What the guide covers
Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner is more straightforward than in many countries: in freehold areas non-residents can own outright, and off-plan buyers' money must by law go into the project's escrow account. Yet that simplicity is exactly where people slip up — signing the developer's contract unread, paying outside escrow or never checking whether the project is registered. This guide brings together what we explain to clients in consultations.
Chapter by chapter
- The market and ways to buy. Ready versus off-plan, freehold areas, who can buy what.
- Checking the developer and the project. RERA registration, the escrow account, the developer's track record, reading the marketing critically.
- The SPA. Completion dates and permitted delay, payment schedule, penalties, termination rights, changes to area and layout. See how we do it on SPA review.
- How the transaction works. Off-plan interim registration (Oqood), transfer registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the title deed.
- Buyer's costs. The DLD registration fee (typically 4% of the price), trustee office charges, agency commission, service charges.
- Payment and financing. Transferring funds from abroad, mortgages for non-residents, source-of-funds documents.
- Property and residence. How a purchase relates to visas, including the Golden Visa, and which conditions to check first.
- If the project is delayed or cancelled. Going to RERA, escrow refunds, court — see our article Getting your money back when a developer cancels.
- Letting the property. Ejari registration and tenant disputes.
- Buyer's checklist. 20 questions to answer before you send the first payment.
How to get it
Enter your email in the form on this page and the guide will arrive within minutes. If you need help with a purchase, we can handle it remotely — see Property transaction support.
FAQ
Yes. Several chapters deal with off-plan: checking the project, escrow, Oqood, delays and cancellation.
It sets out the main cost items and typical rates, but fees change, so check them on the date of your purchase.
In many cases, yes — via a power of attorney with a lawyer handling the process. The guide explains what is needed.