How-To Guides for Dubai Real Estate
Step-by-step guides to buying, selling, renting, mortgaging, and investing in Dubai property. Learn the exact process, required documents, timelines and costs for every major transaction from your first offer to receiving your title deed.
How to Buy Property in Dubai (2026 Complete Guide)
Complete step-by-step guide to buying property in Dubai. Learn the legal process, required documents, DLD registration, mortgage requirements, costs (4% transfer fee, AED 4,000 admin) and realistic timelines from search to title deed.
How to Sell Property in Dubai
Complete guide to selling property in Dubai. Learn listing strategy, pricing, legal requirements, DLD transfer fee split, Oqood registration, mortgage discharge, title transfer and timelines from listing to final handover.
How to Rent an Apartment or Villa in Dubai
Complete guide to renting an apartment or villa in Dubai. Learn how to find properties, negotiate lease terms, Ejari registration (AED 220), security deposits, landlord obligations, eviction protections and rental dispute resolution.
How to Get the UAE Golden Visa via Property (AED 2M)
Step-by-step guide to obtaining the UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment. Learn the AED 2M property purchase threshold, eligibility, application process, required documents, timelines and residency benefits (5 or 10-year visa).
How to Apply for a Dubai Mortgage (Resident & Non-Resident)
Complete guide to obtaining a Dubai property mortgage. Learn eligibility, required documents, LTV limits (50% residents, 40% non-residents), interest rates (EIBOR-based), valuation process, approval timelines and comparison between UAE and international banks.
How to Register Ejari for a Dubai Tenancy
Complete guide to registering a rental lease with Ejari, Dubai's official tenancy registration system. Learn the process, required documents, AED 220 fee, timelines and how Ejari protects both tenants and landlords.
How to Get an NOC from a Dubai Developer
Step-by-step guide to obtaining an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Dubai developers, banks and property managers. Learn the process, fees (AED 500–5,000), required documents and timelines for property sales and transfers.
How to Transfer Property at the Dubai Land Department
Complete guide to transferring property ownership at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) via Oqood registration. Learn the 4% transfer fee, required documents, title deed issuance and post-registration steps.
How to Invest in Off-Plan Property in Dubai
Complete guide to investing in off-plan property in Dubai. Learn the 10% deposit, milestone payment schedule, Advance Payment Guarantee (APG), defect liability, estimated returns (4–8% rental yield) and timelines from launch to handover.
How to Sell Dubai Property as a Non-Resident
Step-by-step guide for non-residents selling Dubai property. Learn about power of attorney, legal requirements, DLD registration, agent authorization, mortgage discharge and completing the sale remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take to buy property in Dubai?
From signed SPA to title deed registration typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on mortgage approval and DLD processing. The overall timeline from property search to closing is 3–4 months.
Q. Can non-residents buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents can purchase freehold property in designated areas and leasehold in others. Non-residents can borrow up to 40% LTV (vs. 50% for residents). A valid UAE visa or passport is required for DLD registration.
Q. What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a 5 or 10-year residency visa for real estate investors purchasing property above AED 2M (or lower thresholds in some areas). The visa enables long-term residency without employment sponsorship.
Q. How much does it cost to buy property?
Total costs typically include: 4% DLD transfer fee, AED 4,000 admin fee, 1.5–2% legal fees, 2–4% broker commission, mortgage fees, inspection and valuation. Total: approximately 7–10% of purchase price.
Q. What is Ejari and why is it required?
Ejari is mandatory rental contract registration with the Dubai Land Department. Registration costs AED 220 and must occur within 30 days of lease signing. Ejari is required for visa sponsorship, government services and dispute resolution.
Q. How do I protect off-plan deposits?
Developers must provide an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) issued by a bank. The APG guarantees refund of deposits if the developer defaults. Always request the APG before paying any deposit.