Yes. Foreigners can own freehold in designated zones across Dubai (most areas), Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem, etc.), Sharjah (Aljada, Maryam Island, Tilal City, and similar), Ajman, RAK (Al Marjan, Al Hamra, etc.), and Fujairah. Outside designated zones it's usually 99-year leasehold or restricted to GCC nationals.

What is the minimum down payment for expats?

20% for ready properties under AED 5M, 30% for ready properties AED 5M+, and 50% for off-plan, plus 7–8% closing costs.

Do I need to live in the UAE to buy?

No. Non-residents can buy in freehold zones. Mortgage options are narrower and require 25–40% down, plus international ID verification.

How long does a property purchase take?

Cash: 7–14 days. With a mortgage: 30–45 days.

Is there property tax in the UAE?

No annual property tax. You pay a one-time 4% DLD transfer fee (Dubai) or equivalent in other emirates. Rental income is tax-free for personal owners; 9% corporate tax applies above AED 375k profit if held via a company.

Can I get a UAE residence visa by buying property?

Yes. AED 750k+ qualifies for a 2-year investor visa; AED 2M+ qualifies for a 10-year Golden Visa.

What is RERA?

Real Estate Regulatory Agency — the Dubai government body that regulates brokers, developers, OAs, and rental relationships. Part of DLD.

What's the agent commission?

Standard 2% of purchase price + 5% VAT, typically paid by the buyer in Dubai. Some sellers pay theirs separately.

How does Ejari work?

Ejari is mandatory rental contract registration. AED 220 total, 24-hour online processing. Required for DEWA setup and any rental dispute.

Can a landlord raise my rent freely at renewal?

No. RERA's rent calculator caps the increase based on how far below market your current rent is. 0–10% below: no increase. 11–20%: 5%. 21–30%: 10%. 31–40%: 15%. Above 40%: 20%.

Can my landlord evict me at the end of the contract?

Only with 12-month written notice via notary public, and only for specific reasons: own use, sale, demolition, or major renovation.

What is service charge?

Annual fee that funds common-area maintenance, security, insurance, sinking fund, and OA management. Ranges AED 12–55/sqft depending on building tier.

Is off-plan safe?

With Tier-1 developers and a registered escrow account, yes. Always verify the escrow account number on your SPA against DLD records.

What yield can I expect in Dubai?

5–9% gross depending on community. Prime areas (Downtown, Palm) yield 4–6%; emerging (JVC, Sports City, International City) yield 7–9%.

Can I rent my property short-term on Airbnb?

Yes, with a DTCM holiday home permit (AED 1,520/unit/year). Some buildings restrict short-term lets via OA rules.

What's the difference between freehold and leasehold?

Freehold = you own the property and the land in perpetuity. Leasehold = you own the right to use it for a fixed term (commonly 99 years) after which it reverts to the freeholder.

How do I dispute a service charge?

Lodge a complaint via Mollak (dld.gov.ae/mollak). RERA audits the OA budget and refunds unjustified amounts.

What's a NOC?

No-objection certificate from the master developer confirming you owe no community fees and they don't object to the transfer. Required for resale.

Can two people buy together?

Yes. Joint title deeds are standard. Each party's name and share % appears on the deed.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?

Yes, from HSBC, Mashreq, ADCB and a few others. Expect 40–50% down, slightly higher rates than residents, and a smaller list of approved buildings.