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BUYER’S GUIDE

How to Buy Property in Dubai.

At Arclane Properties, we believe clarity is the foundation of a confident investment. This guide walks you through the essentials of acquiring property in Dubai — step by step.
Clarity

Clarity

Our advisors provide clarity at every step

Protected Rights

Protected Rights

Title Deed registration ensures full ownership

Flexible Options

Flexible Options

From studios to villas across Dubai

1

Set Your Budget and Choose a Location

Start by defining a clear budget. A decent apartment with a decent developer typically starts at 1m AED (~270k USD) and obviously the sky is not the limit in Dubai. If purchasing in cash, ensure funds are accessible in the UAE when it's time to transfer. Factor in the 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee when planning your budget. This also depends on if you buy a new development (off-plan properties) which make up roughly 2/3rd of the market or an already existing property.

Next, consider where you'd like to invest. Foreign buyers can purchase property in designated freehold areas, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay — where ownership includes both the property and the land it's built on.
2

Secure Mortgage Pre-Approval

If you're financing your purchase, obtain mortgage pre-approval before making offers. This defines your spending limit and strengthens your position with sellers. Due to recent anti–money laundering regulations, there are a few KYC (Know Your Customer) processes requiring identity and funds documents, which we’ll help you navigate.
!

Under AED 5 Million

Minimum 20% down payment required
!

Above AED 5 Million

Minimum 30% deposit required
3

Choose the Right Agent

Work with a trusted, RERA-qualified broker to represent you. They'll help identify opportunities, handle negotiations, and guide you through the legal formalities. You'll sign Form B, authorizing your agent to act on your behalf.
4

Make an Offer

Once you've found the right property, your agent will present an offer to the seller. Having mortgage pre-approval and a 10% deposit ready allows you to move quickly when negotiations begin.
5

Sign Form F (MoU)

When the price is agreed upon, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F). It outlines payment terms, handover conditions, and transfer timeframe.
10% deposit cheque to seller
Post-dated commission cheque to agency
6

Appoint a Conveyancer

A licensed conveyancer manages the legal and administrative aspects of the transfer — from title deed verification to coordination with banks and developers.
7

Obtain NOC

Before transfer, the seller must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property developer, confirming there are no outstanding service charges or maintenance fees.
8

Property Blocking

If the property carries an existing mortgage, the seller must obtain a liability letter from their bank. Both parties visit the DLD to "block" the property until the mortgage is settled.
9

Property Transfer

On transfer day, all parties meet at the DLD trustee office to finalize the transaction. Payment is made via manager's cheques:
Purchase price to seller
4% DLD transfer fee
Agency commission

Final Steps

Congratulations! You are now a Dubai property owner. The final step is to register utilities under your name, including DEWA, gas, water, and AC services.
1

Set Your Budget and Choose a Location

Start by defining a clear budget. A decent apartment with a decent developer typically starts at 1m AED (~270k USD) and obviously the sky is not the limit in Dubai. If purchasing in cash, ensure funds are accessible in the UAE when it's time to transfer. Include additional costs (6-8%) such as agency fees, a Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, and any potential mortgage interest. This also depends on if you buy a new development which make up roughly 2/3rd of the market or an already existing property.

Next, consider where you'd like to invest. Foreign buyers can purchase property in designated freehold areas, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay — where ownership includes both the property and the land it's built on.

2

Secure Mortgage Pre-Approval

Next, consider where you'd like to invest. Foreign buyers can purchase properties in designated freehold areas, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, or Palm Bay – where ownership includes both the land and the apartment (as limited vs freehold).

Under AED 5 Million

Minimum 20% down payment required

Above AED 5 Million

Minimum 30% deposit required

3

Choose the Right Agent

Work with a trusted, RERA-qualified broker to represent you.

They'll help identify opportunities, handle negotiations, and guide you through the legal formalities.

You'll sign Form B, authorizing your agent to act on your behalf.

4

Make an Offer

Once you've found the right property, your agent will present an offer to the seller. Having mortgage pre-approval and a 10% deposit ready allows you to move quickly when negotiations begin.

5

Sign Form F (MoU)

When the price is agreed upon, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (Form F). It outlines payment terms, handover conditions, and transfer timeframe.

10% deposit cheque to seller

Post-dated commission cheque to agency

6

Appoint a Conveyancer

A licensed conveyancer manages the legal and administrative aspects of the transfer — from title deed verification to coordination with banks and developers.

7

Obtain NOC

Before transfer, the seller must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property developer, confirming there are no outstanding service charges or maintenance fees.

8

Property Blocking

If the property carries an existing mortgage, the seller must obtain a liability letter from their bank. Both parties visit the DLD to "block" the property until the mortgage is settled.

9

Property Transfer

On transfer day, all parties meet at the DLD trustee office to finalize the transaction. Payment is made via manager's cheques:

Purchase price to seller

4% DLD transfer fee

The agency comission

Property Blocking

If the property carries an existing mortgage, the seller must obtain a liability letter from their bank. Both parties visit the DLD to "block" the property until the mortgage is settled.