Question 1

What are the steps to buying a property in Dubai through Immoworld DXB?

Accepted Answer

Browse listings and shortlist a property, then book a viewing — in person or via video call. Once you’re ready, you sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F) with a deposit, and the sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which issues the title deed.

Question 2

How long does a typical purchase take from offer to keys?

Accepted Answer

For a ready resale, roughly 2–4 weeks is typical once financing (if any) and DLD registration are underway. For off-plan units, the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed at reservation, and handover follows the developer’s construction timeline.

Question 3

Do I need to be in Dubai to complete the purchase?

Accepted Answer

No. Many of our international clients complete their purchase entirely remotely via a Power of Attorney, supported by our video call tours and document handling with the Dubai Land Department.

Question 4

What documents do I need to buy property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A valid passport copy and proof of funds are the essentials for most purchases. If you’re buying remotely, you’ll also need a notarized and attested Power of Attorney authorizing your representative to sign on your behalf.

Question 5

What fees should I budget for beyond the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

Typically a 4% DLD transfer fee, an agency commission (commonly 2%), and admin/registration fees — roughly 7–8% of the purchase price in total. Use our Dubai Property Fees Calculator for an exact estimate on any listing.

Question 6

What exactly is included in the DLD transfer fee?

Accepted Answer

The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the property value to register the transfer, split by agreement between buyer and seller (though the buyer commonly covers it). There’s also a small fixed admin fee for issuing the title deed.

Question 7

Are there ongoing property taxes after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Dubai has no annual property tax. Owners in most communities do pay an annual service charge to the community’s owners’ association, which covers maintenance and shared facilities — this varies by building and community.

Question 8

Can I negotiate the listed price?

Accepted Answer

On resale properties, yes — pricing is generally open to negotiation. Off-plan developer pricing is usually fixed per phase, though early-launch phases sometimes carry a lower price before later releases.

Question 9

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreigners can hold full freehold ownership in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Business Bay, with the transaction registered directly with the Dubai Land Department.

Question 10

Is buying outside a freehold area different for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Yes — outside designated freehold zones, foreign ownership is generally not permitted (leasehold arrangements may apply instead). Always confirm a property’s freehold status before making an offer; our advisors can verify this for any listing.

Question 11

Do I need a UAE bank account?

Accepted Answer

It’s not strictly required to purchase, but it’s recommended if you plan to pay a mortgage, receive rental income, or manage service charges locally.

Question 12

Can I resell or rent out the property afterwards without restriction?

Accepted Answer

Yes — freehold owners can freely resell or let their property, including through short-term holiday-home licensing where the community permits it.

Question 13

What does "off-plan" mean, and is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Off-plan means buying before construction completes, usually at a lower price with a staged payment plan. Dubai’s RERA escrow law (Law No. 8 of 2007) requires developers to hold buyer funds in a regulated escrow account, which we verify before recommending any project.

Question 14

How are my payments protected during construction?

Accepted Answer

Under the escrow law, developer payments are held in a bank-regulated escrow account and released only against verified construction progress — not directly to the developer on trust.

Question 15

What happens if a project is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Your Sales and Purchase Agreement should specify delay terms. We only recommend developers registered with RERA and with a track record of on-time delivery, and we review each project’s contract terms before listing it.

Question 16

Can I customize finishes on an off-plan unit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the developer and the construction stage. Some projects allow buyers to select finishes from a catalog before interior works begin — ask your advisor about the specific project’s options.

Question 17

Can foreign buyers get a mortgage in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several UAE banks offer mortgages to non-residents, typically at a lower loan-to-value ratio than for UAE residents, subject to income documentation and the bank’s standard approval process.

Question 18

Can I use financing from my home country instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many of our international clients finance through their bank abroad and transfer funds directly, which often simplifies the local purchase process.

Question 19

Does Immoworld DXB help arrange financing?

Accepted Answer

We can connect buyers with partner banks and mortgage brokers who handle applications regularly, though final approval always rests with the lender.

Question 20

What does Immoworld DXB charge for its services?

Accepted Answer

Our fees are transparent and always disclosed upfront before you commit to anything — contact our advisory team for the applicable rate on any specific listing.

Question 21

Do you only work with individual buyers, or also developers and investors?

Accepted Answer

Both — alongside individual buyers, we partner with developers on distribution and with institutional investors on acquisition strategy. See our Partners & Investors page to get in touch.

Question 22

How can I get in touch with an advisor?

Accepted Answer

Reach us through the Contact page, by phone, or on WhatsApp — our advisory team typically replies within a few hours.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Invest

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