once a price is agreed and contracts are signed, attention turns to the other costs that come with the purchase. These differ from one emirate to another but can add a clear margin to the total outlay. In Dubai, the transfer fee is usually 4% of the agreed price, while Abu Dhabi’s rate is closer to 2%. Agency commissions often sit around 2%, and a mortgage will bring an extra registration cost of about 0.25% of the loan. There are also smaller charges for valuations, administration and registration. Many buyers work on the basis of allowing an extra 6–8% in their budget so these costs are covered without last-minute surprises.

Mortgages for expats

Most major banks in the UAE offer mortgages to resident and, in many cases, non-resident buyers. Loan-to-value ratios typically reach around 75% for residents and 50–60% for non-residents, though this can vary with the buyer’s profile and the property’s value. Lenders usually ask for proof of income, a clean credit history and, for non-residents, higher minimum down payments. Terms, rates and conditions differ between banks and emirates, so it is worth comparing offers before committing.

Buying through a company

In some cases, buyers choose to hold property through a corporate structure rather than in their own name. Certain free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre and Jebel Ali Free Zone, permit companies registered there to own property in designated areas. This approach is often used by investors with multiple holdings, those planning for succession, or buyers looking to integrate the asset into a broader corporate or tax strategy. It can also make it easier to transfer ownership without triggering a standard property sale. Rules differ by emirate and by free zone, so both the company’s legal setup and the property’s location need to align with local registration requirements.

Key takeaways

Knowing the basics of property ownership in the UAE helps you avoid mistakes and approach the market with confidence. Rules vary between emirates and can change, so up-to-date advice is essential. A reputable local adviser or legal professional can clarify your options, flag risks, and keep the process on track, especially if you are buying in an unfamiliar emirate or through a company.