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Step by Step Property Purchasing in United Arab Emirates
The answer to the question "Can foreigners buy property in the UAE?" is a definitive yes.
While ownership was previously restricted, a major turning point for the United Arab Emirates real estate sector arrived in 2002: The government introduced legislation that permits foreigners to buy freehold properties in designated zones in the UAE.
If you are planning to invest in Dubai’s real estate market, understanding the legal framework is crucial. Below, we have outlined the essential requirements, expert tips, and a step-by-step guide to buying property in the UAE for expats.
You can learn more about the process by contacting TEKCE Real Estate consultants.
- Listening to Your Wishes and Finding Your Dream Property
- Property Viewing and Negotiation
- Reserving the Property
- Mortgage Application
- Signing Sales Contract
- Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
UAE Property Purchasing Process: Timelines and Steps for Investors
Purchasing a property in Dubai is a straightforward process with some specific nuances. These nuances vary depending on whether you are investing in a project currently under construction (off-plan) or a completed home (ready-to-move). Below you will find a step-by-step guide for both scenarios.
1. Purchasing Off-Plan Properties: Benefits & Timeline
Off-plan properties in Dubai are generally a top choice among many investors. The most significant advantage is the lower entry price. Properties are priced lowest during the launch phase, and as construction progresses, the asset’s value naturally appreciates with the demand.
The second benefit is the flexible payment structure. Typically, the payment plan starts with a low down payment, and the installments are spread over 24 to 48 months. Often, these installments continue after the handover date, and allow you to continue payments while living in your new home or use rental income to cover the costs.
Finally, the process is highly secure. All investor funds are deposited into government-regulated escrow accounts. This system ensures 100% transparency and security for your capital.
The purchasing timeline for an off-plan property can be summarized as follows:
Step 1: Listening to Your Wishes and Finding Your Dream Property (Day 1-2)
During your consultation, clearly explain your expectations, lifestyle choices, and investment goals to your agent. TEKCE experts will carefully analyze these factors and quickly draft a personalized portfolio to fully match your wishlist.
Step 2: Property Viewing & Negotiation (Day 1-2)
Your agent will arrange a physical or virtual viewing tour to help you examine the surroundings of the property and the current construction status. Asking any questions you may have during the viewing tour is the key to avoiding any potential problems.
After viewing the property and making the decision, the next step is to discuss payment terms and installment plans. Prices may occasionally be negotiated. If there is room for bargaining, your agent will guide you.
Meanwhile, it is best to get assistance from a real estate lawyer to determine whether the property is fit for sale, has a valid title, and is free of debt.
Step 3: Reserve the Property & Make the Downpayment (Day 2-15)
You may reserve the property so that it cannot be sold to anyone else while you are collecting the paperwork.
At this stage, you will need to pay a reservation fee, which is typically around 2% of the purchase price, in addition to the down payment. Generally, construction companies set the down payment at 20% of the purchase price. You usually need to make this payment within the first 2 to 15 days. Afterwards, the property will be officially reserved in your name.
Step 4: Sign the SPA (Day 15-60)
The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is a legally binding contract that outlines the specific project details, completion dates, and the agreed payment schedule. The SPA is prepared by a lawyer.
Step 5: Obtain the Oqood Certificate (Day 30-60)
Once the SPA is signed, the developer applies to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to obtain the Oqood certificate. This document serves as official proof that the sales contract is recorded in the DLD’s portal, and that your capital is secured throughout the construction phase.
Step 6: Registration with the DLD (At Handover)
As a last step, the official registration of your property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) typically takes place within 7 to 15 days of the handover. After this process, you become the legal owner of the property.
Note on Mortgages (Optional): If you choose to finance your payment through a mortgage, you should apply approximately 30 days before the scheduled handover date.
2. Buying Ready-to-Move Properties: Benefits & Timeline
Ready-to-move properties are the ideal choice for investors and users seeking immediate results. The most significant advantage is the ability to secure immediate residency or start generating rental income from day one. This eliminates the waiting period that would arise during construction.
Another key benefit is the opportunity to physically inspect the property, assess the build quality, and view the actual surroundings before making a financial commitment.
Ready-to-move properties may be offered directly from the developer. However, as most of the units are sold during the off-plan phase, most ready properties involve a private seller (secondary market).
The purchasing timeline for ready-to-move properties can be summarized as follows:
Step 1: Listening to Your Wishes and Finding Your Dream Property (Day 1-2)
Let your agent know all your preferences, lifestyle needs, or rental income expectations. TEKCE consultants will screen the current market availability and quickly prepare a personalized portfolio of ready homes to match your wishlist.
Step 2: Property Viewing & Negotiation (Day 1-2)
At this stage, your agent will arrange a virtual or physical property viewing tour at a suitable time for you. This stage is highly important to personally inspect the actual condition of the property, on-site facilities, and the neighborhood. Once you select your ideal home, the selling price and transaction terms will be negotiated to have the best deal. You may ask for your agent’s support for negotiation.
Step 3: Reserve the Property (Day 1-2)
You can legally reserve the property until you arrange the financing and the legal procedures. At this stage, you are required to provide a security deposit to secure the deal. Generally speaking, this deposit is set at 10% of the property value. Afterwards, the property cannot be sold to another buyer.
Step 4: Signing the MOU (Contract F) (Day 3-7)
Once the property is reserved, you will formalize your purchase intent by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), commonly known as Contract F. This official RERA form serves as the initial sales agreement between the buyer and seller. It clearly outlines the agreed price, payment terms, and conditions of the transaction.
Step 5: Issuing Manager’s Checks (Day 3-4)
During this phase, you need to prepare the financial instruments required for the official transfer. To do so, you need to get a Manager’s Check from your bank. This step ensures that all funds are secured and ready for the final transaction.
Step 6: Signing Deed in Trustee Office (Day 3-7)
The transfer process takes place at the DLD Trustee Office. This constitutes the final meeting to sign the documents and formally transfer ownership. After this meeting, the transaction is submitted for final approval.
Step 7: DLD Registration (1-2 Days After the Meeting)
The official registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is finalized within 1 to 2 days after the Trustee meeting. Following this approval, the final Title Deed is issued, and the buyer gets full legal ownership rights over the property.
Note on Mortgages: If you use a mortgage for a ready-to-move property, please add an additional 30 days to the total timeline to account for bank valuations and final approvals.
Congratulations! You are an official property owner in the UAE now.
Summary Table of the Property-Buying Timeline in Dubai
Phase | Off-Plan Properties | Ready-to-Move Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Listening to Your Wishes and Finding Your Dream Property | Day 1-2 | Day 1-2 |
2. Viewing & Negotiation | Day 2-15 | Day 1-2 |
3. Reserving the Property | Day 1-15 | Day 1-2 |
| 4. Signing the Sales Contract | Day 15-60 | Day 3-7 |
| 5. Processing | Day 30-60 | Day 3-4 |
| 6. Final Transfer | 7-15 Days After Handover | Day 3-7 |
Key Legal Considerations for All Buyers in Dubai
Whether you choose an off-plan or ready-to-move property, there are important legal protocols you need to follow in order to ensure a secure transaction to prevent fraud and related problems.
- RERA Compliance: We advise you to only work with real estate agents who are officially registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). As a proud member of RERA, TEKCE ensures that every step of your transaction is conducted with full legal transparency and compliance.
- Power of Attorney (POA): Physical presence in Dubai is not mandatory for the purchase. Buyers can give a power of attorney to manage the entire buying process on their behalf in the UAE. But the transactions should always be assigned to qualified lawyers. You can complete the entire process remotely through TEKCE’s TeleProperty service by granting a limited Power of Attorney (POA) to our legal experts. This way, all the paperwork will be handled on your behalf securely.
- DLD Registration Deadline: After signing the sales contract, you have only 60 days to register the transactions with the Dubai Land Department. All submitted documentation must be up-to-date and written in Arabic. Therefore, we strongly advise reviewing all documents with a qualified lawyer.
- Regional Restrictions: Keep in mind that foreigners can only purchase real estate in the freehold areas of the UAE. A knowledgeable property professional will guide you directly to these eligible locations to prevent you from wasting your time or money.
- Residence Permit Eligibility: If you want to apply for a permanent residence permit, you must spend the right amount on real estate. Currently, a property valued at AED 750,000 qualifies you for a 2-year Investor Visa, while an investment of AED 2 Million grants eligibility for the 10-Year Golden Visa. We strongly recommend informing your sales agent of your residency goals early on so they can guide you to eligible properties.
What are the Required Documents to Buy a Property in the UAE?
Depending on the details of the property sale, the list of documents may change. The following documents are required for all investors to purchase real estate in Dubai:
- Passport.
- Current residence visa or permission to stay in the UAE.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or Contract F, is the name of the sales and purchase agreement in Dubai.
- No Objection Certificate.
- Power of Attorney (if any)
FAQ About Purchasing Property in the United Arab Emirates
What is the difference between ready and off-plan properties in Dubai?Ready properties give fast rental income because they are delivered immediately. Their prices are usually higher while off-plan properties are cheaper. They offer flexible payment plans with post-handover options. Ready properties are good for short-term returns. Off-plan properties are good for lower cost, medium and long-term investment.
When can an off-plan apartment in Dubai be sold?In Dubai, off-plan apartments can be freely sold once the project is completed and the title deed is issued. However, sales can also take place before the project is completed. Usually, it is sufficient for 40% of the total amount to be paid for the developer to approve the transaction.
Can I claim compensation for developer delays in Dubai?In Dubai, construction delays are not very common because developers only receive the full payment when the project is completed. A delay increases their costs, so they try to finish the project on time. Most developers in Dubai include a 1-year grace period in the contract, which legally allows them to deliver up to one year later than planned. You will usually see this clause written in your sales agreement. If the delay goes beyond one year, and your contract includes a clause about compensation, then you can request it. If your contract does not mention this, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
How much down payment do I need to buy a house in Dubai?When buying real estate in Dubai, the down payment rate can change based on the project. For off-plan projects, the down payment is usually about 10-20%. You pay the rest in installments as the project moves forward. For ready-to-move-in properties, you need to make a deposit. The full payment must be completed within a week or a month.
Are installment payments secured when buying a property on installments in Dubai?In Dubai, all payments for off-plan properties go through the Oqood system. This system is monitored by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It ensures that your down payment and installment payments are fully protected during the purchase. All payments must go into a regulated escrow account. This account is opened for the approved developer and the registered project. The developer cannot access the full amount right away. Instead, the money is released step by step, based on the actual construction progress verified by authorities. This escrow structure protects buyers from risk. It ensures that your money is used only for the construction of the project you bought. Thanks to these strict rules, off-plan payments in Dubai are legally secure. Investors can confidently buy real estate on installment plans.
What are the installment plan and mortgage interest rates for off-plan properties in Dubai?When you buy an off-plan property in Dubai with an installment plan, there is no interest rate. If you choose to pay in cash, developers often give a 2% to 10% discount depending on the project. If you use a bank mortgage, the interest rate depends on the bank and the loan duration. In Dubai, mortgage interest rates usually range between 4% and 5.5%. This makes off-plan properties attractive for buyers looking for flexible payment plans, zero-interest installments, and competitive mortgage rates in Dubai.
Can I buy a property in Dubai with installment payments?Yes, you can. Many off-plan projects in Dubai offer flexible payment plans. This makes it easier for buyers with a limited budget. These plans often start with a low down payment. The payments continue over a long period. Some developers let buyers pay after they receive the property. This is called post-handover payments. This system helps buyers manage their budget better. They can pay the remaining balance after moving in or getting the title deed. Off-plan projects with flexible payment options are great for investors and first-time home buyers who are looking for affordable property in Dubai.
Do I need a power of attorney when buying a property in Dubai?If you are in Dubai and buying the property yourself, you do not need a power of attorney. If you are outside the country or cannot attend in person, you need a notarized power of attorney. This document lets someone legally buy the property on your behalf. Your representative can handle tasks like buying the property, transferring the title deed, and managing bank procedures for you.
What documents do I need to buy property in Dubai?To buy property in Dubai, you usually need a valid passport. If you live in the UAE, you can also use your Emirates ID and residence visa. Buyers living abroad can complete the purchase remotely with just their passport. They do not need to visit Dubai. As the process moves forward, you will need more documents. Here’s a simplified version of the text, split into shorter sentences:
- The documents needed include the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
- You also need the Oqood registration for off-plan properties.
- Lastly, you require the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
These documents are made at different stages and should be kept safe until the title deed is issued.
Do I need to personally visit the Trustee Office to complete the Title Deed transfer after the handover?No, this step is not required for off-plan purchases. The construction company manages the administrative procedure and transfers the Title Deed directly to the customer's name. You don’t need to visit the Trustee Office to finalize the transaction.
How long does the Title Deed transfer process take after the final payment and handover are complete?The exact duration depends on the specific project. The key factor here is the official processing period carried out by the relevant authorities. For instance, in large-scale developments, such as those containing 3,000 units, the process may take longer due to the high volume of applications. In contrast, smaller projects are usually processed more quickly. Generally, you can expect the Title Deed transfer to be completed within 7 to 15 days.
Will there be a decline in housing prices in Dubai?No, the intense construction activity in Dubai does not negatively affect sales or rental processes. While the population rapidly grew between 2022 and 2024, new housing supply was unable to keep up with demand. For this reason, new projects on the market quickly find buyers. Dubai’s tax-free structure and investor-friendly policies have made it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. Modern developments attract strong interest from both local and international investors. Of course, when evaluating projects, location and the reliability of the developer are important factors. However, for those who make the right investment, Dubai still offers high rental yields and strong potential for value appreciation. If you would like to learn more about the future of Dubai, you can read our article about Dubai’s 2040 Vision.
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