FAQs

Can I buy property in the UAE with Bitcoin?

Yes

Is UAE real estate safe for foreign investors?

Yes

Can I rent out my property in the UAE?

Yes

Is off-plan property a good investment in the UAE?

Yes

What is the average rental yield in UAE real estate?

The average rental yield is approximately 6.75%.

Can I get a mortgage in uae as a non-resident?

Yes

What is the minimum investment for a UAE property investor visa?

For a Golden Visa of 10-years, the minimum investment for a property investor visa is AED 2 million. 

Is Buying Property in the UAE Tax-Free?  (Are there any taxes on buying property in the UAE?)

Commercial properties are tax-free.

How Much Salary Is Required To Buy A House In UAE?

The minimum monthly salary required ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.

Can I buy property in the UAE without a down payment?

No

What are the trends in listing prices for residential real estate over the past 6 months?

Resale prices per sq. ft increased, mortgage volumes rose, the off-plan market remains dominant, micro markets are attracting more investors, and the overall real estate market remains strong.

Have property sale prices in Dubai changed in the last year?

Yes

Documents You’ll Need to Get a Mortgage in the UAE

 Valid passport copy, visa, Emirates ID, residence visa copy, address proof, completed mortgage application form, bank account statements, salary certificate or employment letter. 

Types of Mortgages Available in the UAE

 Fixed-rate mortgages, variable-rate mortgages, investment mortgages, Islamic mortgages and non-resident mortgages.

How to Get a Mortgage in the UAE?

 To get a mortgage in the UAE, you need to check eligibility, research lenders, prepare the documents, apply for the mortgage, get reviewed, get approval and complete the process.

Top 5 Locations with High ROI in Abu Dhabi

Masdar City, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island.

Top 5 Locations with High ROI in Dubai

Dubai Investment Park (DIP), International City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Arjan and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

What is a tenancy contract in Dubai?

 It is a legal agreement between the landlord and tenant, which must be registered via the Ejari system for legal validity. 

How to transfer Ejari?

To transfer Ejari, you need to obtain the consent from the landlord, cancel the existing Ejari, create a fresh tenancy contract, and submit the new contract.

JVC vs Arjan — which is more affordable?

Arjan

Dubai Marina vs Downtown — which is better for investment?

Dubai Marina can provide you with immediate rental income, and Downtown Dubai is ideal if you are looking for long-term capital appreciation and wealth preservation. Both are good investment options.

What documents do I need to buy property in the UAE? (You can tailor answers to the local emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)

The documents required to buy property in Dubai includes valid passport, visa, Emirates ID, sales & purchase agreement, NOC and title deed. 

Can I buy property without a residency visa?

Yes

How to apply for a Golden Visa through property?

 You need to invest at least AED 2 million to be eligible for the Golden Visa.

Is UAE property tax-free?

Yes

Which area gives the best rental returns in Dubai?

The areas with the best rental returns in Dubai are Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

Which area gives the best rental returns in Abu Dhabi?

 The areas with the best rental returns in Abu Dhabi are Masdar City, Al Reef Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

Do I need residency to buy property in the UAE?

No, you don’t need residency to buy property.

Can I buy property on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can buy.

Off-plan vs ready property — which gives higher ROI?

Off-plan properties usually provide investors higher ROI due to minimal initial costs and capital appreciation. 

Dubai Marina vs Business Bay — which is better for investment?

 Both locations are considered ideal choices for investment. Dubia Marina is ideal for investors looking for a higher ROI and who prefer a vibrant community ambience. Business Bay is also a prime location that provides high rental yields from working professionals in the area. 

How to buy off-plan property in the UAE? (You can tailor answers to the local emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc)

For buying off-plan property in Dubai, you need to follow certain important steps, such as:

  • Do a proper analysis regarding your budget and financial planning
  • Conduct proper research regarding a specific location and market conditions
  • Select a reliable and professional developer
  • Review the payment plans and check if they align with your financial condition
  • Fill a reservation form and sign the agreement for Sales and Purchase (SPA) 
  • Complete the required registration procedures with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
  • Stay updated about the progress of the project
  • Make the final payment

               For buying off-plan property in Abu Dhabi, you need to follow certain important steps, such as

  • Look for prominent developers with a strong professional record
  • Identify and zero in on a specific location
  • Understand the market
  • Check the registration details of your property
  • Understand the payment plans
  • Be ready with your budget for downpayments

How to apply for Ejari?

For the online application for Ejari, you can visit the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) website or download the Dubai REST app. Then go to the ‘Services’ tab, select ‘RERA’, click on ‘Register Ejari Contract’, fill in the contract details of your tenancy, upload the required documents, submit the application and pay the registration fee.

How much is the average price per sq ft in Abu Dhabi?

The average price per sq ft in Abu Dhabi would be AED 1,650. 

How much is the average price per sq ft in Dubai Marina?

The average price per sq ft in Dubai Marina would approximately be AED 2,364 (As of Dec 2025). 

How much ROI can I expect in Abu Dhabi?

Depending on the location and market conditions, you can expect an average ROI of 6% to 8% yearly in Abu Dhabi.

How much ROI can I expect in Downtown Dubai?

The expected ROI for properties in Downtown Dubai would be approximately around 6% to 9%.

Which Damac projects are best for investment?

Some of the finest Damac projects that are ideal for investment are Damac Island 2, Coral Reef, Coutre by Cavalli and Safa Gate.

Off-plan vs ready property: which is better?

Choosing between the off-plan and ready properties can depend on your specific investment goals, market conditions and risk tolerance. Off-plan properties are more suitable for investors who look for minimal entry costs and long-term capital appreciation. Ready properties are suitable for investors who prefer immediate rentals and minimal risk.

Which areas give the highest ROI?

The prime areas that can give the highest ROI for apartments in Dubai are Dubai Sports City, Dubai Investment Park (DIP), International City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Business Bay.

What documents are needed for obtaining a mortgage in the UAE?

The list of documents required for obtaining a mortgage in the UAE includes a valid passport copy, Emirates ID, residence visa copy, completed mortgage application form, proof of address, bank account statements, salary certificate or employment letter.

How much property value is required for obtaining a mortgage in the UAE?

The property value required for obtaining a mortgage in the UAE can vary depending on various factors such as the type of mortgage, the financial situation of the borrower and the policies of the lender. The key points to consider are the Loan-To-Value ratio (LTV ratio), tenure of the mortgage, salary requirement, Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) and the down payment cost.

What is Ejari, and how to register it?

Ejari is an official online registration system introduced by DLD, which regulates and documents all rental contracts in the UAE.  For registering for Ejari, you need to prepare the required documents, choose your registration method, submit the application, pay fees and receive the certificate. For detailed guidance, refer to the complete guidelines available on the official website of DLD or via the Dubai REST app.

What is the average rent for a 2BHK in Business Bay?

The average rent for a 2BHK in Business Bay usually ranges from AED 90,000 to AED 575,000 per year.

Can foreigners buy property in the UAE?

Yes, foreigners can buy property from specific designated free zones in the UAE.

What are the minimum property investment amounts required to get a residence visa through property ownership?

 The minimum property investment amount required to get a 2-year residence visa would be AED 750,000, and for a 10-year Golden Visa would be AED 2,000,000.

What is the minimum investment for property in the UAE?  (You can tailor answers to the local emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)

 The minimum investment for buying a property in Dubai would approximately be AED 650,000. The minimum investment for buying property in Abu Dhabi would be AED 650,000.

Best areas to buy in Abu Dhabi?

The best areas for buying property in Abu Dhabi are Al Maryah Island, Zayed City and Masdar City.

Best areas to buy in Dubai?

The best areas for buying property in Dubai are Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina (Waterfront community space), Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?

Most states require real estate sales professionals to be licensed by the state, so that they can control education and experience requirements and have a central authority to resolve consumer problems. The terminology used to identify real estate professionals varies a little from state to state. Brokers are generally required to have more education and experience than real estate salespersons or agents. The person you normally deal with is a real estate agent or salesperson. The salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work for a broker. All listings are placed in the broker’s name, not the salesperson’s. A broker can deal directly with home buyers and sellers, or can have a staff of salespersons or agents working for him or her.

Why should I use a real estate salesperson?

A real estate salesperson is more than just a “sales person.” They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job – helping you buy or sell a home. While it is true they get paid for what they do, so do other professions that provide advice, guidance, and have a service to sell –such as Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys

The Internet has opened up a world of information that wasn’t previously available to homebuyers and seller. The data on listings available for sale is almost current – but not quite. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.

If you’re selling a home, you gain access to the most buyers by being listed in the Multiple Listing Service. Only a licensed real estate agent who is a member of your local MLS can get you listed there – which then gets you automatically listed on some of the major real estate web sites. If you’re buying or selling a home, the MLS is your agent’s best tool.

However, the role of an agent has changed in the last couple of years. In the past, agents were the only way home buyers and sellers could access information. Now agents are evolving. Because today’s home buyers and sellers are so much better informed than in the past, expertise and ability are becoming more important.

The real estate agent is becoming more of a “guide” than a “salesperson” — your personal representative in buying or selling a home.

I have a family friend who is a Realtor. I like her and she is a help but she gives me one price to sell my home for and I think it is too low. So I called another agent who suggested a price more in line with my expectations. Who do I choose?

You might want to consult a couple more Realtors on the market value of your home. Most of the estimates should be in the same ballpark.

It could be that your friend is being more honest with you about the value of your home and the other Realtor gave you a higher number because he already knew you expected it. This is called “Buying a Listing” and is the subject of an article on our web site.

Or it could simply be that your friend is a good friend, but not that great of a real estate agent.

Mixing business and friendships is always risky to the friendship. On the other hand, if your friend is truly competent and was providing wise advice, she may be offended if you ignore the advice and choose another agent.

I have to make a choice between an updated home in an older neighborhood or a newer home in a more modern neighborhood. The home in the older neighborhood has almost everything I want and is much larger, but which makes the most sense as an investment?

If your goal is to buy a home for it’s resale value and the one you are thinking of buying in the older neighborhood is at the upper end of values for that neighborhood, then it may not be the wisest choice. If it is similar or lower in price to the others, then there should be no problem, because pricing should be considered in relation to the local neighborhood and not compared to homes in other neighborhoods (for the most part)

Plus, is it a neighborhood on the decline, or are others going to be fixing things up, too, so that it is a neighborhood that is improving? It could turn out to be a very good deal as long as you don’t “overpay” because of the recent improvements.

Remember that you also buy a home for it’s value to you as a “home,” and that is something else you should consider. Which neighborhood would you AND your family feel most comfortable in?

When buying a new home, what upgrades should we go for? What holds the most value? Do we upgrade the lot? Pick more square footage in the house? Add an extra bedroom?, etc.

A lot depends on why you are buying the house. Are you buying it mostly as a home or mostly as an investment? There is a difference.

For the most part, upgrades are high-profit items for builders. They aren’t designed to enhance the value of the house, but make you happier with the house you do buy.

If you are looking at your home as an investment, then you buy from the smaller to medium size in the tract and spend only a minimal amount on upgrades. If you are looking at your purchase as a home, then you select upgrades that will enhance your quality of living.

One rule of thumb is to always upgrade the carpet and padding.