Everything you need to know before buying, renting or investing in Dubai.

Yes. Since 2002, non-UAE and non-GCC nationals have been able to own freehold property outright — full ownership of both the unit and the land it sits on — within designated freehold areas of Dubai. All of the communities currently in the Nova Casa portfolio sit within these freehold zones.

Freehold gives the buyer full, permanent ownership of the property and the land. Leasehold typically grants long-term usage rights (commonly up to 99 years) without owning the underlying land. Most properties marketed to international buyers in Dubai, including our current listings, are freehold.

In broad terms: the buyer and seller agree on the purchase price and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F). The buyer provides a 10% security cheque, which is held as security throughout the transaction and is not cashed. If the property has an existing mortgage, the seller's bank issues a liability letter and the outstanding loan is settled. Once all requirements are completed, the parties attend the Dubai Land Department or a registered trustee office to complete the transfer and pay the applicable fees. The 10% security cheque is returned to the buyer upon completion of the transfer, and the new title deed is registered in the buyer's name.

Yes, several UAE banks offer mortgages to non-resident buyers, though loan-to-value ratios are generally lower than for UAE residents (financing for non-residents is typically capped around 50–60% of the property value, versus up to 75–80% for UAE residents, depending on the bank and whether it's a first property). Terms vary by bank and change over time, so we recommend comparing current offers or speaking with a mortgage advisor before budgeting.

Off-plan properties are typically purchased directly from a developer before or during construction, usually through a structured payment plan. At Nova Casa, we can also represent and guide buyers through the off-plan purchase, helping them compare projects, understand payment plans, and navigate the process with the developer. Ready (secondary market) properties, like those in the Nova Casa portfolio, are existing, completed units purchased from the current owner — meaning you can inspect the actual property, move in or rent it out immediately, and avoid construction-timeline risk.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) charges a 4% transfer fee based on the purchase price, which is payable by the buyer at the time of transfer. In addition, a small administrative fee applies. These government fees are separate from the brokerage commission and other transaction costs.

Beyond the DLD transfer fee, buyers commonly budget for: a DLD Trustee Office registration fee, a title deed issuance fee, agency commission (typically around 2% of the sale price), and — if financing — bank arrangement and mortgage registration fees. Owners also pay an annual service charge to the building/community management, which varies by development.

Dubai does not levy an annual recurring property tax comparable to many other markets. Owners do pay the one-off DLD transfer fee at purchase and ongoing service charges to their building or community, plus the Dubai Municipality housing fee (charged via the DEWA utility bill for tenanted or owner-occupied property).

Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Registration is mandatory for both landlords and tenants — it's required to set up DEWA (utilities), to sponsor a family/dependent residence visa (as proof of adequate accommodation, unless you hold a Golden Visa), and to enforce the tenancy contract in the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in case of a dispute.

Landlords must generally give written notice at least 90 days before the contract expiry date if they intend to increase the rent or not renew the lease. Rent increases are capped and calculated against the RERA Rental Index, which compares the current rent to the average market rate for similar units.

A security deposit of around 5% of the annual rent (unfurnished) or 10% (furnished) is common, refundable at the end of the tenancy minus any deductions for damage or unpaid bills. Rent is traditionally paid via a small number of post-dated cheques (often 1–4 per year), though monthly payment options are increasingly available.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the government body that registers property ownership, oversees title transfers and maintains the property register. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) operates under the DLD and regulates the real estate sector itself — licensing brokerages and agents, registering tenancy contracts (Ejari), maintaining the Rental Index, and protecting off-plan buyers through project escrow accounts. Nova Casa Real Estate is a RERA-registered agency (License No. 49747).

Property investment can qualify a buyer for a UAE residence visa. As of 2026, sole owners of a completed residential property of any value can apply for a renewable 2-year investor visa (Dubai removed the previous AED 750,000 minimum for single owners; co-owners each need a share of at least AED 400,000). A property investment of AED 2 million or more can instead support a 10-year Golden Visa. Thresholds, eligible property types and required documentation are set by federal authorities and can change, so always confirm the current criteria with an immigration advisor or the relevant authority before relying on this for a decision.

Not necessarily. Buyers can often complete a purchase remotely by granting Power of Attorney to a trusted representative (such as a lawyer) to sign documents and attend the DLD transfer on their behalf. Some steps, like opening certain bank accounts, may still require in-person presence — Nova Casa can help you plan around this.

Rental yield relative to purchase price, the community's service charge rate, historical price and rent trends for that specific building or area, proximity to metro/transport and upcoming infrastructure, and whether the property is more likely to appeal to end users, tenants, or both. This context is general market information, not personalised financial advice — we can walk through the specifics of any listing with you.

Nova Casa was founded specifically to bridge the gap for international investors and residents — coordinating remote viewings (virtual tours, detailed photo/video packages), explaining the local process in plain terms, connecting you with trusted conveyancing and mortgage contacts, and staying involved after the sale for property and tenant management questions.

Reach out directly — this guide covers general principles, but every transaction has details specific to the property, your nationality and your circumstances. Message Carla on WhatsApp or email carla@novacasadubai.com and we'll walk through it together.