Buying a ready property in Dubai: the process step by step
A ready property has one big advantage: you see what you are buying. And you can rent it out or live in it straight away. Here you’ll find out how buying a completed or resale property in Dubai works, what it costs and how to do it from abroad.
In short: Buying a ready property in Dubai takes three steps: sales contract, no-objection certificate from the developer, registration at the Registration Trustee. You don’t have to travel to Dubai, and at the end you hold the title deed in your hands.
Can you buy property in Dubai as a foreigner?
Yes. In the areas the Ruler of Dubai has designated for this purpose (freehold areas), foreigners may buy property outright – without a time limit and without living in the UAE.
Well-known freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle. Which location fits your goal is shown by our eight investor types.
The process in three steps
- Sales contract (Contract F): Buyer and seller sign the sales contract, called “Contract F” in the Dubai Land Department’s system. It sets out the price, the payment terms and the deadlines. A 10% deposit is customary, held in trust until the transfer.
- No-objection certificate (e-NOC): The developer of the building issues an electronic no-objection certificate. It confirms that nothing stands in the way of the transfer – for example, that no service charges are outstanding.
- Registration and title deed: You pay the balance, usually by manager’s cheque, and the transfer is registered at a DLD Registration Trustee Office. The title deed is then issued in your name.
What the purchase costs
For a ready apartment, around 6.5% comes on top of the purchase price. The biggest item is the Dubai Land Department’s 4% registration fee. On top come the fees for the Trustee and documents, plus the agent commission, usually 2% plus VAT.
| Item | At AED 1.5 million |
|---|---|
| DLD registration fee (4%) | AED 60,000 |
| Registration Trustee (incl. VAT) | AED 4,200 |
| Title deed, site plan, fees | AED 520 |
| Agent commission (2% + 5% VAT) | AED 31,500 |
| Total | AED 96,220 (≈ 6.4%) |
All items in detail, also for smaller apartments, are in the guide Buying costs for property in Dubai.
Buying without travelling to Dubai
You don’t have to fly to Dubai to buy. You can be represented by an attorney for the transfer. But since July 2025, a power of attorney issued outside the UAE has to meet stricter requirements. It must:
- be no more than two years old
- be notarised
- be legalised by the UAE embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- be translated into Arabic
- relate to the specific transaction
The fully digital purchase via the Dubai Now app is only available to Emirates ID holders.
Financing
In principle, you can also get a mortgage in Dubai as a foreigner. The UAE Central Bank caps the loan-to-value ratio for foreigners at 80% for a first home up to AED 5 million, 70% above that and 60% for a second home or investment property.
For buyers who don’t live in the UAE, banks set their own limits. Mashreq Bank, for example, finances up to 50% of the market value for them.
For your planning, this means: if you don’t live in the UAE, expect to need around 50% equity – plus buying costs.
After the purchase: rent out or live in it
The big advantage of a ready apartment: it can earn money straight away. Every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered in the Ejari system; via the Dubai REST app this costs AED 177.75.
For short-term rental as a holiday home, you also need a licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Without this licence, holiday letting is not permitted in Dubai.
As an owner, you also pay annual service charges for common areas and maintenance. There is no annual property tax.
Looking for a ready apartment?
Tell us what you have in mind: renting out, living in it or both. We’ll show you suitable properties – on site or by video call.
FAQ
How long does buying a ready apartment take?
With a cash purchase, often just a few weeks. With bank financing and a power of attorney from abroad, expect more like two to three months – legalising the power of attorney and the bank’s checks take time.
Do I need to live in Dubai?
No. In the freehold areas, you can buy outright without living in the UAE.
Can I rent the apartment out as a holiday home?
Yes, but only with a licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Sources
- Law No. 7 of 2006, Article 4
- Government portal u.ae: Buying property in Dubai
- DLD Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide 2024 (PDF)
- DLD: Property Sale Registration
- BSA law firm on DLD Circular 29/R/2025 (August 2025)
- DLD: Digital Sale on Dubai Now (October 2025)
- UAE Central Bank: Mortgage Regulations, Article 3
- Mashreq: Home Loan for non-residents
- DLD: Ejari registration
- Decree No. 41 of 2013 on holiday homes, Article 3
Updated: October 2026. This guide summarises the legal position in general terms and does not replace legal advice in individual cases.
