How the Property Buying Process Works in Dubai
Whether your goal is a new home or a high-performing asset in one of the world's most dynamic markets, purchasing property in Dubai should feel clear and straightforward. With the right guidance, each stage of the journey becomes simpler and more informed. Here's how to begin your path with Hyde Real Estate.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you dive into property listings, it helps to set a few foundations. Start by deciding on your budget and whether you'll be purchasing with cash or through financing. If you choose a mortgage, securing a bank pre-approval early will strengthen your position when it's time to make an offer.
Next, consider your ideal timeline — keeping in mind that purchasing durations can vary — so a bit of flexibility is always useful. Finally, make a note of your key preferences and requirements. This will help your Hyde Real Estate Consultant shortlist the properties that best align with what you're looking for.
Identifying What You Want
Dubai offers an incredible mix of homes — from sleek apartments and modern townhouses to luxury villas and high-rise penthouses. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. If you're unsure where to start, your Hyde Real Estate Consultant can walk you through different options and help you understand what best fits your needs.
It's also the perfect time to think about where you'd like to live. Whether you're drawn to golf communities, waterfront living, or vibrant city neighbourhoods, Dubai has something for every preference. Just keep practical points in mind too — commute time, access to main roads, nearby amenities, and how the area aligns with your day-to-day routine.
How to Select the Best Property Agent
You can navigate the market alone — but why make things harder than they need to be? Working with an experienced Hyde Real Estate Consultant ensures you get access to tailored property options, clear market insights, and trusted guidance at every step.
And the support doesn't stop once you've bought your property. You may want to rent it out, arrange professional management, or explore maintenance or upgrade solutions. Choosing an agency that covers all your real estate needs under one roof gives you convenience, peace of mind, and one reliable point of contact throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is one of the most common questions buyers ask — and the truth is, both options have strong advantages depending on your goals. In Dubai, you can choose between Off-Plan properties, which are still under development, and Ready properties, which are fully completed and available for immediate handover.
The best choice ultimately comes down to your budget, investment strategy, and preferred timeline. Here's a closer look at each:
If you're looking for immediate rental income as an investor or you simply want to move into your new home without delay, ready properties are an excellent fit. Dubai offers a wide variety of completed homes — from vibrant urban apartments to beachfront residences and tranquil villa communities.
Financing tends to be more straightforward with ready units, as banks typically offer higher Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios, making it easier to secure a mortgage.
If you're exploring this route, Hyde Real Estate can show you a curated selection of high-quality ready properties across Dubai's most sought-after areas.
With new developments launching constantly, Dubai's Off-Plan market continues to grow, offering exciting opportunities for buyers and investors. Off-Plan properties allow you to secure desirable units at early prices, often paired with flexible, developer-backed payment plans that run until handover.
Once completed, these properties typically deliver strong rental yields, healthy ROI, and impressive capital appreciation — especially in communities experiencing high demand.
Hyde Real Estate can guide you through the newest and most promising Off-Plan launches across the city.
When purchasing property, you'll come across two main types of ownership: freehold and leasehold.
Freehold ownership means you have complete and permanent ownership of the property and the land it sits on. There are no time limits, and you retain full control for as long as you choose to own it.
Leasehold ownership, however, allows you to own and occupy a property for a defined period—most commonly up to 99 years. Once that term expires, ownership automatically returns to the freeholder unless the lease is renewed.
Both forms of ownership play an important role in Dubai's property market. Freehold provides long-term security and strong resale potential, while leasehold offers extended but fixed-term ownership that can still be suitable for investment or lifestyle needs. Understanding this difference helps buyers make informed decisions about long-term value, legal rights, and future exit strategies.
The timeframe for completing a property purchase in Dubai can vary based on several factors. Some homes are already vacant and ready for handover, while others may still be occupied, with tenants needing time to move out or negotiate their vacating date.
Your payment method also plays a major role in determining how long the process will take.
- Financed buyer + financed seller: The transaction typically takes around 8 weeks, as both parties' lenders are involved.
- Financed buyer + cash seller: You can expect the process to take roughly 6 weeks, as there is only one mortgage to settle.
- Cash buyer + cash seller: This is usually the quickest route, often completed within 1 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly the paperwork is finalised.
With Hyde Real Estate guiding each step, the process is streamlined to keep everything moving smoothly from agreement to handover.
Yes — financing is a common option for buyers in Dubai. You'll just need to secure a mortgage pre-approval from your preferred bank before moving forward. Once that's in place, your Hyde Real Estate Consultant can introduce you to trusted lending partners and help you compare mortgage products that align with your budget and long-term plans.
If you're exploring financing for the first time, it's important to work with an agency that truly understands the process. At Hyde Real Estate, we guide you through each step with clarity, ensuring you have the right information and support to make confident decisions.
Yes — purchasing a property in Dubai comes with several mandatory fees, and it's important to be aware of them from the outset:
Transfer Fee
A 4% transfer fee is payable to the Dubai Land Department for both Off-Plan and ready properties. In some cases, developers may cover part or all of this amount as an incentive.
Agent Fee
For ready properties, buyers typically pay a 2% + VAT agency fee. For Off-Plan properties, this fee is covered by the developer, so buyers are not charged.
Community Service Fee / Maintenance Charge
These charges are calculated based on the RERA service and maintenance index and are applied per square foot. Depending on the community, they generally range from AED 2 to AED 30 per sq.ft.
Mortgage Registration Fee
If you're financing your purchase, the Dubai Land Department requires a 0.25% fee of the registered loan amount.
Conveyancing Fee
This applies if you choose an agency that provides conveyancing support. (For reference, some agencies charge around AED 9,000 + VAT.)
Because these steps involve legal checks, transfer coordination, and ensuring compliance at every stage, we always recommend working with a real estate firm that offers in-house conveyancing to make the entire process seamless. Hyde Real Estate partners with trusted specialists who can guide you through every detail of your transaction.
To complete a property purchase in Dubai, you'll need to provide a few key documents. UAE residents must present their passport, Emirates ID, and residence visa, while non-residents can simply submit a valid passport.
Regardless of whether you're buying with cash or financing, a 10% security deposit is required once your offer is accepted. This can be arranged through:
- Personal cheque – Must be issued from a Dubai-based bank. The cheque remains uncashed and is held securely until transfer.
- Third-party cheque – If you don't have a personal cheque book, a third-party cheque may be used along with a signed undertaking letter.
- Bank transfer – You may also transfer the amount directly to your chosen real estate agency.
Hyde Real Estate will guide you through each step and ensure all documentation is handled smoothly and professionally.
In Dubai, it's common to come across properties that are currently tenanted. Some homes have a planned vacancy date, while others may have tenants who prefer to remain until their contract ends.
If the property is rented at the time of purchase, the existing tenancy — along with all agreed terms — will be transferred to you as the new landlord. Should you intend to move into the property yourself, you must provide the current tenants with a minimum of 12 months' written notice, unless the seller has already issued it.
Because each situation can differ, it's always wise to speak with a property specialist at Hyde Real Estate. They can help you understand your options, clarify legal requirements, and guide you toward the right decision for your circumstances.