Ownership
with a clear basis.
Foreign buyers can own freehold property in Dubai’s designated areas, including buyers who do not live in the UAE.
UAE ownership guidance04 / WHY PURCHASE IN DUBAI?
A global decision.
A Dubai perspective.
For an international buyer, the decision goes beyond the skyline. Ownership, purchasing power and the wider plan all deserve a closer look.
Ownership
A different
tax environment.
The UAE does not levy personal income tax on individuals. Your home-country obligations and how you hold the property still matter.
UAE tax overviewPotential for
a longer-term base.
Qualifying property investors may apply for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa through Dubai Land Department. Eligibility and approval apply.
DLD investor visa guidanceDUBAI & FIVE GLOBAL PROPERTY MARKETS
Growth. And what your budget buys.
A comparison with Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Miami and London — selected international markets, not a ranking of the world’s top five cities.
Annual change in prime residential prices · 2025
View the full comparison table
| City | Price change Full year 2025 | US$1m buys Approx. sq m · Q4 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai UAE | +25.1% | 62 sq m |
| Singapore SINGAPORE | +7.9% | 28 sq m |
| Los Angeles UNITED STATES | +1.0% | 36 sq m |
| New York UNITED STATES | +0.8% | 34 sq m |
| Miami UNITED STATES | −0.5% | 58 sq m |
| London UNITED KINGDOM | −4.7% | 33 sq m |
In this six-city comparison, Dubai combined the strongest prime price growth in 2025 with the most space for a USD 1 million property budget.
Prime means the luxury segment, generally the top 5% of each market by value. These are historical market indicators, not whole-city averages, net returns or forecasts. Individual properties, currency movements, taxes and costs can produce different outcomes.
Source: Knight Frank, The Wealth Report 2026 · printed pages 26–27 and 79Build the full cost into the decision: acquisition and registration fees, service charges, financing, management and resale expenses. Tax and residency outcomes depend on individual circumstances; confirm them with a qualified adviser.
06 / THE APPROACH
Clarity at
every step.
A personal conversation. A focused selection. A decision with the bigger picture in view.
Let’s discuss your plansUnderstand your priorities
Your objective, available capital, timeframe and comfort with the commitment set the brief.
Examine the opportunity
We compare the specific property and its alternatives, with attention to price, quality and potential demand.
Plan the full commitment
Payment milestones, transaction costs and the holding period belong in the decision from the beginning.
Keep the next move in view
We consider resale options and an alternative holding plan, then revisit the strategy as your priorities evolve.
07 / BEFORE YOU BUY
The questions
worth asking.
Good property conversations go further than the launch brochure.
Why this unit, at this price?
A development can have many different investment stories. The layout, outlook, position and competing supply help explain whether a particular unit fits your objective.
What will I need to commit?
Start with a complete payment timeline. Consider scheduled instalments, transaction costs and the capital you may need if you hold the property longer than originally planned.
Who could buy it from me?
Consider the future buyer, their alternatives and the total cost of a resale. Any exit plan also needs to account for the applicable resale conditions and the possibility of a longer holding period.