Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai & UAE Real Estate
Plain-language answers covering off-plan escrow accounts, Oqood interim registration, secondary-market Form F transfers, Ejari tenancy rules, and RERA Form A seller onboarding.
Working With SWK Properties & Regulatory Verification
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-UAE nationals can purchase freehold property with full ownership rights in designated freehold areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Dubai Hills Estate. SWK Properties only lists freehold-eligible listings for international buyers.
What are the total costs involved in buying a property?
Beyond the purchase price, budget for a 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, an AED 4,200 DLD admin fee, a 2% agency commission, and (for mortgaged purchases) a 0.25% mortgage registration fee plus bank arrangement fees. Our team provides a full cost breakdown before you commit.
How do off-plan payment plans typically work?
Most developers offer staged plans such as 60/40 or 70/30 (percentage due during construction vs. on handover), or post-handover plans extending payments over 1-5 years after completion. Exact structures vary by project — each listing page shows the specific plan.
Does buying property qualify me for a UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. A property investment of AED 2 million or more (subject to current immigration rules) can qualify you for a 10-year renewable UAE Golden Visa, extendable to spouse and children. Our legal partners handle the eligibility check and application.
What financing options are available for overseas buyers?
Non-resident buyers can typically secure UAE mortgages of up to 50% loan-to-value, while UAE residents can access up to 80% LTV on their first property. We work with multiple banks to compare rates — try our mortgage calculator for an instant estimate.
What ongoing costs should I expect as an owner?
Annual service charges (community/building maintenance, billed per sqft), a 5% housing fee on rented properties (charged via DEWA bills), and — if you let the property — a standard property management fee, typically 5-8% of annual rent.
How is rental ROI calculated on your listings?
Each listing's ROI% is estimated using current market rents for comparable units in the same building or community, divided by the purchase price, net of an assumed service charge and vacancy allowance. Figures are indicative — our advisors can prepare a tailored projection.
Can SWK Properties manage my property after I buy it?
Yes. Our property management team handles tenant sourcing, Ejari registration, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and renewals, so overseas owners can hold a fully hands-off investment.
SWK Buyer's Handbook · Dubai & UAE Questions
Read Full SWK Buyer's Handbook · Dubai & UAE →Can a non-resident buy property in Dubai remotely?
Yes. Both off-plan SPAs and secondary market transfers can be completed remotely using digital verification via the Dubai REST app or a notarised Power of Attorney (POA) attested for use in the UAE.
How do I verify that a Dubai property listing is genuine?
Check the listing's DLD Trakheesi Permit Number and scan the Madmoun QR code or verify the brokerage's RERA ORN (SWK Properties ORN: 51517) on dubailand.gov.ae.
SWK Tenant & Leasing Guide · Dubai Questions
Read Full SWK Tenant & Leasing Guide · Dubai →Can I rent a long-term apartment in Dubai before my Emirates ID is issued?
An Emirates ID (or official Emirates ID application receipt alongside residency processing) is required to register Ejari. If your visa is still in progress, SWK can arrange DTCM-licensed monthly residences until your Emirates ID is ready.
SWK Seller & Landlord Handbook · Dubai Questions
Read Full SWK Seller & Landlord Handbook · Dubai →Can I sell an off-plan property before handover in Dubai?
Yes, once you have paid the developer's minimum resale threshold (typically 30% to 40% of the SPA price depending on the developer) and obtained the developer's NOC.
SWK Investor Briefing · Gross vs Net Yield & Golden Visa Questions
Read Full SWK Investor Briefing · Gross vs Net Yield & Golden Visa →Are rental income or capital gains taxed in Dubai?
For individual private property owners in the UAE, there is currently no personal income tax on residential rental income and no capital gains tax on property resales. Overseas investors should always consult a tax advisor in their country of tax residence regarding foreign-source income rules.