Frequently Asked
questions

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)

RERA is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, a division of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), that regulates the real estate sector in Dubai, ensuring transparency, trust, and compliance among brokers, developers, and investors.

You can verify a broker’s RERA certification via the Dubai REST app or the official DLD website by entering their license or registration number.

RERA registration ensures that the agent is licensed, trained, and legally allowed to conduct real estate transactions in Dubai, protecting you from fraud and misconduct.

Dubai Land Department (DLD)

DLD is the government entity that oversees all real estate registrations, transactions, and regulations in Dubai, including title deed issuance and property transfers.

The standard DLD fee is 4% of the property value, plus an AED 580 admin fee, typically paid by the buyer upon registration.

Yes, foreign nationals can buy and register freehold properties in designated areas through DLD.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents. Property investors are eligible if they meet certain investment thresholds.

Investors must own property worth at least AED 2 million (can be mortgaged) to qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.

Yes, multiple properties can be combined to meet the AED 2 million threshold, as long as they are all under the applicant’s name.

No, only completed properties qualify unless the off-plan unit is fully paid and worth AED 2 million or more.

Rental Yields

Dubai offers high rental yields compared to global cities, typically ranging from 5% to 8%, with some areas reaching up to 10%.

Communities like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), International City, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay offer some of the highest rental yields in Dubai.

Rental Yield = (Annual Rental Income ÷ Property Purchase Price) × 100%

Taxation

No, Dubai does not impose annual property taxes. However, there is a one-time DLD fee of 4% during purchase.

No, the UAE does not tax rental income. However, if you are a tax resident of another country, check with your local tax authority.

VAT is not applicable on residential property sales (first sale of new residential properties may be zero-rated). However, commercial property sales and leases are subject to 5% VAT.

Capital Appreciation

Yes, many areas in Dubai have shown steady capital growth due to infrastructure development, high demand, and limited supply in prime zones.

Areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour are projected to offer strong capital growth over the next 5–10 years.

Mortgage & Financing

Yes, UAE banks offer mortgages to expatriates and non-residents, subject to credit checks and eligibility criteria.

  • UAE Residents: 20% (for properties under AED 5 million)
  • UAE Residents: 30% (for properties above AED 5 million)
  • Non-Residents: 25% to 50%, depending on the bank

  • Documents typically include:
  • Passport copy
  • Proof of income/employment
  • Bank statements (last 6 months)
  • Credit report

Dubai banks offer fixed-rate, variable-rate, and Islamic mortgages (Sharia-compliant).

Yes, select banks offer construction-linked mortgage plans for off-plan projects from approved developers.

Interest Rates

As of 2025, the average mortgage interest rate ranges from 3.5% to 5.5%, depending on the lender and applicant profile.

Fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates may start lower but can change with market conditions. Your choice should depend on your risk tolerance and market outlook.

Legal & Transactional

Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory but is highly recommended to ensure due diligence and legal protection during the transaction.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued by the developer to confirm that there are no outstanding payments or issues, allowing transfer of ownership.

Yes, but you will need to settle the mortgage with the bank or coordinate a buyer who is willing to assume it.

For cash deals, it can take 1 to 3 weeks. For mortgaged properties, expect 4 to 6 weeks, depending on bank approvals.

Yes, foreigners can own 100% of freehold properties in designated zones without the need for a local sponsor.

Compare Listings