How to buy the perfect Dubai property

A very attractive aspect of the Dubai property market is the fact that it remains open to all overseas investors with no limitations or complicated requirements. In fact, it is not necessary to be a UAE resident or to be physically present during the purchase process.


What you need

The documentation needed will vary depending on whether you are buying as an individual or as a corporate entity and the payment method that you choose.

Individual buyer — To begin you will need to provide your original passport and Emirates ID. If you're not a UAE resident, you will only provide your passport as your identification.

Company or corporate entity — Properties can also be purchased through UAE based companies. If this is your case, you will be requested to provide a list of documents including a Certificate of Incorporation, Board of Resolution, Power of Attorney for the designated signatory and the personal documents mentioned above.

All company documents must be translated into Arabic and they may vary depending on the type of company. We recommend contacting a reputable real estate agency such as haus & haus to support you with an exact list of requirements for your case.


What, when, and where to buy?

Before you start your search, it helps to know the type of property that you're looking for– a home for yourself, a rental property on a yearly basis or a holiday rental. Dubai offers plenty of options such as stylish apartments, spacious family villas, and modern townhouses. If you're still not sure about what you're seeking, that's fine as well – our experienced property and investment consultants can offer you informed recommendations based on what your goals are so you can begin viewing potential properties and make the best decisions along the way.

Choosing a real estate agent with experience in Dubai communities will also make your process easier and smoother. Our area specialists are proficient in the city's major neighbourhoods – they will help you answer the 'where' part of the equation, providing expert advice and spotting lucrative opportunities tailored to your needs.

The big question: ready or off plan?

As a buyer or investor looking for a property in Dubai, you can choose between ready projects and off plan. The properties or communities that are to be developed or under the construction phase are referred to as off plan, whereas the ready properties are those where the building stage is finalised. The type of development that you choose to buy will depend on your budget, goals and timeline. Here's an overview of both options and why they are great investment opportunities.

Ready properties — If you're an investor looking for immediate rental income or a buyer wanting to move into a new home soon, Dubai offers all kinds of ready properties in urban, beachfront, and nature settings. Buyers can expect to get a high loan to value (LTV) ratio for these homes, making it easier to get a mortgage from the bank. Curious about this option? Explore properties for sale in Dubai here.

Off plan projects — With a vast array of real estate developments and more being announced every month, the Dubai off plan property market is on the rise. Investors and buyers can secure prime units with easy payment plans that are completed upon handover. When finalised, these properties yield high rental returns, a good ROI and a great capital appreciation. Discover the latest off plan launches here.

Another common question asked by buyers is whether it’s cheaper to purchase off plan versus ready properties. This is dependent on current market trends and is likely to change over time. Your choice should be aligned with your budget and goals and supported by professional advice from industry experts.


Payment and paperwork

As a buyer you will naturally seek to pay a price that goes in line with the market – or ideally less! However, the property price is discussed by the agents at the point of listing the property or upon beginning discussions with vendors. At haus & haus each agent manages the right information to set a fair market price as opposed to accepting any cost just to get the listing. This way, buyers and investors can rest assured that they are entering negotiations where the vendor is in a practical mindset.

Once the seller or developer and buyer have agreed on a price, your broker will arrange for a Contract B to be sent to you via the Dubai Land Department. Once accepted, the broker will arrange for a Unified Contract F to be sent. As the buyer, you will be required to hand over a 10% deposit cheque to your consultant, which will be held until the transfer of the property is processed.