Frequently Asked Questions

Buying typically involves identifying a property, signing a reservation agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with a deposit, transferring the balance, paying the Dubai Land Department transfer fee, and completing title transfer at the DLD or a registered trustee office. Estate500 guides clients through each stage from search to handover.

Not always. Many transactions can be completed remotely using a Power of Attorney, though some steps, such as opening a bank account for mortgage financing, may require in-person presence. Our team can advise on which parts of the process allow remote completion.

Freehold ownership gives the buyer full ownership of the property and land within designated freehold zones, available to UAE and foreign nationals alike. Leasehold ownership grants rights to use a property for a fixed term, commonly up to 99 years, without owning the underlying land.

Typical costs include a Dubai Land Department transfer fee of around 4% of the purchase price, an agency commission commonly around 2%, a trustee registration fee, and mortgage registration fees if financing is involved. Exact costs vary by transaction, so confirm current fees with our team before making an offer.

Contact our team through the Contact page to schedule a valuation. Once we agree on pricing and terms, Estate500 handles listing preparation, marketing, buyer sourcing, and transaction coordination through to handover.

Sellers generally need the original title deed, a valid passport or Emirates ID, and, where applicable, a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges. Our team will confirm the exact documents required for your specific property.

The UAE does not currently levy a capital gains tax or personal income tax on individual property sales. Sellers should still budget for the Dubai Land Department transfer fee and any applicable agency commission, and confirm current regulations, as policy can change.

Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts with RERA. Registration is required to activate utility connections, apply for certain visas, and resolve tenancy disputes through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.

Landlords commonly request a security deposit of around 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished units, and a higher amount for furnished units, refundable at the end of the tenancy subject to the property's condition.

Yes. Our rental service covers tenant sourcing, marketing, viewings, and coordination for landlords across our covered Emirates, helping you secure qualified tenants efficiently.

Off-plan property is sold by a developer before or during construction, typically at a lower entry price than completed units, with payment made in installments tied to construction milestones or a fixed payment plan.

Many Dubai developers offer post-handover payment plans that split payments before and after completion, for example 60/40 or 70/30 structures, though exact terms vary by developer and project.

Developer funds for off-plan projects are generally required to be held in RERA-regulated escrow accounts, released only as construction milestones are met, which helps protect buyer deposits. Buyers should still review the Sale and Purchase Agreement carefully before signing.

Dubai offers investors tax-free rental income, no capital gains tax on individual sales, relatively strong rental yields compared with many global cities, and a transparent freehold ownership system for foreign investors. Read more in our Dubai Real Estate Market overview.

Gross rental yields in Dubai commonly range from around 5% to 8% depending on the area, property type, and market conditions, though yields fluctuate with supply, demand, and pricing cycles.

Popular investment areas include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and a number of high-growth emerging communities. The right choice depends on your budget, target yield, and investment goals, which our team can help assess.

The Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residency visa available to qualifying real estate investors who meet the government's minimum property investment threshold, historically AED 2,000,000. Our team can confirm current eligibility for a specific property, and you can read our full Golden Visa guide for more detail.

Requirements can vary and have historically included options for mortgaged property that meets a minimum paid-value threshold. Confirm current rules with UAE immigration authorities or our team before purchasing.

The Golden Visa is typically issued for a 10-year renewable term, though durations can vary by eligibility category.

Yes. Most major UAE banks offer mortgages to non-resident and resident foreign nationals, though terms, required down payments, and eligibility criteria vary by bank and buyer profile.

Down payment requirements typically depend on residency status and property value, with UAE residents generally required to put down less than non-resident buyers. Loan-to-value ratios and lending rules change periodically, so confirm current terms with a mortgage advisor or your bank.

Yes. Estate500 offers expert mortgage assistance and can connect clients with financing options suited to their profile as part of our end-to-end buying support.

Buyers of virtually all nationalities can purchase freehold property in Dubai's designated freehold zones, with no restriction limiting ownership to UAE nationals in those areas.

No. UAE residency is not a requirement to purchase freehold property in Dubai, and many international buyers purchase property without ever relocating.

Property ownership above certain investment thresholds can qualify buyers for UAE residency visas, including the Golden Visa program for larger investments. Our team can advise on visa options tied to specific properties.

Estate500 offers three core services: buying, selling, and renting residential property across the UAE, supported by end-to-end guidance from search to handover, plus mortgage assistance and Golden Visa support. See our full Services page for details.

Commission structures vary by property and developer. Contact our team for the specific terms on any listing you are interested in.

Estate500 lists and manages properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department responsible for licensing real estate professionals, regulating developers, and protecting the rights of buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords.

The Dubai Land Department, or DLD, is the Dubai government entity responsible for registering property transactions, issuing title deeds, and maintaining the official record of real estate ownership in Dubai.

You can reach our team through the Contact page, by phone, or by email, and we will be happy to answer any questions about buying, selling, renting, or investing in UAE real estate.