Dubai property, explained

The Dubai Property Guide.

Plain explanations of the rules, costs, and processes around buying, renting, and selling in Dubai. Where a rule involves current fees or figures, we say so and point you to the official source.

Buying

Can foreigners really own property in Dubai?

What freehold ownership actually means, which areas it covers, and how to confirm before you commit to a purchase.

2 min read

What does it actually cost to buy a home in Dubai?

Beyond the purchase price: the Dubai Land Department transfer fee, agency commission, and the other charges to budget for.

3 min read

Getting a mortgage in Dubai as an expat

How much you can typically borrow, what determines it, and what to have ready before you approach a bank.

3 min read

Buying off-plan in Dubai: escrow and project checks

What an escrow account is, why developers are required to use one, and how to check a project's registration before you pay a cheque.

2 min read

Renting

Ejari, explained: registering your Dubai tenancy contract

What Ejari is, what it costs, and why you'll need it for everything from setting up DEWA to proving your address.

2 min read

How rent increases actually work in Dubai

Dubai caps rent increases against a published rental index. Here is how the cap is calculated, and what to do if a landlord asks for more.

2 min read

Can my landlord ask me to leave? Eviction rules in Dubai

The rules that protect tenants at renewal time, including the 12 month notice landlords must give to sell or move back in.

2 min read

Selling

Selling property in Dubai: the paperwork you will need

What happens between accepting an offer and handing over the keys, and the documents worth having ready early.

2 min read