What should I know before buying my first home in Dubai?
First, understand freehold vs leasehold. Foreigners can buy 100% freehold only in designated zones (Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm, JVC, Dubai Hills, Business Bay, JLT and 40+ others). Outside those zones, only UAE and GCC nationals can own freehold.
Second, budget beyond the price. Total upfront costs are typically 7–8% on a cash deal (4% DLD + 2% agent commission + fees) and 9–10% with a mortgage. Never let anyone tell you the DLD fee is negotiable — it is a government fee.
Third, service charges vary from AED 8/sqft in older communities to AED 30+/sqft in premium towers, and they materially affect your yield. Ask for the current rate and history before offering.
Fourth, brokerage adverts for Dubai property must display a Trakheesi permit number — a public brokerage advert without one is not compliant. On PropertyConnect, the permit number is shown on the card wherever a listing carries one.
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 by PropertyConnect Editorial. Sources: Dubai Land Department (DLD).
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