How to Buy Real Estate in Dubai (Step-by-Step, 2026)

offplans.ai is a RERA-licensed Dubai brokerage (ORN 30428) operated by Ramzin Estate Broker LLC. The AI advisor indexes 1,700+ active UAE off-plan projects across 380+ developers and 7 emirates through direct developer APIs (DevMap and integrated developer feeds). Indicative.

The 6 steps to buying property in Dubai

Decide off-plan or ready. Off-plan = pay over 2–5 years on a payment plan, lower entry deposit, capital appreciation play. Ready = move in or rent immediately, full price up front (or mortgage), rental yield from day one.
Get pre-qualified. Confirm your AED budget. If you need a mortgage, get pre-approval from a UAE bank first — it shapes which units you can actually book.
Pick a unit. Use offplans.ai for a private AI-matched shortlist across 1,700+ off-plan projects, or browse direct developer websites and classifieds.
Sign and deposit. Off-plan: reservation form + SPA + 10–20% deposit to developer escrow. Ready: Form F (MOU) + 10% deposit held by the trustee.
Register. Off-plan: Oqood at the DLD within 30 days. Ready: transfer appointment at a DLD-registered trustee office.
Pay the DLD 4% fee. Plus AED 4,000 Oqood / title registration and any trustee or mortgage registration fees.

What you actually pay (worked example)

AED 1,500,000 off-plan apartment, 60/40 payment plan:

Reservation deposit (20%): AED 300,000
DLD 4% transfer fee: AED 60,000
Oqood / admin: AED 4,000
Total day-one cost: ~AED 364,000
Remaining 40% (post-handover): AED 600,000 spread over 24–36 months
Remaining 40% (construction milestones): AED 600,000 spread to handover

Freehold zones (where foreigners can buy)

Foreigners can hold full freehold title in designated zones. The main ones: Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, JVC, JVT, Arabian Ranches, Damac Hills, Meydan, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai South, Dubai Sports City, Dubailand, Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, DIFC residential, Bluewaters Island, and Emirates Hills (villas).

Why use offplans.ai

You can absolutely buy direct from a developer or through any RERA-licensed agent. We built offplans.ai because the typical Dubai buying experience starts with one classified enquiry and ends with a dozen agents calling. Our AI advisor gives you one private shortlist across every active developer, then a single broker handles SPA, Oqood and DLD — no broadcast.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes. Non-UAE nationals can buy freehold property in designated freehold zones — which cover most of the popular communities (Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, JVC, Dubai Hills, Palm Jumeirah, Damac Hills, Meydan, Dubai South and others). No residency is required to purchase. A qualifying property purchase may also make you eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa — subject to current ICA/GDRFA rules, verify before relying.

What fees do I pay when buying property in Dubai?

Expect: 4% DLD transfer fee (paid to Dubai Land Department), AED 4,000 Oqood / title registration, AED 2,000–4,000 trustee fees on ready property, and 2% agency commission on ready secondary (off-plan brokerage is paid by the developer, not the buyer). Mortgages add ~0.25% DLD mortgage registration and bank arrangement fees.

Do I need a Dubai bank account to buy?

Not for off-plan in most cases — payment plans are usually international wire to developer escrow. For ready property or a mortgage you will need a UAE account. offplans.ai's broker team can introduce you to mortgage advisors at Mashreq, Emirates NBD, ADCB and HSBC.

How much deposit do I need?

Off-plan: 10–20% on reservation (sometimes 5% for select Emaar/Damac launches). Ready property with cash: typically 10% deposit on signing Form F. Ready property with a mortgage: 20% deposit for residents on the first property up to AED 5M, 25% for non-residents.

What is Oqood?

Oqood is the Dubai Land Department's off-plan registration system. Within 30 days of signing the SPA, your off-plan purchase is registered on Oqood and you receive a certificate. At handover, the Oqood is converted into a full Title Deed at the DLD.

How long does the whole process take?

Off-plan reservation to SPA: 1–4 weeks. Ready property cash transfer: 2–4 weeks. Ready property with mortgage: 4–8 weeks (bank pre-approval is the long pole). Handover of an off-plan unit is whatever quarter the developer announced — typically 18–36 months from booking.