Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Dubai has designated freehold zones where non-UAE nationals can purchase property with full ownership rights. These areas include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and many more. In freehold areas, foreign nationals enjoy the same ownership rights as UAE citizens and can buy, sell, lease, or mortgage their properties freely.

In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for: Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price; a property registration fee of AED 2,000–4,000; a real estate agency commission of approximately 2% of the purchase price; mortgage registration fees (if applicable) of 0.25% of the loan amount; and conveyancing/legal fees. For off-plan properties, developers may also charge an Oqood registration fee of AED 4,000.

Purchasing a property worth AED 750,000 or more qualifies you for a 2-year renewable UAE investor residency visa. Properties valued at AED 2,000,000 or more can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. Residency visas allow you to live in the UAE, sponsor family members, and access UAE banking services. Our team can guide you through the full visa application process.

The typical process is: (1) Select your property with our advisors; (2) Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU/Form F) and pay a 10% deposit; (3) Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer; (4) Complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department and pay the remaining balance; (5) Receive your Title Deed. The entire process typically takes 30–60 days for resale properties. Our team handles all paperwork and coordination.

Dubai does not levy annual property taxes, making it one of the most tax-efficient real estate markets in the world. There is no capital gains tax on property sales, no inheritance tax, and no income tax on rental income. The main recurring cost for property owners is service charges (maintenance fees) payable to the building management, typically ranging from AED 10–30 per sq.ft per year depending on the building.

Rental agreements in Dubai are typically signed for one year and registered with Ejari — the official RERA tenancy registration system. Rent is commonly paid via post-dated cheques (1, 2, or 4 cheques per year), though the number of cheques is negotiable. Tenants pay a security deposit of 5% of the annual rent (refundable at end of tenancy) and 5% agency commission. Our team assists with the entire rental process including Ejari registration.

Rent increases in Dubai are governed by RERA's Rent Increase Calculator, which considers the current rental price relative to the average market rent for similar properties in the area. Landlords must give 90 days' written notice before any rent increase at renewal. If the rent is within 10% below the market average, no increase is permitted; increases are capped at a maximum of 20% depending on the below-market percentage. Our advisors can help you evaluate if a proposed increase is legally compliant.

To rent in Dubai you will need: a valid passport copy; UAE residency visa (or proof of visa application); Emirates ID (or proof of application); and post-dated cheques or bank transfer proof. Expatriates not yet residing in the UAE may rent with a tourist visa, though this is at the landlord's discretion. Your agent will advise on any additional documents required by the specific landlord.

Off-plan properties are purchased directly from developers before or during construction. Buyers pay a deposit (typically 10–20%) at the time of signing a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), with the remaining balance spread across construction milestones according to a payment plan. Upon completion (handover), buyers pay the final instalment and receive the keys. Off-plan properties often offer lower entry prices, modern specifications, and developer incentives such as post-handover payment plans.

Dubai developers offer a variety of payment plans. The most common structure is 60/40 or 70/30, where 60–70% of the price is paid during construction and 30–40% upon handover. Some developers offer post-handover payment plans, extending payments for 1–3 years after receiving the keys — these are particularly popular with investors. A few landmark projects offer 1% monthly payment plans. Our advisors will identify the plan that best matches your financial goals.

RERA regulations require developers to hold all off-plan sales proceeds in an Escrow Account held by the DLD — funds can only be released to the developer as construction milestones are verified. This protects buyers in the event of developer insolvency. Additionally, buyers can track project construction progress through the RERA website. We work exclusively with RERA-approved developers with proven track records to further minimise risk for our clients.

Yes, Luxe Vita Properties is a fully licensed and RERA-registered real estate brokerage operating under the Dubai Land Department. Our broker license number and RERA permit details are available on request. All our agents hold valid individual RERA broker cards, which are renewed annually after continuing education requirements.

No. We regularly assist international clients in purchasing and renting properties remotely. The process involves virtual property tours, digital document signing (Power of Attorney is required for remote transfers), and bank account/mortgage setup. Our team coordinates all aspects end-to-end. For off-plan purchases, the entire transaction can often be completed without visiting Dubai at all.

Our team is fluent in eight languages: English, Arabic, Romanian, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Russian. We understand that buying property abroad is a major decision, and being able to communicate in your native language makes the process significantly more comfortable and transparent.

Non-resident foreigners can obtain mortgages from UAE banks, though the maximum loan-to-value ratio is 50% (compared to 80% for UAE residents). UAE residents — both nationals and expatriates — can borrow up to 80% for properties under AED 5,000,000. Mortgage terms are typically 25 years with interest rates starting from around 4.5–5.5% per annum. Our mortgage advisory partners can source the best rates from all major UAE banks.