Property for Sale in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and More

Apartments are 7,270 of the listings, with villas at 2,257 and houses at 1,241. There are 401 plots of land, and penthouses and commercial units are small categories.

Many new apartments are sold off-plan. Off-plan buyers pay in instalments linked to construction milestones, and in Dubai the payments go into a regulated escrow account. Check the developer's registration and the project's approvals on the official registry.

Yes, in designated freehold areas. Dubai opened freehold to foreigners in 2002 and formalised it in 2006, and Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and others have followed with their own investment zones. Outside those zones, foreigners usually get leasehold (often up to 99 years) or usufruct rights.

1. Confirm the property is in a freehold area.
2. Choose a licensed real estate agent and, ideally, an independent lawyer.
3. Sign the memorandum of understanding (Form F in Dubai) and pay a deposit, typically 10%.
4. Obtain a no-objection certificate from the developer and clear any service charges.
5. Complete the transfer at the Land Department or a trustee office.
6. Receive the title deed and register utilities.

The UAE has no personal income tax and no annual property tax. Purchase costs are mostly fixed percentages. Ranges are approximate; verify locally.

UAE banks lend to non-resident buyers, usually with a lower loan-to-value than for residents. Expect to put down at least 40% to 50% as a non-resident and more on higher-priced homes, plus fees and proof of income. Rates are linked to interbank benchmarks. See our UAE financing guide and the mortgage calculator.

Property investors have been eligible for long-term residence visas, with a 10-year golden visa available for a property investment above a stated value, around AED 2 million, and shorter visas for lower values. Conditions, such as how much can be financed, have changed more than once, so confirm the latest rules with the authorities in the relevant emirate.

Rental demand is strongest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where expatriate professionals fill apartments in established communities. Gross yields in the UAE have historically been higher than in many Western cities, but they vary a great deal by building, and service charges reduce the net figure. Short-term holiday letting needs a government permit in Dubai and the building's consent.

Supply is the main variable. Large off-plan pipelines can cool prices in some districts, while limited supply in prime areas supports them. Compare asking prices with recent comparable listings using our valuation tool, and ask the agent for the service charge history of the exact building before you reserve.

Advantages

• Tax-free income and no annual property tax
• Freehold available to foreigners, with a visa route
• Strong infrastructure and international demand

Drawbacks

• Price cycles are sharp and supply is large in some areas
• Service charges and fees can be significant
• Off-plan risk if you choose the wrong developer
• Summer heat

Continue with our UAE market analysis and foreign buyer guide.