1. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DUBAI LAND DEPARTMENT (DLD)? The DLD oversees all real estate transactions in Dubai, ensuring that property transfers are conducted legally and transparently. It also maintains a public register of property ownership and offers services such as property valuation and dispute resolution.

2. WHAT IS AN OFF-PLAN PROPERTY IN DUBAI? An off-plan property is a property that has not yet been constructed, purchased directly from a developer. It may either be in the planning stages or in the early phases of construction. To purchase this type of property, buyers typically rely on brochures and other marketing materials to understand the project and the specific property they are buying. The purchase generally requires a down payment of 10-20% along with the signing of the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA). The remaining payments vary depending on the developer, but they are usually linked to the construction progress.

3. SHOULD I BUY OFF PLAN OR READY PROPERTY? As a buyer, you have the option to choose between off-plan and ready homes. Off-plan properties are those that are still under development or in the construction phase, while ready properties have completed the building stage and are move-in ready. The choice ultimately depends on your budget, goals, and timeline. Here’s an overview of both options: Ready properties – If you're an investor seeking immediate rental income or a buyer looking to move into a new home soon, Dubai offers a variety of ready properties in urban, beachfront, and nature settings. Buyers can typically secure a high loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for these homes, making it easier to obtain a mortgage from the bank. Interested in this option? Explore properties for sale in Dubai on our website. Off-plan projects – With new developments announced regularly, the off-plan property market in Dubai is growing rapidly. Investors and buyers can secure prime units with flexible payment plans that are completed upon handover. These properties offer high rental returns, strong ROI, and excellent capital appreciation once finished. Check out the latest off-plan properties in Dubai Explore properties for sale in Dubai on our website.

4. WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED IN BUYING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI? This is one of the most asked FAQs about buying a property in Dubai. Apart from the purchase price, other costs of buying a property in the emirate include: Registration Fees: Approximately 4% of the property’s purchase price, payable to the DLD. Agent Commission: Usually, 2% of the purchase price. Mortgage Fees: If applicable, including processing fees and interest rates. Service Charges: Annual fees for the maintenance of communal areas in apartments and communities.

5. CAN FOREIGNERS BUY A PROPERTY IN DUBAI? Yes, foreigners and non-residents can buy property in Dubai. Unlike many countries, Dubai’s property market is open to everyone. Whether you're from the UK, India, or elsewhere, there are no restrictions on purchasing and owning property in any of Dubai’s freehold areas.

6. CAN I FINANCE THE PROPERTY? To purchase property in Dubai, you’ll need pre-approval from your bank. Once you have that, your Property Consultant can help you find the best mortgage rates. There are a few additional costs to consider: •Transfer Fee: 4% of the property price, payable to the Dubai Land Department (developers may cover part of this fee). •Agent Fee: Agent Fee for Off plan Primary (0%) Off plan Primary refers to properties that are sold before they are completed, directly from the developer. In this case, the agent’s fee is 0%, meaning buyers typically don’t pay any commission to the agent for purchasing these types of properties. Instead, the developer usually covers the agent’s fee as part of their marketing and sales process. Agent Fee for Secondary (2% + VAT) Secondary properties refer to pre-owned or resold properties (i.e., those that are not newly built or under development). When a property is bought and sold again, the agent’s fee is typically 2% of the sale price, plus VAT which is usually a percentage of that fee. •Community Service Fee: The Community Service Fee is a charge that property owners pay to cover the maintenance and upkeep of communal areas within a residential development. These could include shared spaces like gardens, parking areas, hallways, swimming pools, gyms, and other facilities available to residents. It ensures that the community remains well-maintained, clean, and functional. Fee Breakdown by Property Type: Villa / Townhouse: The Community Service Fee for villas or townhouses is calculated based on the property’s size, with a range of AED 5 to AED 6 per square foot (sq. ft.). Apartment: For apartments, the Community Service Fee is higher, ranging from AED 10 to AED 12 per square foot (sq. ft.). •Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount, paid to the Dubai Land Department.

7. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREEHOLD AND LEASEHOLD OWNERSHIP? In real estate, there are two main types of property ownership: freehold and leasehold. Freehold ownership grants you full control and ownership of the property without any time limitations. You own both the property and the land it sits on indefinitely. In contrast, leasehold ownership allows you to own and occupy the property for a specified period, typically up to 99 years. After this term, ownership reverts to the freeholder. While freehold offers permanent ownership, leasehold provides a fixed term of ownership, which can be quite long. This distinction is important in property sales and investment decisions, as it affects property values, legal rights, and resale potential.

8. WHAT TYPE OF OFF-PLAN PROPERTIES CAN I BUY IN DUBAI? Dubai offers a variety of off-plan property types, typically falling into three categories: apartments, villas, and townhouses. Each of these property types comes with its own set of characteristics, advantages, and potential drawbacks. The best option for a buyer depends on their personal preferences, needs, and investment goals.

9. CAN I BUY AN OFF-PLAN PROPERTY WITHOUT BEING IN DUBAI? Yes, you can definitely purchase an off-plan property without being in Dubai. Since off-plan properties are not yet constructed, buyers typically rely on brochures, floor plans, and information provided by the sales agent, rather than physically viewing the property. This makes the process more convenient and allows you to make the purchase from anywhere, even outside of Dubai.

10.WHAT GUARANTEE DO I HAVE THAT MY DEVELOPMENT WILL BE COMPLETED? To ensure the completion of an off-plan project, RERA has implemented several requirements for developers. One key requirement is that the developer must own 100% of the land for the project. Additionally, the developer must either provide a 20% bank guarantee, deposit 20% into an escrow account, or complete 20% of construction before selling the property off-plan. RERA also requires contractors to submit a 10% performance guarantee. In addition to these safeguards, it's crucial for buyers to conduct their own research on the developers they are considering. We recommend reviewing the developer's track record and reputation to ensure a secure investment.