

Dubai, the shining metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, offers more than just breathtaking skylines and a luxurious lifestyle. You are spoilt for choice: should you buy or rent a flat in this vibrant city? This decision can have far-reaching financial implications.
🌞 Long-term investment vs. flexibility: Buying a flat in Dubai can serve as a long-term investment, while renting offers more flexibility without a long-term commitment.
💰 Advantages of the purchase: As a buyer, you enjoy complete control over the property, the potential for value appreciation and rising rental income.
🛠️ responsibility to the C: Owners are responsible for maintenance, repairs and annual service charges over AED 700.
🏠 Costs for a flat: Prices vary greatly depending on location, size and amenities, with average prices ranging from AED 11,000 - 23,000 per square metre.
🔄 Flexibility when renting: Renting allows you to move easily and explore different areas without making a long-term commitment.
📜 Rights and obligations: Both buyers and tenants need to familiarise themselves with the legal framework and obligations in Dubai, including property rights and tenant rights.
🌍 Opportunities for foreigners: Foreigners can both buy and rent property in Dubai, subject to certain visa requirements.
With its multicultural community, constant sunshine and an abundance of leisure activities, Dubai attracts thousands every year. Whether you're looking for an investment or simply a place to live, Dubai offers both significant tax benefits and a high quality of life. But what suits your needs better? Buying or renting?

When considering whether to buy or rent a flat in Dubai, it all depends on your personal circumstances and long-term plans. Dubai offers both buyers and renters attractive options that can be more or less favourable depending on your life situation and financial goals.
Buying can be a worthwhile investment if you want to stay in the city long-term. Property prices in Dubai have a Tendency towards growth which means that your property could increase in value over time. The figures come from the government itself. With the Dubai Land Department, all transactions and property prices are tracked and documented almost in real time.

On the other hand, renting offers more flexibility without the long-term commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a property. For newcomers or those who need professional or personal flexibility, renting can therefore be more attractive.
If you're thinking of buying a home in Dubai, it's important to consider both the benefits and potential challenges. This decision can have a far-reaching impact on your financial future and quality of life. Below you will find an overview of the key aspects.
Buying a property in Dubai can be an attractive long-term investment. Thanks to the stable economic situation and the steady influx of international investors, the property market in Dubai has proven to be robust. Historically speaking Property prices Dubai has a tendency to grow, which means that your property could increase in value over time. Not only does this offer the possibility of a potential sale profit in the future, but also the chance of regular rental income if you decide to rent out your property.
| Gross yield when buying a property in Dubai | 5 - 9 % |
|---|
Another important aspect of buying a flat in Dubai is the ownership rights. As an owner, you have complete control over your property and can make changes as you please - a clear advantage over tenants. Furthermore, you won't be affected by annual rent increases or have to worry about having to move out of your flat. However, you should be aware that with ownership comes responsibility: you are responsible for maintenance and repairs and have to pay annual service charges.
The cost of buying a flat in Dubai can vary greatly depending on the location, size and amenities of the property. Popular residential areas such as Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah offer luxurious living options with corresponding Prices per square metre to.
| Location | Average price per m² 2023 |
|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | 21,000 AED / approx. 5,250 € |
| Palm Jumeirah | 23,000 AED / approx. 5,750 € |
| Dubai Marina | 18,700 AED / approx. 4,675 € |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 11,000 AED / approx. 2,750 € |
| Business Bay | 20,900 AED / approx. 5,225 € |
However, there are also more affordable options outside of the popular areas such as Downtown and the Palm or in smaller units such as studio flats or one bedroom flats. It is essential for buyers to plan their finances carefully before committing to a purchase to ensure that all running costs including mortgages, amortisation schedules, service charges and utilities can be easily covered.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing to rent a flat in Dubai is the flexibility. Unlike buying, you are not tied to a property long-term and can move more easily if your circumstances change or you simply want to explore a different area of Dubai. Short-term rental contracts offer you the freedom to live without major commitments while enjoying the Dubai's luxurious lifestyle to enjoy.
To get a better overview of the financial aspects of living in Dubai, it is helpful to familiarise yourself with the average rental prices. These vary greatly depending on the location and features of the property. Here are some guidelines:
| Living space (m²) | Average rental price per month |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 | AED 7,000 - AED 10,000 / approx. 1,750 - 2,500 € |
| 50 - 100 | AED 10,000 - AED 15,000 / approx. 2,500 - 3,750 € |
| Over 100 | From AED 15,000 / from € 3,750 |
Note that prices for luxury properties or those in particularly sought-after areas can be significantly higher.
In Dubai, both landlords and tenants are protected by law. As a tenant, you have the right to privacy and to ensure that the rented property is kept in good condition. The landlord must have repairs over AED 700 carried out and may not increase the rent within a current contract year. After one year, he can increase the rent by up to 5 %, depending on the residential area, unless the rent exceeds the average rent of the residential area by more than 10 %. For this purpose, the RERA Calculator (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) as a benchmark for the rent index of the respective residential area.
On the other hand, the landlord has the right to punctual payment of the agreed rent and to ensure that his property rights are respected and that no unauthorised changes are made to the property and that no subletting takes place without prior permission.
Yes, foreigners have the opportunity to rent property in Dubai. There are no restrictions on the nationality of tenants; however, certain documents such as passport copy, visa or residence permit, Emirates ID and sometimes proof of employment must be provided. This makes it relatively straightforward for expats to find a suitable flat or villa to rent.

When buying a flat in Dubai, there are several factors you should consider. From average prices to possible visa benefits and a comprehensive checklist for the buying process, you'll find all the important information here.
In our Network " The Inner Circle are German-speaking brokers with whom both we and our customers have had positive experiences.
The Dubai property market is known for its diversity and its wide range of luxury to more affordable flats. Prices vary greatly depending on the location, size and furnishings of the flat. On average, you can expect to pay between AED 60,000 (approx. €15,000) and AED 90,000 (approx. €22,500) per year for a one-bedroom flat in a central location. Less central areas often offer cheaper options.
Yes, buying property in Dubai can indeed come with visa benefits. The UAE government offers foreign investors the option of a Long-term visawhen they invest in property. This Visa can limit your length of stay and allow you to consider the land as your place of residence. However, there are certain conditions regarding the minimum investment value and other criteria that must be met.
Before you take the plunge and buy a flat in Dubai, you should tick the following points off your checklist:
By carefully considering these aspects, you can ensure that your property purchase in Dubai is successful.

When renting a flat in Dubai, there are some important aspects you should consider. From finding the perfect accommodation to the legal framework, here's everything you need to know.
When searching for your ideal rental flat in Dubai, there are numerous resources at your disposal. Popular property portals such as Dubizzle, Property Finder and Bayut offer a wide range of living options. In Dubai, a flat is referred to as a flat. Both terraced houses and semi-detached houses are referred to as townhouses or villas and a traditional detached house in Dubai is called a "stand alone villa". The apartments/houses are always listed according to the number of bedrooms. In addition, there is the living room and often even an extra room for the domestic help, the so-called maids room. If the advert says "Chiller Free", this means that there are no additional costs as these are already included in the rent. Due to the constant construction of residential space, there are a lot of vacancies in Dubai, which means that the supply is greater than the demand for many neighbourhoods.
The next step is to negotiate your rental contract. In Dubai, it is customary to pay a deposit - usually 5 % of the annual rent. The Brokerage fees are a further 5 % of the annual rent. Additional fees may be incurred for managing the building. Make sure you fully understand all the terms of the contract: These include the cancellation period, payment terms and agreements on the maintenance of the property. The contract term is usually one yearbut can be shortened under certain circumstances.
Special visa requirements apply to foreigners: You will need either a work visa (valid for at least six months), a freelance talent visa or a golden visa if you have an appropriate amount to invest. Before you sign a rental contract, you should make sure that your residence status has been clarified and that you have all the necessary documents. If you have any questions about this, simply contact us by email.
Moving to Dubai is an exciting endeavour that requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you decide to buy or rent a flat, there are a few key steps you should consider to make your transition as smooth as possible. We are here to guide you through the entire process of moving to Dubai. If you would like more information on important topics related to moving to Dubai such as Health Insurance for Dubai, Shipping a car to Dubai or the Deregistration from Germany you can find them in our detailed blog posts.
Visa and residence permit are basic requirements for your move. Inform yourself thoroughly about the different visa categories in order to choose the option that suits your situation. Please note that buying a property in Dubai can be associated with visa benefits under certain conditions.
Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options - from luxurious villas to practical studios. Prices vary greatly depending on location and facilities. It's worth it, different neighbourhoods and consider your personal preferences and proximity to work, schools and social infrastructure.
It is essential to familiarise yourself with the legal framework for buying or renting property in Dubai. This includes understanding local laws regarding property rights and lease terms.

If you are thinking of settling down in the glittering metropolis of Dubai, you are faced with an important decision: should you buy or rent a flat? Both options have their pros and cons, which need to be carefully weighed up.
Buying a property in Dubai allows you to benefit from the current low property prices (compared to forecasts) and enjoy a high potential for appreciation. Dubai is known for its high quality of lifeconstant sunshine and top leisure activities - factors that can contribute to the attractiveness of your investment. In addition, the city offers tax benefits, so there are no taxes on profits from property transactions. A purchased flat can not only become your own home, but can also serve as a holiday home or be rented out to generate income.
Renting a flat offers you flexibility and is particularly advantageous if you are not yet sure how long you will be staying in Dubai. Although rental prices are high, renting eliminates long-term financial commitments and maintenance costs. As a tenant, you can also move around more easily and explore different neighbourhoods before perhaps deciding to buy.
So do you prefer the security and investment potential of ownership or do you value flexibility and fewer short-term commitments? Your decision should take into account both your financial means and your personal circumstances.
The decision between buying and renting a flat in Dubai depends heavily on your personal needs and circumstances. If you are looking for long-term investment opportunities and are willing to take on the responsibility of maintenance and repairs, buying could be the right choice. On the other hand, renting offers greater flexibility and is ideal if you are still unwilling to commit to the long term. Whichever option you choose, it is essential to have all the necessary documents ready and to be well informed about the legal framework. Dubai offers a variety of housing options that may suit your needs. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your new home in this dynamic city.
You would like to emigrate to Dubai, pay no income tax and are interested in a Company formation in Dubai interested? You don't have the right contact person who can guarantee a smooth implementation? Then get in touch now with our Team of experts and book your free initial consultation. We will discuss your individual situation and show you possible solutions for your future in Dubai.
The average price of a home in Dubai varies greatly, but an average home can cost around AED 1.7 million (approximately €380,000). Prices depend on the location, size and features of the property.
Yes, pensioners can live in Dubai, but they need a visa for permanent residence. Compared to other countries, the United Arab Emirates offers relatively simple conditions for visas for foreign retirees.
Yes, as a foreigner/German you can buy property in Dubai. Dubai's property policy is geared towards promoting investment from abroad, which is why foreign buyers and investors are very welcome.
Comparisons of the cost of living show that Dubai is in the upper midfield in an international comparison. Cities such as Munich are similarly expensive. The Cost of living in Dubai are highly dependent on your standard of living and vary from around €4,000 - €12,000 per month.

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