Dubai has emerged as one of the most demanded international property purchasers. The city is characterized by its iconic skyline, excellent infrastructure, tax free investment and good rental returns thus opening up its doors to foreign investors with easy and transparent ownership legislation.
You are a non-resident who is wondering whether you can purchase property in Dubai the answer is a resounding yes. This guide will inform you of all the things you will need to know about the Dubai purchase of property by foreigners starting with their legal rights and the process of buying the property, the process of financing and investment tips that will make sure you get the best returns.
Yes. Dubai has permitted foreign nationals to own property in special freehold zones since the year 2002. The areas provide investors with full ownership rights i.e. you are allowed to buy, sell, rent or bequeath the property to the heirs without restriction.
Foreigners can buy property:
Through their own name (personal ownership).
By means of a company that is incorporated in specific jurisdictions.
All the transactions are controlled by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), making the process safe, transparent, and straightforward.
The fact that Dubai is attractive to foreign investors is not a coincidence: the city is supported by sound economic and lifestyle benefits:
Tax-Free Investment- No yearly property tax, no capital gains tax and no income tax on rental property.
Good Rental Yields -Residential are currently giving returns of 5-8 percent per annum.
Currency Stability- The Dirham of UAE is pegged against the US dollar, which offers stability to the currency.
Powerful Capital Appreciation -The price of property in the prime locations has been steadily increasing with the years.
Secured and controlled market- RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) takes care of the security of the investors.
In freehold zones, the foreigners are allowed to purchase property and that they own the property fully. On the other hand, leasehold property is that owned over a given time (mostly 99 years), upon which the ownership is passed back to the landowner.
Dubai has a number of freehold zones that are popular; they include:
Downtown Dubai
Dubai Marina
Palm Jumeirah
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Business Bay
Dubai Hills Estate
The process of buying property as an overseas buyer follows the steps below:
Choose a region depending on how you want to invest in it be it long-term rental income, short-term holidays rent, or capital appreciation. It depends on the closeness to business areas, transport, and facilities of lifestyle.
Cooperation with a good agency such as Invesca Real Estate will provide the right information, premium listing, as well as support with legal and financial processes.
The foreigners are allowed to purchase apartments, villas, townhouses and even commercial units. Luxury properties like NOVOTEL RESIDENCES have high demand in terms of renting and promise good growth over time.
The terms of sale, payment schedule, and agreed conditions are contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
One provides a deposit which is almost equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price to secure the property.
The DLD leads in the transfer where all the payments, fees, and documents are arranged. A 4% DLD transfer fee applies.
In order to buy an apartment or a house in Dubai, you usually require:
A valid passport.
Evidence of money or mortgage loan approval.
Existing sale and purchase contract.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) of the developer (in case of resale property).
The foreign investors are free to purchase them in cash or use mortgage financing provided by the banks in the UAE. Foreigners are usually eligible to take mortgage in case they:
Up to 50 to 60 percent LTV of loan to value of non-residents.
Loan terms of up to 25 years.
After tax record and good credit.
Although Dubai promises great returns, the investors are to be aware of the costs that are to be incurred:
DLD Transfer Fee- 4 per cent of the property value.
Agency Commission- 2 per cent of value of property.
Mortgage Registration Fee- 0.25 of loan (where applicable).
Service Charges- Yearly property maintenance and facility upkeep charges.
Yes. Foreigners have an opportunity to rent their property as long-term lease or holiday short-term. A significant number of investors have professional property management companies who undertake the customer acquisition, rent collection, repairs, and adherence to the Dubai rental legislation.
Check Developer Reputation Do some research about the builder before off-plan purchasing.
Learn about Service Charges – Figure in on your ROI.
Employ RERA-Registered Agents This would provide legal compliance and transparency.
Take into Account Market Timing - It is possible to make good deals when the market is at a friendly stage as a buyer.
Currency Exchange Planning - A currency may fluctuate that will affect the ultimate purchase price.
Invesca Real Estate is a firm that focuses on facilitating foreign investors to explore the Dubai property market with ease. We offer end to end services in the management of the property once it is purchased and in its choice, where we will ensure that the property is managed in the best way possible and that it is managed without breaking any local legislation.
Dubai has no equal opportunities to foreign property buyers in terms of high rental rates and tax-free revenues as well as safe ownership status in exclusive areas. Be it to buy a luxury waterfront apartment, a family villa or an income earning investment property, the procedure is simple with the right direction.
Having the experience of a reputable company such as Invesca Real Estate, the foreign investors are in a good position of venturing into the market of Dubai real estate and be assured of a safe investment.
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