Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Dubai
Why buy property in Dubai?
Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, steady economy, and pro investment legislature. Foreigners have the right to buy property in designated freehold areas e.g. the Dubai marina, these properties are tax free making them an attractive investment opportunity. Investing in properties can give you a visa of up to 10 years, creating a golden opportunity for long term residents. Additionally, property in Dubai has a trend of having high returns; the 2024 market showed a return of around 36% despite global economic unreliability. Most importantly, Dubai is known for its unmatched quality of infrastructure, with projects known for innovative designs and an attention to detail that guarantees excellence.
Property types and key areas
In Dubai, both off-plan and ready properties are available, which allows owners to choose between right to property for up to 99 years and complete ownership of their property. Current up and coming areas in Dubai include places in downtown Dubai, e.g. Dubai creek Harbor, environmentally friendly areas like the Tilal-Al-Ghaf and even up and coming modern neighborhoods like the acres. The influx of options makes it an investor's dream.
Budgeting and financing options
When deciding your price range for property, it's important to factor in other necessary costs. Mortgages in Dubai expect you to make a down payment of about 25-35% of the property value. There is also a registration fee for the Dubai Land department of 4% as well as an agency commission that is typically around 2%. However, many banks offer competitive mortgage options for first time buyers, making it easier to get loans.
Find a reliable real estate agency
The real estate regulatory agency (RERA) e that buyers work with trustworthy agents who specialize in the area you are focused on. It is necessary for an agent in Dubai to have the permitted license approved by RERA to practice in the real estate landscape. This ensures the protection of buyers from any form of fraudulent practices within the industry. A good agent is important for not only shortlisting properties and negotiating offers, but also for safeguarding the savings or investments of new buyers.
Viewing and selecting properties
Once you've shortlisted areas you want to visit it is important to schedule a meeting where you can check amenities, features and the overall condition of the property and whether it's to your liking. It’s important to compare different properties and have a thorough viewing including legal checks to make sure you know what you are paying for and get the best return out of your investment.
Making an offer and Signing the Contract (Form F)
Once you’ve found the right property in Dubai, the first step is to make a formal offer through your agent. This stage may involve some negotiation until both parties agree on the final price and terms.
When it’s time to move forward with the legal process, you will need to sign the Form F, which is the official, standardized sale agreement issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the RERA system.
Form F is unified across all transactions, with only a limited number of fields that can be customized. This standardization is a huge benefit for both buyers and sellers, as it reduces disputes and ensures transparency. Before Form F can be created, two other documents must be completed: Form A (for the seller) and Form B (for the buyer). These forms are registered in the system first, and when Form F is generated, most of the details are automatically pulled from the registered Form A and Form B — another layer of protection for all parties involved.
At the time of signing Form F, a 10% deposit is typically paid by the buyer. If the buyer defaults without a valid reason, they risk forfeiting this deposit. However, Dubai’s property laws also protect buyers: if the seller is at fault and cancels the deal, RERA will require the seller to pay the buyer an additional 10% of the property price as compensation. In such cases, the property can even be “blocked” in the Dubai Land Department’s system, preventing the seller from selling or renting it until the compensation is paid.
This process reflects the fairness and balance that Dubai’s real estate system aims to uphold — safeguarding the rights of both parties and ensuring that deals are honored with integrity.
Arranging mortgage and due diligence
If you require a mortgage to purchase your property in Dubai, securing it is an important step in the process. While you can approach a bank directly, the most effective route for many buyers is to work with a professional mortgage broker.
We have established partnerships with experienced mortgage brokers who can help you find the best possible mortgage rate available in Dubai. These brokers have in-depth knowledge of all the banks, interest rates, eligibility criteria, and application processes, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of approval.
A mortgage broker will meet with you, review your documentation, understand your financial situation, and then approach multiple banks on your behalf to negotiate the most favorable terms. This personalized guidance not only simplifies the process but also ensures you are making a well-informed decision.
No objection certificate (NOC)
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an essential legal document that the seller must request from the property’s developer once Form F has been signed. It is the seller’s obligation to obtain this certificate.
The NOC confirms that the current owner (seller) has fully paid the purchase price to the developer and has no outstanding service charges or other dues. For example, if you are buying a property and Form F is signed, the seller will apply for the NOC and pay the service charges up to the end of the current billing period.
Let’s say the service charge period runs until 31st August, but the property transfer is scheduled for 20th August. At the transfer appointment, both parties will calculate the daily service charge rate, and as the new buyer, you will reimburse the seller for the remaining 10 days of that period.
Once the NOC is issued, it confirms there are no objections to the sale, and the transaction can proceed to the transfer stage.
Transfer ownership and regulation
To finalise the property transfer, the buyer and seller meet at an accredited transfer office authorised by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
At this stage, the buyer provides the final payments, including the 4% transfer fee, which must be paid in the form of a manager’s cheque. Any applicable admin fees are also settled during this appointment.
Once all payments are completed and documents signed, the buyer is issued the Title Deed, officially making them the legal owner of the property.
Move in or rent out?
Once the property is ready — with utilities connected and any necessary maintenance completed — you can decide whether to move in or rent it out to generate income.
If you choose to rent, you have a few options:
Long-term rentals: As the owner, you can rent the property yourself on a long-term basis, although this can be risky if you are unfamiliar with tenancy laws, contracts, and tenant management. A safer option is to hire a real estate agent who can handle the marketing, tenant screening, and legal paperwork for you.
Short-term rentals: These can only be managed through a licensed property management company, as Dubai requires a special permit for short-term leasing (such as holiday homes). Owners are not allowed to rent short-term independently.
By choosing the right rental approach, you can maximize your returns while ensuring compliance with Dubai’s regulations.
Ready to move into your new Dubai property?
Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate, purchase your dream home, or elevate your business with an office in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, the journey is far smoother with guidance from trusted industry experts.
At AGR Properties, our team consists of some of the most experienced agents, specialising not only in Dubai’s top locations and properties, but also in everything you might need along the way — from designing and renovating, to renting and selling your property. We can even assist with visa services, full relocation support, and connecting you with reliable partners for every stage of the process.
Let us help you secure the best deals through expert negotiation and local market knowledge, while guiding you seamlessly through all legal documentation and formalities.
Take the first Step
Visit our Agents Section on our website to connect with experts at AGR properties for consultancy, or send us an enquiry through our Sales Consultation Form for professional advice and a personalized portfolio for your requirements or a quick valuation of your property. Your new Dubai address or investment is one appointment away.
Connect with us today and turn your dreams into a reality.