At Whitehorse International, we understand that buying, selling, or investing in property can raise many questions. Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear, concise answers to the most common queries, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Buying Property in Dubai
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Non-UAE nationals can purchase freehold property in designated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Arabian Ranches.
Freehold ownership gives full rights to the property and land. All foreign property purchases are registered through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and protected under Law No. 7 of 2006 (Property Ownership Law).
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?
- Freehold: The buyer owns the property and the land indefinitely.
- Leasehold: The buyer leases the property (not the land) for a period — usually up to 99 years — after which ownership reverts to the freeholder.
Most foreign buyers prefer freehold for long-term security and resale value.
Do I need a mortgage to buy property in Dubai?
No. Many buyers purchase in cash, but mortgages are available through UAE banks for both residents and non-residents.
Typical mortgage terms:
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 80% for UAE residents, 60–70% for non-residents.
- Interest rates: Average 4.25–5.25% (fixed) as of mid-2025.
Whitehorse International works with licensed mortgage brokers to help clients secure competitive terms.
What are the additional costs of buying property in Dubai?
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee: 4% of the property value
- Title deed issuance: AED 580 (apartments/villas)
- Agency commission: Typically 2% of sale price
- Trustee office fee: AED 4,200 (approx.)
- Developer NOC (if resale): AED 500–5,000
Whitehorse International provides a detailed cost breakdown before any transaction to ensure full transparency.
What is the process for buying property off-plan?
Off-plan properties are purchased before construction completion. Buyers sign a Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and pay instalments through a DLD-approved escrow account.
The DLD requires developers to hold all client funds in escrow until construction milestones are met, protecting investor funds under Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Account Law).
Selling Property in Dubai
How do I list my property for sale?
Whitehorse International handles the entire sales process — from valuation and marketing to buyer screening and transfer at the DLD.
Listings are promoted across verified portals (Property Finder, Bayut, Dubizzle), social media, and our private international investor network.
What documents are required to sell a property?
- Original Title Deed
- Valid Emirates ID or Passport
- Form A (signed listing agreement with brokerage)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
- Service charge clearance letter
All transfers are finalised at an RERA-licensed trustee office.
How long does it take to sell a property in Dubai?
Typical timelines range from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on market demand, pricing, and buyer financing.
Cash transactions are usually completed within 14–21 days after offer acceptance.
How is the selling price determined?
Property valuation depends on:
- Recent DLD-registered sales in the same community
- View, layout, and upgrades
- Market supply and demand
Whitehorse International conducts comparative market analyses using DXB Interact and Property Monitor data to ensure accurate pricing and faster sales.
Investing in Dubai Real Estate
Is investing in Dubai real estate profitable in 2025?
Yes. Dubai continues to rank among the top 10 global cities for rental yields with averages of 6–8% (apartments) and 4–6% (villas).
High-demand zones include Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Marina.
Property prices rose 11% YoY in H1 2025, confirming sustained capital growth.
Can I get a residency visa through property investment?
Yes. Investors who purchase property worth AED 2 million or more (without a mortgage) can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 56 (2021).
Whitehorse International assists clients through the visa application and documentation process.
Are there any restrictions for foreign investors?
Foreign investors can freely purchase, sell, or lease property in freehold zones.
However, properties must be purchased from RERA-approved developers or through licensed brokers to ensure full legal compliance.
How can I rent out my Dubai property?
Landlords must register tenancy agreements with Ejari (RERA system).
Whitehorse International offers end-to-end property management — tenant sourcing, lease drafting, rent collection, and compliance with the Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007).
Legal & Regulatory Questions
What is the Dubai Land Department (DLD)?
The DLD is the government body responsible for property registration, ownership transfers, and enforcing real estate laws.
All transactions must be registered with the DLD to be legally valid.
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell property in Dubai?
It’s not mandatory but highly recommended, especially for high-value transactions or international clients.
Whitehorse International can introduce you to independent legal professionals for contract review and due diligence.
What is an escrow account and how does it protect me?
An escrow account is a regulated bank account managed by the DLD, where all off-plan payments are held until project milestones are verified.
This ensures developers cannot access investor funds prematurely, significantly reducing risk.
What are RERA and Oqood?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority): Governs licensing, broker conduct, and advertising standards.
Oqood: A DLD online portal that registers off-plan sales contracts to protect both buyers and developers.
General & After-Sale Questions
How can I schedule a property viewing?
You can contact Whitehorse International via our website, WhatsApp, or by phone to book private or virtual tours at your convenience.
Does Whitehorse International assist with off-plan projects?
Yes — we specialise in premium off-plan developments and guide clients from unit selection and contract signing to handover and post-sale management.
Do you offer after-sales and property management support?
Absolutely. Our property management division handles leasing, maintenance, rent collection, and resale support — ensuring your investment remains secure and profitable long after purchase.
Why Choose Whitehorse International
- Licensed RERA brokerage with transparent and compliant processes
- In-depth market analytics from verified DLD and Property Finder data
- Dedicated advisors for UK, EU, GCC, and international clients
- End-to-end service from acquisition to resale and portfolio management
Disclaimer
All information contained herein is based on verified data from Dubai Land Department (DLD), RERA, Property Finder, DXB Interact, and Engel & Völkers as of August 2025.
Regulations and eligibility criteria are subject to change by UAE authorities.
This FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.