Buyer Guide

Dubai • Abu Dhabi • Sharjah • Ajman

Dubai offers a unique combination of luxury living, a tax-free environment for individuals and businesses, world-class shopping malls, fine dining, pristine beaches, breathtaking desert landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. All these factors make the city one of the most attractive destinations for living, working and investing.

Purchasing real estate in Dubai is a smart step toward securing your future and the future of your family. The city continues to grow rapidly, offering stable economic conditions and exceptional opportunities for international buyers. Whether you are considering property as a long-term investment or planning to relocate, understanding the key aspects of real estate ownership in the UAE is essential.

The experienced professionals at Metropolitan Premium Properties are ready to guide you at every stage of the process. Our expert knowledge of the UAE property market allows us to select the perfect home or investment tailored to your goals. We provide clear answers to all your questions and ensure a smooth, secure transaction. With our dedicated in-house conveyancing team, you can be confident in full transparency, legal compliance, and complete peace of mind from start to finish.

Available for Sale

Key Things to Consider When Buying Property in Dubai

Finding the Right Dubai Property Advisor

The Dubai real estate market operates differently from other countries, making it crucial to have a trustworthy property advisor by your side. Choose an agent registered with the Dubai Land Department who understands the local market, legislation, and transaction procedures. W Estates offers professional guidance, ensuring transparency and confidence at every stage. With their expertise, you can find your ideal property and complete your purchase safely and efficiently.

Legal Framework

Dubai’s freehold property laws allow both residents and international buyers to own real estate in designated areas. Since 2002, these rights have been formalized through regulations that continue to evolve alongside the market. No residency or special permit is required to purchase property, making Dubai accessible to global investors. Understanding the legal framework and working with knowledgeable advisors ensures a smooth transaction, full compliance, and peace of mind throughout the process.

Who Can Buy

Both individuals and legal entities are eligible to purchase property in Dubai. If the property is registered under a company, the company must be incorporated in a Dubai onshore zone or in designated offshore or free zones. W Estates can assist buyers with company formation, prepare the full set of documents for property registration, and provide ongoing support for your corporate structure. With professional guidance, owning property in Dubai is straightforward and fully compliant with local regulations.

Timeframes

The duration of property transactions in Dubai depends on the type of deal. A resale property typically completes within 30 days from signing the Sale Contract, while off-plan properties can be finalized in just one day, or sometimes as little as 30 minutes. To save time, W Estates can act on your behalf under a Power of Attorney, allowing you to travel freely while we manage the transaction. Our team ensures that all steps are handled efficiently, providing a smooth and timely completion.

Due Diligence

Comprehensive due diligence is a cornerstone of any property transaction in Dubai. W Estates conducts thorough checks on behalf of our clients, ensuring legal ownership and verifying all documentation. For resale properties, we assist with inspections and review the Sale Contract to protect against potential issues. In off-plan deals, we confirm the developer’s legal rights, verify registration with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, and check escrow accounts and construction compliance. This ensures your investment is safe, fully compliant, and transparent.

Access to the Real Estate Register

Dubai’s Real Estate Register contains detailed information about all properties, their locations, and associated rights. However, access is restricted: only registered owners or authorized representatives under legal authorization can view the data.W Estates assists clients in navigating this process, ensuring you have the information required for a secure and transparent transaction. Our expertise guarantees that your property ownership is fully recognized and properly documented according to local regulations.

Fees Involved in the Purchase of a Property in Dubai

Buying property in Dubai involves several fees that should be considered in your planning. For resale properties, costs typically include the broker’s commission of 2–5% plus VAT, a developer’s no objection certificate ranging from AED 500 to 10,000 plus VAT, and a registration trustee fee of AED 2,000–4,000 depending on the property value. Transfer fees amount to 4% of the purchase price, while mortgage registration (if applicable) is 0.25% of the loan. Title deed issuance costs AED 580, and additional payments may apply for service charges and utilities.

For off-plan properties, buyers usually start with a booking deposit between AED 5,000 and 37,000, credited toward the first installment. Installments are generally 5–10% of the property value, paid quarterly, with post-handover plans often available. An Oqood (interim title) registration fee of 4% of the property value plus AED 3,000 in administrative fees ensures proper legal registration. Proper guidance from experienced advisors can help manage these costs efficiently and ensure full compliance with all regulations.

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Identify Your Needs

Dubai offers an incredible variety of properties, making it essential to define your priorities before starting the search. We begin by understanding your lifestyle, family preferences, hobbies, and budget to identify the key factors that will guide your property choice. Based on this, we recommend areas and property types that perfectly match your needs. By clarifying your goals from the outset, we ensure your journey to finding the ideal home is focused, efficient, and truly rewarding.

Get the Availability

Once your priorities are clear, our team begins searching for properties that perfectly match your requirements. W Estates offers access to the largest selection of both off-plan and resale properties in Dubai. Our agents carefully curate the best options available on the market, ensuring that you see only the most suitable and high-quality choices. This approach guarantees a focused, efficient, and rewarding property search experience.

Make Sure You Like It

Our agents provide detailed insights into the area, infrastructure, nearby recreational facilities, and amenities of each property. For ready-to-move-in homes, a professional viewing is conducted by our local experts, while off-plan properties are presented with high-quality photos, videos, and samples of finishing materials. We also offer a thorough inspection of ready properties or oversee the handover of newly built homes through our in-house engineering team, providing a comprehensive report on any visible, hidden, or potential defects. This ensures you make a confident and informed decision.

Agree on the Terms

We handle all negotiations with the seller to ensure you receive the best possible terms for your purchase. Our in-house conveyancing team manages every aspect of the transaction, from drafting a comprehensive Sale Contract that addresses all potential pitfalls to answering any questions regarding the developer’s sale and purchase agreement. We also prepare the complete set of documents required to finalize the deal, ensuring that all parties are fully ready and aligned for a smooth and secure transaction.

Our Buyer Guide is designed to navigate you through the process and ensure a successful purchase of property in Dubai. Our agents use every means at our disposal to make you feel comfortable and informed throughout the home buying process.

Hire a professional property consultant:

  • Hire a professional (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) RERA-registered real estate agent in Dubai. They’ll explain the legalities and recommend properties that suit your tastes.

Choosing a property

  • After discussion with your agents, your agent will shortlist a couple of projects in Dubai which fit your requirements – budget, location, features and benefits. Then in 3-4 days you will check projects.

Reservation of property

  • Once you choose the right property, you pay around 1% booking fee to the Developer account and then you will have a week or 10 days to complete the Down Payment amount which generally it is between 20-30%. After paying the Down Payment your Sales & Purchase agreement will be generated and given to you for signature.

Complete the Sale:

  • Check the title deed and sales agreement. To simplify ownership transfer, collaborate with your real estate agent, lawyer, and developer.

Post-purchase:

  • Understand service rates, maintenance fees, and community rules. Follow rules and engage in homeowners’ associations and community projects.

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