Dubai's freehold areas are open to buyers of any nationality. Off-plan payments go into regulated escrow accounts, and every sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department.

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Send us your brief Dubai buyer's guide

Areas

Where to look
in Dubai.

Add the areas you like to your brief — we'll send options from licensed agents and registered projects.

DubaiForeign ownership

Downtown Dubai

Around Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall — high-rise apartments

DubaiForeign ownership

Dubai Marina

Waterfront towers along a man-made marina

DubaiForeign ownership

Palm Jumeirah

Man-made island of villas, apartments and hotels

DubaiForeign ownership

Business Bay

Canal-side mixed-use district next to Downtown

DubaiForeign ownership

Dubai Hills Estate

Master-planned community around a park and golf course

DubaiForeign ownership

Jumeirah Village Circle

Mid-market community with many newer buildings

DubaiForeign ownership

Dubai Creek Harbour

Waterfront master plan beside Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary

DubaiForeign ownership

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Towers around man-made lakes, next to Dubai Marina

DubaiForeign ownership

Arabian Ranches

Established villa community

DubaiForeign ownership

Dubai South

Developing district around Al Maktoum International Airport

Your property brief

Live listings are on their way

We're bringing verified listings to Property Aster. Tell us what you're looking for and a specialist will send matching options — from licensed agents and registered projects only.

Licensed agents and registered projects only
Matched to your budget and areas
No obligation

How buying works

Five steps to the keys

1Agree price and sign the sale agreement (Form F / MOU in Dubai)
2Pay the deposit — usually held until transfer
3Seller obtains the developer's NOC
4Arrange mortgage approval if you're financing
5Transfer at a DLD registration trustee office and receive the title deed

Costs to budget for

Dubai transfer feeDubai Land Department

4% of the price

Abu Dhabi registration feeOften split by agreement

2% of the price

Agent commissionNegotiable

Typically around 2% + VAT

Mortgage limitsUAE Central Bank

Up to 80% LTV for an expat's first home under AED 5M

Full Dubai guide →Mortgage calculator →Verify an agent →

Developers in DubaiAll developers →

Emaar Properties DAMAC Properties Meraas Nakheel Aldar Properties Sobha Realty Omniyat Select Group Ellington Properties Danube Properties Azizi Developments Nshama Arada Developer Ajman Uptown RAK Properties Fujairah Properties UAQ Properties

Sources

Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — always confirm with the official authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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Property in DubaiFreehold areas, regulated off-plan and a fully digital transfer process

Where to look
in Dubai.

Live listings are on their way

Five steps to the keys

Tell us your budget and goals.
We'll shortlist the right areas.

Dubai Land Department

Property in DubaiFreehold areas, regulated off-plan and a fully digital transfer process

Where to lookin Dubai.

Live listings are on their way

Five steps to the keys

Tell us your budget and goals.We'll shortlist the right areas.

Where to look
in Dubai.

Tell us your budget and goals.
We'll shortlist the right areas.