Buying property in Dubai is fast and foreign-friendly — a ready-property purchase can complete in as little as a week once terms are agreed. This is the full step-by-step process for buying a completed home in 2026, from finding the right property to receiving your title deed, with every fee laid out.
The step-by-step process
- Set your budget and arrange financingDecide cash or mortgage. For a mortgage, get pre-approval first (valid around 60 days): expats can borrow up to 80% LTV on a first home under AED 5M, meaning a 20% deposit. Budget an extra 7–10% of the price for transaction fees.
- Find the property and a RERA-registered agentWork only with RERA-registered agents. Compare price per square foot, service charges and rental yields across communities — our Area Guides break this down community by community.
- Agree terms and sign the MOU (Contract F)Once you agree a price, both parties sign the Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) through the DLD system, and the buyer pays a 10% deposit, usually held by the agent or a registration trustee.
- Obtain the developer NOCThe seller applies to the developer for a No Objection Certificate confirming service charges are clear. This costs roughly AED 500–5,000 and is required before transfer.
- Settle any existing seller mortgageIf the seller has a mortgage, it must be repaid and released before ownership can transfer. Your bank or a settlement process handles this in coordination with the seller’s bank.
- Transfer ownership at the DLD trustee officeBoth parties (or their attorneys) attend a registration trustee office. The buyer pays the 4% DLD transfer fee plus office fees and hands over a manager’s cheque for the price.
- Receive your title deedThe DLD issues the new electronic title deed in the buyer’s name on the day of transfer. Ownership is now complete and legally registered.
- Set up utilities (and Ejari if leasing)Register with DEWA for utilities. If you intend to rent the property out, register the tenancy through Ejari.
What buying costs (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of price |
| Title deed issuance | AED 580 |
| Trustee / registration office | AED 2,000–4,000 + VAT |
| Agency commission | 2% + 5% VAT |
| Developer NOC | AED 500–5,000 + VAT |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | 0.25% of loan + ~AED 290 |
| Property valuation (if financed) | AED 2,500–3,500 |
| Typical total | ~7–10% of price |
There is no property, income or capital-gains tax on Dubai residential property. Any nationality can buy freehold in designated zones. A purchase of AED 2M+ qualifies you for a 10-year Golden Visa (AED 750K+ for a 2-year visa). Most fees fall to the buyer; the 4% DLD fee is occasionally split by negotiation. Always transact through RERA-registered agents and the DLD’s official trustee offices — never pay the full price directly to a seller before registration.
Buying property in Dubai — FAQs
- Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
- Yes — any nationality can buy freehold property in Dubai’s designated freehold zones, owning both the unit and the land outright.
- How much are the total costs of buying in Dubai?
- Budget roughly 7–10% on top of the price: a 4% DLD transfer fee, about 2% agency commission plus VAT, trustee office fees, the developer NOC, and mortgage costs if financed.
- How long does it take to buy property in Dubai?
- A ready-property purchase can complete in about 1–4 weeks once terms are agreed — faster for cash, a little longer with a mortgage.
- Do I pay tax on property in Dubai?
- No — there is no annual property tax, income tax or capital-gains tax on residential property. The one-off 4% DLD transfer fee is the main government charge.
- Does buying property give me a visa?
- Yes — a property worth AED 2M or more qualifies for a 10-year Golden Visa, and AED 750,000+ for a 2-year residence visa.
Ready to buy in Dubai?
Cresco guides you end to end — from shortlisting the right community to the DLD transfer. Tell us your budget and goal and we’ll take it from there.
This guide is general information on Dubai property procedures as of 5 August 2026 and is not legal or financial advice. Rules, fees and figures can change and individual circumstances differ — confirm specifics with the Dubai Land Department, your bank, or a qualified professional before acting.