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Buying guide · 2026 edition

Buy an apartment
in Dubai.

Process, down payment, fees, payment plans, Golden Visa. Everything to know to buy an apartment in Dubai in 2026 — primary home, buy-to-let, or 5-7 year capital-gain play.

Dubai real estate acquisition documents facing the Downtown skyline

Method

The buying journey
in six steps.

From first conversation to handover, our firm structures the deal so every step is triggered at the right time, with the right documents and the right counterparties.

01

Strategic framing

Define profile (primary home, buy-to-let, capital gain), real budget (price + fees + furniture), holding horizon, tax exposure in your home country.

02

Programme selection

Off-market presentation of a 3-to-5 short-list matching the brief. Payment plans, full dossiers, comparative yields.

03

Viewing & due diligence

Physical or virtual viewings. Developer checks (escrow account, past deliveries), legal, technical. Comparative SPA review.

04

Reservation

Sign the Booking Form (off-plan) or MoU (secondary), wire the reservation (10-20%). Short cool-off — decision is made upstream.

05

Closing & Title Deed

Off-plan: SPA signed within 30 days, milestone payments, Oqood at 30%, Title Deed at handover. Secondary: DLD transfer in 30-60 days, Title Deed same day.

06

Activation

Furniture install, short- or long-term lease, local bank account if needed, Golden Visa application once eligible.

Real acquisition cost

The fees to expect.

When buying an apartment in Dubai, budget: 4% of the price to the Dubai Land Department (transfer fee), around AED 4,000 in registration fees, AED 580 to the Trustee Office for the signing appointment, and only on the secondary market, 2% agency commission. On off-plan, the developer pays the agency.

As a benchmark, for a brand-new AED 1.8M apartment: 1.8M (price) + 72,000 (DLD) + 4,580 (admin) = roughly AED 1.88M all-in. No buyer-side agency fees on this type of deal.

More practical insights: Off-plan vs secondary market and Post-handover payment plans (PHP).

FAQ

Buying an apartment, the right questions.

How long does buying an apartment in Dubai take?

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Off-plan: reservation is immediate (24-48h after signing the Booking Form) and handover follows 24 to 48 months later depending on the project. On the secondary market, between signing the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) and obtaining the final Title Deed, the average timeline is 30 to 60 days. Payment and title issuance happen the same day at the Dubai Land Department.

Can you buy a Dubai apartment remotely?

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Yes. The entire process can be completed remotely with a notarised, apostilled power of attorney to a representative in Dubai. On off-plan, signing the Booking Form and wiring the reservation is enough to lock the unit. A physical visit before final signing is recommended but not mandatory.

What down payment is required to buy an apartment in Dubai?

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Off-plan: the down payment ranges from 10 to 20% at booking, then milestones tied to construction progress. Secondary market: 25% minimum down payment for a non-UAE-resident financing through a UAE bank, plus 4% DLD fees and 2% agency commission. For a 100% cash purchase, budget price + 4% DLD + registration fees (around AED 4,000).

What are the steps to buy an off-plan apartment in Dubai?

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1. Sign the Booking Form and wire the reservation (10-20%). 2. Sign the SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement) with the developer within 30 days. 3. Make milestone payments per the payment plan (PHP, post-handover, 50/50, etc.). 4. At 30% paid, receive the Oqood (provisional title) which qualifies you for the Golden Visa. 5. At handover, transfer at DLD and receive the final Title Deed.

Can you resell a Dubai apartment before handover?

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Yes. Off-plan resale (assignment or flip) is allowed once 40% of the price has been paid to the developer (varies by developer, sometimes 30%). No capital gains tax on resale. DLD transfer fees: 4% + administrative fees. This is one of the most attractive features of the Dubai market for cycle-driven investors.

First Dubai apartment?

Let's talk no commitment.

A one-hour conversation to frame your project, compare 3 to 5 off-market programmes and evaluate next steps. No buyer-side fee on off-plan.

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