How to Buy Property in Dubai Step by Step
Buying property in Dubai takes 30 days for a ready unit and can be completed entirely from overseas using a power of attorney. There is no residency requirement, no foreign-buyer surcharge and no annual property tax — the process is administrative rather than restrictive.
Key takeaways
- Total transaction cost: about 6–7% of price, all in.
- A ready purchase completes in ~30 days; off-plan in one appointment.
- You can buy remotely with a notarised, attested power of attorney.
- Everything is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
The nine steps
- Define the brief: budget, yield vs growth, hold period, Golden Visa intent.
- Shortlist and verify units — RERA broker check, DLD comparables, service charges.
- Sign a reservation form and pay the booking deposit (off-plan) or Form F (resale).
- For resale: seller obtains a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
- Arrange finance or transfer funds; a manager's cheque is required at transfer.
- Attend (or appoint POA for) the DLD trustee-office transfer appointment.
- Pay the 4% DLD fee, trustee fee and agency commission.
- Receive the title deed (ready) or Oqood certificate (off-plan).
- Set up DEWA, Ejari and property management; begin letting.
What it costs, all in
| Cost | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of price | Dubai Land Department |
| DLD admin | AED 580 | DLD |
| Trustee office fee | AED 4,200 (>AED 500K) | Registration trustee |
| Agency commission | 2% + VAT | Brokerage |
| NOC fee (resale) | AED 500–5,000 | Developer |
| Title deed issuance | AED 250 | DLD |
| Mortgage registration (if any) | 0.25% of loan | DLD |
Buying remotely from Australia
Australian buyers can complete without flying in. You sign a power of attorney before a notary, have it apostilled or attested by DFAT and the UAE Embassy, and your representative attends the DLD appointment on your behalf. Funds move by international transfer to the developer's escrow or the trustee office.
Miri Homes runs this end to end from our Sydney Dubai Experience Centre, including title verification and post-purchase management handover.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold in designated areas with full ownership rights, no residency requirement and no foreign-buyer surcharge.
How long does it take to buy property in Dubai?
A ready resale usually completes in about 30 days from Form F to title deed. An off-plan purchase can be completed in a single appointment.
What are the total costs of buying property in Dubai?
Roughly 6–7% of the purchase price: 4% DLD transfer fee, 2% agency commission plus VAT, trustee and admin fees, and any mortgage registration.