Can foreigners obtain a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, absolutely. Both UAE residents and non-resident international investors can obtain mortgages from UAE banks.
UAE Residents: Typically eligible for financing up to 80% of the property value.
Non-Residents: Typically eligible for financing up to 50% – 60% of the property value.
Note: Mortgages are generally available for ready properties. For off-plan, buyers usually rely on the developer’s payment plan.
What is a "Post-Handover Payment Plan"?
This is a financing option offered directly by the developer, not a bank. It allows you to pay a portion of the property price (e.g., 40%) after receiving the keys, usually over 2–3 years. This is interest-free and requires no bank approval.
Beyond the property price, what other costs must I pay?
ou should budget approximately 6-7% above the purchase price for government and agency fees.
DLD Transfer Fee: 4% of the property value + AED 580 (paid to Dubai Land Department).
Agency Fee: 2% + VAT.
Trustee Office Fee: Approx. AED 4,200 (for the transfer registration).
NOC Fee: AED 500 – AED 5,000 (paid to the developer for secondary market sales only).
Do I pay the 4% DLD fee for Off-Plan properties?
Yes. The 4% DLD fee is a one-time tax paid to register the property in your name (Oqood registration), regardless of whether the property is ready or off-plan.
What happens when my off-plan property is ready?
The handover process typically follows these steps:
Notice of Completion: The developer notifies you that the building is complete.
Final Payment: You pay the final installment required for handover.
Snagging Inspection: We recommend inspecting the unit for any defects (scratches, paint issues, electrical faults).
Key Collection: Once “snags” are fixed and dues are cleared, you sign the handover papers and receive your keys.
What is "Snagging"?
Snagging is a detailed inspection of your new property to identify any defects or poor workmanship before you officially accept the unit. Map Homes can recommend professional snagging companies to ensure your property is in perfect condition.
Is my money safe if the developer delays the project?
Dubai has strict laws to protect investors.
Escrow Accounts: Your money is not paid directly to the developer’s company account. It goes into a project-specific Escrow Account regulated by the government (DLD).
Usage of Funds: The developer can only withdraw funds from this account as they hit specific construction milestones verified by a government engineer. They cannot use your money for other projects.
What happens if a project is cancelled?
While rare among major developers, if a project is officially cancelled by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency), the project is liquidated. Your funds held in the Escrow Account are refunded to you under the supervision of the RERA Trust Account Department.
Can I sell my off-plan property before it is finished?
Yes, you can. However, most developers require you to have paid at least 30% to 40% of the total property value before they will issue an NOC (No Objection Certificate) allowing you to sell the contract to a new buyer.
Does buying a property give me a UAE Visa?
Yes, real estate investment is one of the fastest ways to obtain residency.
2-Year Investor Visa: For ready properties valued at AED 750,000 ($205k) or more.
10-Year Golden Visa: For properties valued at AED 2,000,000 ($545k) or more. Note: You can combine multiple properties to reach this AED 2M threshold.
Can I sponsor my family with this visa?
Yes. Once you obtain your Investor Visa or Golden Visa, you can sponsor your spouse and children (and even parents and domestic staff under specific conditions) to live in the UAE.
Does the property need to be fully paid off to get the visa?
For the 2-Year Visa, the property usually needs to be mortgage-free or have a significant amount paid off (50%).
For the Golden Visa (10-Year), you are eligible even if the property is mortgaged or off-plan, provided you have paid at least AED 2 Million of the value or hold a specific letter from the bank/developer (regulations are frequently updated, so consult our team for the latest rules).