Buying a Property in Dubai

A Clear, Secure and Profitable Process

Buying property in Dubai is a straightforward and fully regulated process — one of the most transparent in the world.
Through our International Department and official partnerships with leading developers such as DAMAC, Emaar, and Sobha Realty, Auckland Estates guide you through every stage of your purchase, whether off-plan or completed.

From reservation to handover, every transaction is protected by law under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) frameworks.

Why Invest in Dubai

Dubai’s property market has established itself as a stable, investor-friendly environment with tax-free ownership, strong yields, and global demand.
The combination of political stability, luxury lifestyle, and world-leading infrastructure continues to drive both capital growth and consistent rental returns.

Average gross yields range between 6–8%, often higher for short-term holiday lets in prime districts such as Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay.
For international buyers, the simplicity of the purchase process, coupled with secure ownership rights, makes Dubai a preferred global investment destination.

The Buying Process

1. Selecting the Property
Choose from a wide range of developments — from ready-to-move-in apartments to branded residences and luxury villas. Auckland Estates and our developer partners provide full details including payment plans, floorplans, and completion timelines.

2. Reservation and Deposit
Once a property is chosen, it’s secured with a reservation payment (typically 5–10%) of the purchase price. This holds the unit while contracts are prepared and buyer documentation is verified.

3. Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
The SPA sets out all legal and financial terms of the purchase including total price, payment schedule, handover date, and developer obligations.
For off-plan properties, payments are linked to construction milestones and held in RERA-approved escrow accounts for buyer protection.

4. Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
Once the SPA is signed and payment is made, the property is registered with the DLD. A unique Oqood certificate is issued for off-plan purchases, confirming ownership rights.

5. Completion and Handover
On completion, the buyer makes the final payment, inspects the property, and the Title Deed is transferred to their name. This is registered digitally with the DLD and accessible through the official Dubai REST app.

Costs and Fees

Dubai’s transaction costs are among the lowest in the world.
Typical fees include:

  • Dubai Land Department (DLD) Transfer Fee: 4% of the purchase price
  • Registration Fee: AED 4,000 (approx.)
  • No property tax, capital gains tax, or annual ownership tax
  • Agency/Legal Fees: Typically 2% (varies per project)

Developers often offer incentives such as partial DLD fee waivers, flexible payment plans, and post-handover financing options.

Mortgages and Finance

For completed properties, both residents and non-residents can apply for mortgage finance through Dubai-based or international banks.
Typical criteria:

  • Residents: Up to 80% LTV
  • Non-residents: Up to 50–60% LTV
  • Required documents: passport, proof of income, and bank statements

Auckland Estates can introduce English-speaking mortgage advisors and liaise directly with approved lenders to secure the most suitable financing for your circumstances.

Buying Off-Plan vs Ready Properties

Off-Plan:

  • Lower entry price and flexible payment schedules
  • Escrow-protected payments tied to construction progress
  • High appreciation potential on completion

Ready Properties:

  • Immediate rental income and ownership
  • Suitable for financing and personal use
  • Clear visibility of quality and location

Both options are regulated by RERA to protect buyers, and Auckland Estates only market developments with proven track records and transparent build histories.

Residency Through Property Ownership

Dubai offers property-linked visas for qualifying buyers:

  • 3-Year Investor Visa: For properties valued at AED 750,000 or above
  • 5-Year Visa: For properties worth AED 2 million or more
    These visas allow residency for owners and their immediate families, making property investment an excellent gateway for relocation or long-term stay.

Why Buy with Auckland Estates

We combine the expertise of a UK-regulated estate agency with exclusive partnerships in Dubai to offer:

  • Priority access to pre-launch and off-market developments
  • Secure purchase process with full legal compliance
  • Transparent cost breakdowns and escrow protection
  • Assistance with mortgage, visa, and aftersales services

Our team manage every detail — from initial enquiry and viewing trip coordination to handover and management — ensuring your Dubai investment is safe, profitable, and effortless.

Next Steps

  1. Contact our International Department to discuss your investment goals.
  2. Receive curated property recommendations based on your budget and objectives.
  3. Arrange a Dubai viewing trip or virtual presentation with our developer partners.
  4. Complete your purchase with full support from our UK and Dubai teams.

With Auckland Estates, buying in Dubai is simple, transparent and rewarding your gateway to world-class property ownership.