FAQs

There is no VAT charged on the rent for residential accommodation. However, it is possible that other services are subject to VAT and is either included in the rental agreement. This includes utilities or cooling fees and parking space feese.

The online real estate portal, Property Finder Group, has developed a free tool for people to be able to calculate the cost of property value in Dubai.

The Rent vs Buy Calculator provides a simple breakdown and analysis of the estimated costs and how much investors can save down the line if they were to purchase property versus renting. You will need to submit your own monthly rent, the price of the property you are interested in, and the number of years you plan on living in the property for the calculation. It also factors in additional fees such as Dubai Land Department fees and VAT charges.

If you are unable to complete the payment of your off-plan property, then the developer has the following rights:

• If 80% of the construction is complete, the developer may keep all the money received from the buyer and sell the unit in Public Auction to recover the payments or the developer may deduct more than 40% of purchase price and cancel the contract.
• If 60% of the construction is complete, the developer may deduct 40% of purchase price and cancel the contract.
• If construction has started but hasn’t reached 60%, the developer can deduct 25% of purchase price and cancel the contract.
• If circumstances arise outside of the developer’s control that prevent the completion of construction, the developer is entitled to deduct 30% of the purchase price and cancel the contract.

Investors, home owners and specialists, such as doctors and engineers, can receive UAE residency visas valid for up to 10 years as per the law announced in May 2018 by the UAE government.

The existing property visa is a two-year renewable property investor visa issued by the Dubai Land Department for a freehold property valued at Dh1 million or more on the title deed.

You will need to apply for a mortgage through one of the banks in the UAE. Mortgage registration charges payable to the DLD amount to 0.25 per cent of the loan value, plus AED 290 as a standard charge.

The following documents are typically required for UAE residents to receive mortgage approval:

• Passport and visa copy of the purchaser.
• Copy of Emirates ID.
• Proof of current address such as Ejari and Dewa bill.
• Salary certificates or evidence of regular income.
• Bank account statements for three to six months, which reflect the corresponding salary credit.
• MoU for the sale of the property.
• Title deed of the property to be purchased.
• Seller’s passport copy.
• No Objection Certificate from the developer.

The primary market purchasing fee in all DLD Registration Trustees offices is AED 4,000 for transactions over AED 500,000, and AED 2,000 for those below this amount. Fees are payable in cash and paid by the parties as agreed.
For secondary market purchases, total fees include a 2% commission fee (for the sales agent or broker), the NOC fee [around AED 5,000 max] and a transfer appointment fee [AED 4,000].

An average property transaction in Dubai takes around 30 days to complete from the date on which the Agreement for Sale is signed.

Once you have obtained the NOC, you will need to meet the seller at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to have a new title-deed drawn up. Before the title-deed is provided, DLD requires the buyer to make a payment of the property price in the form of a cheque. This cheque should be made payable to the seller on the date of the transfer.

The process of buying a property includes four basic legal steps that need to be followed in Dubai.

1. Establishing buyer and seller agreement
   Once you have found a property that you want to invest in, you must consult a real estate agent. They will help you communicate, negotiate and outline the terms of sale with the owner.

1. Signing an agreement for sale
   Once all the details are finalized, it’s time to sign the agreement of sale, also known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In Dubai, this document is entitled ‘Contract F’ and is available on the Dubai Land Department’s website, under the ‘Contracts’ page. Upon signing this contract it is standard practice in Dubai for the buyer to pay a 10% deposit of the property value to the seller.

1. Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
   To allow for the transfer of ownership you must apply and pay for a No Objection Certificate from the developer of the unit you are purchasing. This will allow for the transfer of ownership. Once all outstanding service charge payments are finalized the developer will be able to provide an NOC.

Yes, any person of any nationality, whether they are a resident of Dubai or based abroad, can purchase property in Dubai’s freehold market. You are not required to hold any type of residency or similar permit in order to purchase property.

Yes, the laws in Dubai permit residents and international investors to purchase property in Dubai’s freehold market.