Frequently Asked Questions

Foreigners can buy property in designated freehold areas of Dubai, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with full ownership rights. The process involves choosing a property, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paying a deposit, and registering the transfer with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

You typically need a valid passport, proof of funds, and a UAE visa (if applicable), though a residency visa isn't required to purchase property. Buyers using financing will also need salary certificates, bank statements, and a mortgage pre-approval letter

The timeline varies depending on the property and financing, but most transactions are completed within a few weeks after agreements are finalized.

Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for the 4% DLD transfer fee, agency commission (typically 2%), mortgage registration fees (if financing), and property valuation and admin fees. These extra costs usually add up to 7–8% of the property value.

Freehold property gives the buyer full ownership of both the unit and the land it sits on, available to all nationalities in designated freehold zones. Leasehold property grants long-term usage rights (typically up to 99 years) without land ownership, and is more common in select non-freehold areas.

Tenants generally need a passport copy, valid UAE visa, Emirates ID (or application proof), and post-dated cheques for rent payments. Landlords may also request a salary certificate or employment letter.

Security deposits are typically 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished properties. The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided there's no damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Ejari is the mandatory online registration system for all tenancy contracts in Dubai, managed by RERA. It legally validates your lease and is required for utility connections, visa applications, and dispute resolution through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.

Early termination depends on the clauses in your tenancy contract; many include an early exit clause specifying a penalty (often equivalent to 1–2 months' rent). Tenants should review their contract or consult the landlord before vacating early to avoid disputes.

If neither party gives notice, the tenancy typically renews automatically under the same terms per UAE rental law. To end or amend the lease, either party must provide written notice at least 90 days before the contract expiry date.

An off-plan property is a unit purchased directly from a developer before or during construction, based on floor plans, brochures, and a master plan rather than a completed unit. Buyers typically pay in installments tied to construction milestones, with the final payment due at handover.

Payment plans vary by project but commonly follow structures like 20% booking, 50% during construction, and 30% on handover, or extended post-handover plans spreading payments over several years after completion. Always confirm the exact milestone schedule with the developer before booking.

Developers are required to notify buyers of delays and provide revised handover timelines; RERA also monitors project progress against escrow disbursements. Buyers should review the sales and purchase agreement (SPA) for clauses covering compensation or refund rights in case of significant delays.

Yes, this is known as an "off-plan resale" or trading an off-plan unit, and it's permitted once a minimum percentage of the purchase price (often 30–40%, depending on developer policy) has been paid. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer is required to complete the resale.

Off-plan property often comes with lower entry prices, flexible payment plans, and strong capital appreciation potential in growth areas, making it attractive for investors. However, it also carries construction and delivery timeline risk, so due diligence on the developer's track record is essential.

Yes, most UAE banks offer mortgages to non-resident and resident foreigners, though loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and eligibility criteria differ. Non-residents typically qualify for a lower LTV (around 50–75%) compared to UAE residents.

UAE residents typically need a minimum 20–25% down payment for properties under AED 5 million, while non-residents usually require 40–50%. Down payment requirements can vary by bank and whether it's your first property purchase.

Most UAE banks offer mortgage terms of up to 25 years, though the loan must typically be repaid by the borrower's 65th (salaried) or 70th (self-employed) birthday. Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly payments but lower total interest paid.

A mortgage pre-approval is a conditional commitment from a bank indicating how much you can borrow based on your income and credit profile. Having pre-approval strengthens your position when negotiating and speeds up the final purchase process.

Typical mortgage-related costs include a bank arrangement fee (around 1% of the loan), property valuation fee, and a 0.25% mortgage registration fee paid to the Dubai Land Department. Some banks also charge processing or life insurance premium fees.

You can reach Aurah Real Estate via phone, email, or WhatsApp, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team typically responds to inquiries within one business day.

Our consultants typically respond to online inquiries, callback requests, and WhatsApp messages within a few hours during business days. For urgent matters, contacting us directly via phone or WhatsApp is the fastest option.

Yes, our website and customer support are available in both English and Arabic to serve our diverse client base across the UAE. You can switch languages using the toggle in the site header.

You can submit complaints or feedback by email, or by speaking directly with your assigned consultant. We aim to acknowledge and address all complaints promptly and transparently.

Aurah Real Estate covers key Dubai communities including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Dubai Creek Harbour, among others. Browse our Community Guides for detailed insights into each area.

Dubai's real estate market has seen consistent demand driven by population growth, tourism, and investor-friendly regulations like the Golden Visa program. As with any investment, returns depend on location, property type, and market timing, so speaking with an advisor is recommended.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is the government body that regulates Dubai's real estate sector, overseeing licensing, escrow accounts, rental disputes, and broker conduct. Working with RERA- registered agents and developers helps ensure your transaction is legally protected.

In the UAE, a "broker" typically refers to the licensed real estate company, while an "agent" is the individual RERA-certified professional working under that brokerage. Always verify an agent's RERA card before proceeding with a transaction.

Property values in Dubai are influenced by location, building quality, amenities, market demand, and comparable recent transactions (often referenced via the DLD's transaction data). A property valuation from a bank or certified valuer provides an official assessment, particularly important for financing.