FAQs
1. Can foreigners buy a property in Dubai?
Foreigners can buy, sell, and lease property in designated freehold areas in Dubai, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and more.
2. What are the benefits of buying property in Dubai?
- 0% property tax (no annual tax on property ownership)
- High rental yields (8-12%)
- Investor and Golden Visa eligibility
- World-class infrastructure and safety
- Bank account
- Strategic global location
3. What are the main types of properties available?
- Apartments (studios to penthouses)
- Villas & Townhouses
- Commercial properties (offices, retail shops)
4. What is an off-plan property?
An offplan property is a property which is still under construction.
4. a. What are the advantages of buying an offplan property?
It comes with flexible payment plans, lower prices, high capital appreciation and rental potential and warranty. Furthermore you can choose the view, floor and layout and you get an unit in a project which is build by the latest technical standards.
5. What is a secondary property?
A secondary property is either a ready property or a property which is still under construction but owned by a person or company and not developer.
6. How much is the down payment for buying a property in Dubai?
For expats:
- Off-plan: As low as 5%-20% depending on the developer
- Ready property: Minimum 10% of the property price
7. What fees are involved in purchasing an Off Plan property in Dubai?
Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee: 4% of property value
Oqood fee and administrative fees: ~5,000 AED
Handover fee: ~ 2.000 AED
7.a. What fees are involved in purchasing a secondary property in Dubai?
- DLD fee: 4%
- Agency commission: min 2%
- NOC (if needed): 525 AED – 5.000 AED
- Transfer fee: ~ 5.250 AED
8. How long does the buying process take?
If purchasing a ready property, the entire process can be completed in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on whether it’s financed or a cash deal. For an offplan property there are different rules.
9. Can I buy an Off plan property from overseas without being present in Dubai?
Yes you can. We are providing a full service and you dont need to be present at any time in Dubai.
10. Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident or expat?
Yes, many UAE banks offer mortgages to non-residents and expats, usually requiring:
- Minimum down payment: 35%-40%
- Stable income proof
- Interest rates and eligibility vary by bank
11. How can I lease my property after buying?
Our agency provides property management services including:
- Marketing the unit
- Tenant screening & leasing
- Rent collection
- Maintenance support
We ensure a hassle-free experience for investors.
12. Is it better to buy ready or off-plan property?
It depends on your goals:
- Ready property: Immediate rental income, ideal for end users who want to relocate
- Off-plan: Lower entry cost, flexible payments, long-term ROI and CAP
Our consultants help match the best option to your investment profile.
13. Can I get a UAE residency visa through property investment?
Yes. Investing in property worth AED 750,000 or more can qualify you for a 2 residency visa.
If you invest AED 2,000,000 or more you are qualified for the GOLDEN VISA.
If you are over 55 years old and you purchase a property for AED 1,000,000 and more you are eligible for the 5 years Golden Visa.
14. What documents are required to buy a property in Dubai?
For individuals:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if resident)
- National ID for Non Residents
For companies:
- Trade license
- Shareholder certificates
- Board resolution
14.a. Can I buy a property in Dubai with my company which is not in Dubai?
No, you can just purchase a property as a private person or with a company which is established in the UAE.
15. Do you help with property management and resale?
Absolutely. We offer:
- End-to-end property management
- Tenant search and lease handling
- Resale and investment advisory
- Legal assistance and documentation
16. What if the developer goes bankrupt or not deliver the project at all?
All off-plan payments are deposited into an RERA-approved escrow account, not directly to the developer’s business account.
- The developer can only withdraw money in stages, depending on construction progress verified by RERA.
- This system ensures that if the developer stops construction or goes bankrupt, investor funds remain protected.
17. How does the quality of construction and finishing compare across properties in Dubai?
The quality of construction and finishing in Dubai varies by developer and project. Top developers deliver excellent standards with premium materials and attention to detail, while some mid-range projects may offer simpler finishes. Overall, Dubai maintains strong building regulations and it’s our job at Pera Real Estate to identify and secure only the projects that meet the highest quality standards for our clients.
18. How safe is it to buy property in Dubai?
Buying property in Dubai is considered very safe, thanks to strong government regulation and investor protection laws. All off-plan payments are made through RERA-approved escrow accounts, ensuring funds are released to the developer only as construction progresses. Projects and developers must be registered and approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which provides full transparency.
In addition, all transactions are recorded in the official land registry, giving buyers clear legal ownership. At Pera Real Estate, we work exclusively with verified developers and guide our clients through every legal and financial step, ensuring every investment is 100% safe and compliant.
19. How do I start the process of buying or renting with your agency?
You can get started by:
- Contacting us via phone, WhatsApp, or our website
- Scheduling a free consultation with our expert agents
- Exploring tailored property options based on your budget and goals