Buy property in Dubai
Buy in Dubai with the full picture first.
Apartments, villas, townhouses and off-plan homes across Dubai, chosen to fit your budget and your goal. Before you view anything, you see the real price per square foot, the rent it can earn and every fee you will pay.
Browse by type
What kind of home are you looking for?
Apartments
The largest choice in Dubai, from studios to four bedrooms, and the easiest to let.
Explore apartments →
Villas
Space, a garden and privacy in established family communities.
Explore villas →
Townhouses
Villa-style living at a lower entry price, close to schools and parks.
Explore townhouses →
Penthouses
Top-floor homes with the views, terraces and finish to match.
Explore penthouses →
Studios & 1-beds
The lowest entry point into Dubai and often the strongest rental yield.
Explore studios & 1-beds →
Off-plan
New launches from leading developers with payment plans over several years.
Explore off-plan →Why Arabzone
A smaller team. Fewer surprises.
4.7from 55 Google reviewsOnly what is real
We do not advertise homes that are not available or prices nobody will accept. You see real transfers and real costs.
Advice for your goal
A home to live in and an investment need different answers. We tell you which is which — including when to wait.
With you after you buy
Our own property management team can find a tenant, collect the rent and look after the home for you.
“I bought 3 properties from them in a year.”
“He made the process of closing the deal for our new apartment incredibly easy and straightforward, with no unnecessary drama.”
“Their team made my relocation in Dubai incredibly smooth and stress-free. From the very beginning, they were always available on the phone to answer questions.”
“I was very moved by the excellent service by this real estate agency.”
Where your budget goes
Start from the budget, not the brochure.
The same money buys very different things in different parts of Dubai. Here is a realistic starting point for each budget — tap a community to read its guide.
Studios and 1-beds
Strong rental demand from young professionals, and some of the strongest rental demand in the city.
Get homes in this budget →1- and 2-bed apartments, first townhouses
Central apartments with city or water views, or a first townhouse in a family community.
Get homes in this budget →Family apartments and townhouses
Larger homes in prime master communities — and the range that qualifies for a Golden Visa.
Get homes in this budget →Villas, beachfront and branded homes
Waterfront living, signature villas and branded residences at Dubai’s best addresses.
Get homes in this budget →Know the numbers
What apartments are really selling for.
| Community | Avg price / sq ft | Change in a year | Rental demand | 1-bed rent / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | AED 2,730 | −0.1% | Very strong | AED 107,800 |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | AED 2,300 | −2.7% | Strong | AED 93,000 |
| Business Bay | AED 1,961 | −2.9% | Very strong | AED 86,800 |
| Dubai Marina | AED 1,857 | −4.2% | Very strong | AED 89,200 |
| Dubai South | AED 1,401 | +18.8% | Growing | AED 58,900 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | AED 1,225 | −5.9% | Very strong | AED 67,400 |
Resale apartments, 1 July – 30 September 2026. Source: Dubai Land Department transaction data, as compiled in Metropolitan Premium Properties’ Q3 2026 community resale reports; rents are average annual asking rents. Indicative only — not a valuation. Prices in individual buildings vary widely — ask us for the recent transfers in the building you like. Read the full market report →
Ready or off-plan?
Two good ways to buy. Different trade-offs.
Ready property
Built, handed over, and yours on the day of transfer.
- Best for
- Moving in now, or earning rent from the first month.
- What you pay
- The full price at transfer — in cash, or with a mortgage of up to 80% for a first home.
- What you see
- The actual unit, the view, the building’s service charge record and the rent it earns today.
- Watch for
- Older finishes, existing tenancy terms and the true condition — we arrange a snagging check.
Off-plan property
Bought from the developer before or during construction.
- Best for
- Spreading payments, buying new, and entering at launch prices.
- What you pay
- Usually 10–20% to start, then instalments during construction and sometimes after handover.
- What protects you
- Payments go into a project escrow account registered with RERA, and the sale is registered with DLD (Oqood).
- Watch for
- The developer’s delivery record, realistic handover dates and resale rules before handover.
Your situation
Buying for a reason? Start here.
A home to live in
Schools, commute, community and a mortgage that fits — we start with how you want to live.
Talk to an advisor → 02An investment
Compare net yield after service charges, likely rent and the resale market before you commit.
Run the numbers → 03Buying from abroad
Video viewings, remote signing, payments and title deed — handled end to end from wherever you are.
International desk → 04A Golden Visa
Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a 10-year UAE residence visa.
Golden Visa guide →The full cost
Every fee, before you make an offer.
The price is only part of what you pay. Enter a price to see the one-time costs of buying a ready home in Dubai.
Off-plan purchases from a developer have different fees — usually the 4% DLD fee plus Oqood registration. Open all calculators →
| Cash you need at transfer | — |
Approximate figures for planning, based on current Dubai Land Department and trustee fees. Bank fees vary by lender; your advisor confirms the exact numbers before you sign.
Mortgages
How much can you borrow?
UAE Central Bank rules cap how much of the price a bank can lend. Banks then decide within those limits based on your income, residency and the property.
Non-residents can also borrow from several UAE banks, usually up to 50–60% of the price. Most banks lend up to age 65 for salaried buyers, over a maximum of 25 years. We introduce you to mortgage advisors who compare offers across banks.
How buying works
From first call to title deed.
Buying a ready home and buying off-plan follow different paths. Choose yours to see each step, how long it takes and where buyers most often lose money.
Typical time: about 10 days in cash · 2–5 weeks with a mortgage
- 01
Brief & mortgage pre-approval
Budget, goal, areas and timing. With a mortgage, we get you pre-approved first so you know exactly what you can offer.
We arrange your mortgage pre-approvalWhere buyers lose money: Offering before pre-approval — if the loan falls short, the deposit can be at risk.
- 02
Viewings & checks
A shortlist with recent transfer prices, title status and service charges for every building you see.
We pull the real transfer pricesWhere buyers lose money: Paying the asking price when the building has been selling for much less.
- 03
Offer & MOU
We negotiate, then buyer and seller sign the DLD sale agreement (Form F). You give a deposit cheque, usually 10%.
We negotiate and review every clauseWhere buyers lose money: A missing clause on dates, fees or refunds that puts the 10% deposit at risk.
- 04
Developer NOC
The seller clears any service charges and the developer issues a no-objection certificate. Your bank finalises the loan.
We follow up with the developer and bankWhere buyers lose money: Unpaid charges or an existing mortgage on the home that delay or block the transfer.
- 05
Transfer at a DLD trustee
Both sides meet at a trustee office. Manager’s cheques are exchanged and the 4% DLD fee is paid.
We book the trustee and prepare the chequesWhere buyers lose money: A wrongly prepared cheque or missing document means a new appointment and lost days.
- 06
Title deed & keys
Your title deed is issued the same day. We hand over keys and access cards and move DEWA into your name.
We do the handover check with youWhere buyers lose money: Skipping the handover check — existing damage and old bills then become yours.
Found a home you like? Get it checked before you sign →
- 01
Choose the project
We compare launches by developer track record, location, payment plan and a realistic handover date.
We compare developers and payment plansWhere buyers lose money: Buying at a launch price well above similar ready homes nearby.
- 02
Reserve the unit
Choose the unit and sign the booking form with a booking amount to hold it for you.
We secure the best unit and priceWhere buyers lose money: Paying a booking amount without knowing what is refundable.
- 03
SPA & down payment
Sign the developer’s Sale and Purchase Agreement and pay the down payment, usually 10–20%, plus the 4% DLD fee.
We review the SPA before you signWhere buyers lose money: Late-delivery, cancellation and resale clauses nobody explained.
- 04
Oqood registration
The developer registers your purchase with Dubai Land Department — your proof of ownership until handover.
We confirm it is registered in your nameWhere buyers lose money: Paying anywhere except the project’s registered escrow account.
- 05
Construction instalments
Pay as the building rises. We send you construction updates and reminders before each instalment.
We send updates and payment remindersWhere buyers lose money: Missed instalments that bring penalties or cancellation under the SPA.
- 06
Handover
Snagging inspection, final payment or mortgage, then the title deed and keys. We can have a tenant ready on day one.
We inspect, snag and find your tenantWhere buyers lose money: Snags not reported at handover become your cost to fix.
Looking at a new launch? Get our honest view of the project →
The process is simple. The decisions are not.
Which building, which price, which clause, which payment plan — every step has a choice that affects your money. An Arabzone advisor walks you through each one, checks everything before you pay, and stays with you until the title deed is in your name.
- RERA-registered brokerage
- Every deal checked against DLD records
- One advisor from first call to keys
The Arabzone check
What we verify before you pay a dirham.
- Title and ownership — the seller is the registered owner, confirmed against DLD records.
- Mortgages and blocks — any loan on the property and how it will be cleared at transfer.
- Service charges — the building’s approved rate per sq ft and any unpaid dues.
- Tenancy — a vacant unit, or the existing Ejari contract, rent and notice terms.
- Off-plan safeguards — the project’s RERA registration, escrow account and developer record.
- Real condition — a snagging inspection on ready homes before you complete.
- Fair price — recent transfers in the same building, not just asking prices.
- Advertising permit — every home we market carries a valid DLD permit.
Questions
Buying in Dubai, answered.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Buyers of any nationality can own property outright in Dubai’s freehold areas — which include Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, JVC, Dubai Hills, Palm Jumeirah and most new communities. You do not need to live in the UAE to buy.
What are the total costs of buying a property in Dubai?
For a ready home, plan for about 6–7% on top of the price: the 4% DLD transfer fee, about AED 580 in DLD admin fees, a trustee fee of about AED 4,200 (AED 2,100 below AED 500,000), and 2% plus VAT agency commission. A mortgage adds 0.25% registration plus bank and valuation fees.
How much deposit do I need?
For a ready home with a mortgage, at least 20% of the price as a UAE resident expat buying a first home under AED 5 million, plus fees. Off-plan projects usually ask for 10–20% at booking, with the rest paid in instalments.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes, several UAE banks lend to non-residents, usually up to 50–60% of the price, depending on your income and country of residence. We introduce you to mortgage advisors who compare the options.
Does buying property give me a UAE visa?
Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify the owner for a 10-year Golden Visa, including with a mortgage or an off-plan property, subject to current rules. Owners of a ready property can also apply for a 2-year property investor visa — the earlier AED 750,000 minimum was removed for sole owners in April 2026. We confirm the current rules for your case before you buy.
How long does it take to buy a property?
A cash purchase of a ready home usually completes in about 10 days from signing. With a mortgage, allow 2–5 weeks. Off-plan bookings are faster — often a few days to reserve and sign.
Should I buy ready or off-plan?
Buy ready if you want to move in or earn rent straight away and want to see exactly what you get. Choose off-plan if you prefer to spread payments and buy new, and you are comfortable waiting for handover. We compare both for your budget.
Are there annual property taxes in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax or capital gains tax on residential property in Dubai. Owners pay yearly service charges to the building or community, and residents pay a housing fee through their utility bill.
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