Sohba Orbis

Yes, foreign nationals can freely purchase and own freehold properties in specific designated areas across Dubai without any restrictions. Popular freehold zones include Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay.

The minimum investment for purchasing property in Dubai typically starts from approximately AED 500,000 (around £110,000). Affordable off-plan developments often provide flexible payment plans to attract foreign investors.

Investing in Dubai property can be highly profitable due to strong rental yields (between 5-8%), zero annual property taxes, a dynamic tourism sector, and a growing expatriate population driving rental demand.

The Dubai Land Department charges a 4% transfer fee on property purchases. This fee is typically split equally between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise, and it is payable upon property registration.

Off-plan properties usually involve an initial payment of around 10-20%, followed by staggered instalments throughout the construction period. The remaining balance is paid upon completion and handover of the property.

Yes, several developers and real estate agencies in Dubai now accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) for property purchases, making transactions secure, quick, and internationally accessible.

No, a visa is not required to purchase property. However, investing AED 750,000 (£165,000) or more qualifies you for a renewable 2-year residency visa, providing additional benefits like UAE residency and access to local services.

• Freehold: Offers complete ownership rights with no time restrictions, allowing the property to be resold, inherited, or rented freely.
• Leasehold: Involves leasing the property for an extended period (usually 99 years), without outright ownership. The property returns to the freeholder after the lease expires.

Purchasing a ready-to-move-in property typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks. Off-plan property completion depends on the development timeline, usually between 1 to 4 years.

Dubai does not impose annual property taxes. However, investors should budget for associated costs such as Dubai Land Department fees, registration costs, and ongoing annual service charges for property maintenance.

Yes, foreign investors can obtain mortgages in Dubai, but banks generally require a down payment of at least 50% for non-residents. Residents can receive mortgages with up to 80% financing.

Top investment areas include:

• High ROI: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
• Luxury: Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills
• Affordable: Dubai South, Dubailand, International City

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Absolutely. Investors have the flexibility to lease their properties long-term or offer short-term holiday rentals through platforms like Airbnb, potentially generating substantial income.

Common risks include market volatility, construction delays in off-plan projects, fluctuations in rental yields, and ongoing service charges. Mitigate these risks by choosing reputable developers and conducting thorough market research.

To safeguard your investment:

• Work with established agencies like Regenta Residential.
• Choose properties developed by well-known, reputable developers.
• Conduct due diligence by thoroughly reviewing all legal and regulatory documents before purchasing.