Property Buying Guide

Let's find you a perfect home

Property Buying Guide

Buying Off-Plan Property

Let’s find your Best Property to Buy In Dubai

Are you in the hunt for the best property to buy in Dubai? Then look no further! This buying guide will cover a variety of options, including off-plan properties, distress sales, and offering from renowned developers like Emaar, Shoba Hartland, Nakheel, Damac Hills, Tilal Al Ghaf, and more. Opportunities abound in Dubai’s real estate market, and this succinct guide is intended to assist you in navigating the legal procedures and prerequisites necessary to purchase your ideal home.


The Process

  • Choose a Reputable Developer: Begin by selecting a trustworthy developer with a solid track record and financial stability when you plan for the best property to buy in Dubai.
  • Review the Sales Contract: Carefully examine the sales contract, ensuring all terms, conditions, and project details are clear and acceptable to you.
  • Open an Escrow Account: Establish an escrow account to hold your funds securely until specific project milestones are met.
  • Transfer Funds: Transfer the purchase funds to the escrow account, providing the developer with a copy of the receipt.
  • Final Payment and Title Deed: Sign the final contract, make the remaining payment, and receive the title deed, officially becoming the property owner.
  • Obtain an Occupancy Certificate: Ensure the best property to buy in Dubai meets safety standards by obtaining an occupancy certificate.
  • Register the Property: Within 60 days of handover, register the property with the Dubai Land Department as required by law.
  • Utility Connections: Arrange utility connections by contacting the relevant providers and providing your registration details.
  • Inspection & Handover: Schedule a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) to confirm the property matches the contract specifications. Sign the handover certificate to complete the transfer of ownership.
  • Property Insurance: Secure insurance coverage for the property to protect your investment against unforeseen events.

Required Documents

Documents

Payment Plan Offered By Developers

In Dubai’s diverse real estate market, various payment plans cater to investors’ financial capacities and homeownership aspirations. Here are four common payment options: 

During Construction and On Handover

  • Payment is split into two phases: during construction and after handover.
  • Allows gradual payments during the building phase.
  • Buyers can choose to finance the remaining balance with a loan.
Post Handover
  • Payments commence after property handover.
  •  Spans 3 to 10 years, with partial payments made.
  • Benefits investors and end-users alike, enabling flexibility in managing finances.
payment and developer
payment plan

Rent to Own

  • An innovative approach in the UAE. 
  • Rent payments contribute to the property’s down payment.
  • Rent may be higher than standard rates. 
10/90 plan
  • Requires a 10% down payment upfront. 
  • The remaining 90% is paid in mutually agreed instalments post-transfer. 
  • Popular for building property portfolios while managing payments. 
Buying off plan properties

Buying Property In Secondary Market

  • Select the Right Agent: Choose a knowledgeable agent well-versed in Dubai’s real estate market is essential when you plan for best property to buy in Dubai. 
  • Select the Type of Property: Decide between capital growth for long-term value or rental income for monthly returns.
  • Select the Property: Align your preferences and goals with property options, considering ready and off-plan properties.
  • Negotiate the Price: Negotiate a competitive price, focusing on properties offering at least 10% annual rental yield.
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Formalize the agreement with an MOU, including a 10% security deposit from both buyer and seller.
  • Concluding the Transaction: Visit the trustee office with your agent and exchange necessary cheques to transfer property ownership.
  • Utility Registration: Register utilities like DEWA, chiller company, and gas connection if applicable.
    Consider joining the Owners Association and hiring a property management company if needed.

Requirements To Apply For Property Mortgage

  • Stable Income and Good Credit: Applicants need to demonstrate a stable income and maintain a favourable credit rating.
  • Minimum Salary Requirements: Minimum salary thresholds are generally set at $1,900 (AED 7,000) for UAE nationals and $2,700 (AED 10,000) for expats. Some banks may also consider eligibility based on a list of approved employers.
  • Debt Burden Ratio: Monthly repayments, including all debts (credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and home loans), should not exceed 50% of the applicant’s monthly income.
  • Age and Retirement Age : Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for a home loan and should ensure that the loan is fully repaid by the legal retirement age, typically 65 years for salaried applicants and 70 years for self-employed individuals.
Buying property


Under-Construction Properties

  • Down payments for properties under construction are typically higher, often at 50%, for all applicants.
  • Some developers may offer schemes with lower or delayed down payment options.
  • To alleviate the burden of high down payments, banks may provide additional loans to cover property registration fees and associated costs. These factors vary by bank and property type, so it’s crucial to research and choose the most suitable mortgage option based on your circumstances.


Mandatory Down Payment

  • In March 2020, the Central Bank of UAE revised down payment requirements for first-time buyers.
  • UAE Nationals: Down payment of at least 15% for properties valued at up to $1.36 million (AED 5 million) and 30% for properties exceeding AED 5 million. Exception for government housing schemes, where a 15% down payment applies.
  • Expat residents and foreigners: A down payment of at least 20% for properties under AED 5 million and 35% for properties over AED 5 million. Non-residents may face a higher down payment, typically around 50%.

Requirements To Apply For Property Mortgage

The Process

Leasing out your property can be a lucrative source of passive income, but it requires careful preparation. Here’s a checklist to make your property tenant-ready


Property Valuation : Start by getting a valuation or comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local property expert to determine the potential rental value of your property.

 

Choose a Knowledgeable Broker : Select a reputable broker with expertise in the local market for best property to buy in Dubai. Look for a broker known for marketing similar properties effectively, using professional photography, expertly worded listings, and an extensive network.

 

Consider Exclusive Listing : Listing your property exclusively with an agent can motivate them to invest more time and effort in marketing and finding the right tenant, ensuring a focused approach.

 

Sign a RERA Form : Registered property owners must sign a RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) listing form for the broker to list the property. Provide the necessary documents like title deeds and ID.

 

Prepare Your Property : Make a good first impression. Your broker should guide you on enhancing the property’s appeal for photoshoots and viewings, including minor repairs, decluttering, and exterior maintenance.

 

Explore Short-Term Rental : If your property is furnished, consider short-term rentals, which can yield higher returns compared to annual contracts, especially if you plan occasional personal use.

 

Stay Informed : Keep communication open with your broker. Ensure your property is listed on their website and various real estate portals. Regular updates on viewings and tenant searches are essential.

 

Professional Property Management : Consider professional property management services, particularly if you have multiple properties or are a remote landlord. Property managers can handle collections, renewals, and tenant management on your behalf.

Documents Required from an Individual

  • Passport copy with signature page.
  •  UAE residence visa
  • Emirates ID (Abu Dhabi only)
  • UAE bank account & cheque boo

Documents Required from a Company

  • Trade License 
  • Passport of the Company Owner/Authorized signatory
  • Passport of the Tenant
  •  UAE residence visa of tenant

Under-Construction Properties

  • Documents Required from the Landlord
  • Passport copy with signature page
  • Proof of ownership
  • Title Deed / Affection Plan (non-Freehold Developments)
  •  Final water and electricity bill

Tips to Buy Property in Dubai

Formulating a Contract between buyer and seller

The first thing to do after locating the ideal home is to discuss and agree upon the terms of sale with the seller.  You have two choices for best property to buy in Dubai: pay cash or submit an application for a mortgage. The largest advantage of paying cash for a property instead of using a mortgage is probably your capacity to haggle. Cash buyers might negotiate for a lower price because they are more aware of their spending limits.

Signing the Agreement of Sale

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), commonly referred to as the sale agreement, is the second formal stage in purchasing real estate in Dubai.  One of the RERA real estate forms is the MOU, often known as Form F in Dubai. Form/Contract F is accessible on the Dubai Land Department’s official website. The real estate agent will typically prepare the contract for you. When the contract is prepared, it must be signed by the buyer and seller at the Registration Trustee’s office in front of a witness, typically the agent.

Application for No Objection Certificate

The developer’s office (e.g., Dubai Properties, Emaar Properties, Nakheel Properties, or other prominent property developers in Dubai) is the meeting place for the buyer, seller, and real estate agent.

This meeting’s goal is to apply for and pay for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) so that ownership can be transferred. Only in the event that there are no unpaid service fees on the property would the developer grant the NOC.

Translate »

Compare Listings