Your way to your dream property in Dubai

The real estate market in Dubai is one of the best organised in the world. The Dubai Land Department works with a state-of-the-art, blockchain-based land registry system that offers you maximum transparency and security. Every transaction is registered and monitored by the government. The legal rules are clearly defined and provide comprehensive protection for you as a foreign investor. The RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) strictly monitors the market and ensures that everyone adheres to the legal requirements. Economically, you benefit from Dubai's stable growth. The city is pursuing a clear strategy, investing heavily in infrastructure and constantly attracting international investors. This creates sustainable opportunities for property appreciation.

In good locations, properties achieve average rental yields of 5-10%. Annual increases in value of 20-30% are not uncommon in up-and-coming areas. The exact figures depend on the location and the market situation.

The property market in Dubai is super foreigner-friendly. As an international buyer, you can purchase property in the so-called freehold areas without any restrictions. These areas include the most popular and best locations in Dubai, such as

• Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Marina
• Downtown Dubai
• Business Bay
• Dubai Hills Estate
• Jumeirah Beach Residence
• Emirates Hills
• Jumeirah Lakes Towers

The best thing is that you don't need a visa or a local company to make the purchase. As a foreign buyer, you have the same rights as local buyers.

As a freehold owner, you own your property completely and indefinitely. Unlike in other countries in the region, you have all the rights of a full owner here:

• You can use your property without restriction
• You can sell them at any time
• You can rent them out
• You may bequeath them
• You can take out a loan on it

These rights are protected by law and guaranteed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Expect to pay around 7-8% in incidental costs when buying. Here are the most important items: 4% Real estate transfer tax

• Do you have to pay before the transfer of ownership
• Is non-negotiable and stipulated by law
• Go directly to the Dubai Land Department

2% Brokerage commission

• Due when you buy the property
• Is the usual phrase in Dubai

0.25% Registration fee

• For entry in the land register
• You will receive your proof of ownership in return

Broker commission

• Mostly 2% of the sales price
• You only pay if the placement is successful

Super interesting from a tax perspective

• No profit tax
• No property tax
• No inheritance tax

The quality of construction in Dubai is generally very high. There are strict regulations and controls. Most projects are built by well-known international developers who adhere to global standards. The Dubai Municipality and RERA take great care to ensure that all quality standards are met. Many developers use high-quality materials and modern technologies. Nevertheless, there are of course differences between different projects. That's why we check the quality and reputation of the developer for you before every purchase.

Sure, you don't need a visa to buy a property in Dubai. A valid passport and the purchase documents are all you need. The best thing is that buying property even opens doors for you. From AED 1 million (around EUR 250,000) you can apply for a property visa, and from AED 2 million you can even apply for the coveted Golden visa. This allows you and your family to live in Dubai long-term. Important for you:

• Passport and purchase contract are sufficient
• No local sponsor required
• No minimum length of stay
• Chance of a residence visa
• You can open a bank account after the purchase

The list is manageable

• Valid passport
• Proof of your current address
• Where the money comes from
• Purchase contract
• Authorisation (NOC) from the developer
• DLD registration number

In the case of financing, there are also the bank documents. Don't worry - we'll help you with all the documents.

In Dubai you have four options:

1. Freehold - the property is yours completely and forever. This is the classic solution for foreign buyers.
2. Leasehold - You have a long-term right of use for 30 to 99 years
3. Usufruct - a time-limited but comprehensive right of use
4. Musataha - Special building rights for properties, mainly for commercial use

Dubai takes the protection of property investors seriously. Your property is registered with the Land Department and is therefore guaranteed by the state. Payments are made via secure escrow accounts. The purchase contracts are standardised and protect your rights. And if there is any stress, special arbitration centres that also have experience with international buyers are there to help.

No problem! With a good property manager on site and modern technology, you can keep an eye on everything. You can monitor everything online, from tenant searches to utility bills. With smart home systems, you can even control the technology in your property directly from home.

With a Dubai property, you really get a lot of advantages. Firstly, you can secure a visa: From AED 1 million a property visa, from AED 2 million even the Golden Visa. With the Golden Visa, you and your family can live in Dubai for 10 years - and this can be extended! Dubai is also very interesting financially. The tax system is unbeatable: No taxes on your rental income or capital gains. The rental yields of 5-8% are really strong, and Dubai's growth means that property prices are rising continuously. Another practical aspect is that as a property owner, it's easier to get a bank account with the UAE's top banks.

The tax system in Dubai is a real plus point. As a property owner, you make real savings:

• No annual property tax
• No tax on rental income
• No tax on increase in value on sale
• No inheritance tax
• Only one-off incidental purchase costs

Financing is also no problem for foreigners. Local and international banks offer loans of up to 75% of the purchase price. The interest rates are fair and the conditions are flexible. We have good contacts with various banks and will find the best financing for you.

The running costs are manageable: Service Charges: Depending on the property and facilities, around AED 320-750 (EUR 80-190) per square metre per year. This pays for communal areas, security, rubbish and facilities such as the pool and fitness centre. Insurance: Compulsory insurance costs around 0.2-0.3% of the property value per year. For a property costing AED 2 million (EUR 500,000), this is AED 4,000-6,000 (EUR 1,000-1,500) per year. Maintenance & repairs:

• Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system
• Plumbing and electrics
• General maintenance

Property management: If you hire a property manager, these costs will be added on top. In return, they look after your property and the tenants.