The complete guide
Buying property in Dubai
Everything you need, in one place, ownership and residency, the true costs, where to buy, how to invest, and how to sell. Each section links to a detailed, answer-first guide from EQT's RERA-licensed advisors.
Ownership & residency
Who can buy, how freehold works, and the residency it can unlock.
- Can foreigners buy property in Dubai? Freehold explainedFreehold vs leasehold, designated zones, and the buying process for non-nationals.Read guide β
- Golden Visa through Dubai property: the 2026 guideThe AED 2M threshold, eligibility, and how residency works.Read guide β
- How to buy property in Dubai from abroadBuying remotely by power of attorney, funds, and safeguards.Read guide β
Costs & fees
What you actually pay to buy and to own, beyond the price.
Where to buy
Choosing the right community for your budget and lifestyle.
- Best areas to buy an apartment in Dubai (2026)Balancing yield, lifestyle and liquidity across the leading districts.Read guide β
- Best Dubai communities for familiesSchools, greenery and villa space, community by community.Read guide β
- Downtown Dubai vs Business BayPrestige vs value in central Dubai.Read guide β
- Emirates Hills vs Palm JumeirahGated golf mansions vs beachfront living at the ultra-prime top.Read guide β
- Emaar vs Nakheel vs Meraas: developers comparedHow the master developers differ, and which suits your brief.Read guide β
Investing
Yields, off-plan strategy, and the branded-residence question.
- Rental yields in Dubai: best luxury communitiesGross vs net yield and where prime income performs.Read guide β
- Off-plan vs ready property in DubaiPrice, payment plans, risk and returns compared.Read guide β
- Branded residences: are they worth it?The premium, the service, and when it pays off.Read guide β
Selling
Getting the best price when it's time to exit.
Quick answers
Buying in Dubai, in brief
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?+
Yes. Non-UAE nationals can own property outright (freehold) in Dubai's designated freehold zones, with no residency requirement. See the ownership guide for the full process.
What are the costs of buying property in Dubai?+
Budget roughly 6-8% of the price in one-off costs, led by the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, plus agency commission and registration. There is no annual property tax or capital gains tax.
Does buying property give me UAE residency?+
A property purchase of AED 2 million or more can support a renewable 10-year Golden Visa, extendable to family. Lower values may support a shorter property-linked visa.
Which area of Dubai should I buy in?+
It depends on your goal: prestige and liquidity (Downtown), all-round balance (Dubai Marina), beachfront luxury (Palm Jumeirah), value and yield (Business Bay), or gated family villas (Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills).