With Dubai’s evolving rules, there are quite a few misconceptions surrounding real estate ownership for expats in the UAE. The short answer: foreigners can purchase, sell or lease properties in designated areas.
There are two types of property ownership: freehold and leasehold, both of which can be invested in by foreigners or expats without any residency in Dubai.
- Freehold ownership: passed in 2002, this decree gives the owner absolute rights over the property and the land the property is on for as long as they want. This property can be bought, sold or rented out at any time.
- Leasehold ownership: passed in 2001, this decree gives the owner of the property rights over the property but not the land it’s built on for a fixed term. The fixed term is for a maximum period of 99 years. The actual ownership of the land the property is on will remain with the freeholder.
Top freehold areas we recommend for:
- Arabian Ranches
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Dubai Marina
- Business Bay
- Citywalk
- Bluewaters Island
To find out more about the details surrounding property ownership as an expat, reach out to us at info@modernliving.ae
