Buying & ownership

1. Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
   Yes — many freehold areas allow foreign ownership. We’ll advise you on which communities are freehold vs. leasehold.

2. What documents do I need to buy a property in Dubai?
   Passport, UAE visa (if resident), proof of funds, and bank reference — plus the signed SPA and developer documents on off-plan buys.

3. How long does the buying process usually take?
   Depends on mortgage, title clearance and whether the property is off-plan; secondary market transfers are usually faster than off-plan handovers.

4. What are the closing costs when buying? (DLD/fees)
   Expect DLD transfer fee (~4% of sale price) plus admin fees — we’ll provide a tailored breakdown.

5. Can I use a mortgage and will the bank finance DLD fees or commission?
   You can use a mortgage; recently some lenders changed financing rules for DLD/commission — always confirm with your bank.

6. How do I check a property’s title deed/ownership?
   We verify title deeds via the Dubai Land Department and provide copies before the transaction.

7. Is buying off-plan safe and what should I check?
   Check developer track record, escrow account, construction milestones, and the SPA clauses.

8. What’s the best way to value a property before buying?
   Use recent comparable sales, a professional valuation, and (for investment) rental yield analysis.

9. Which areas give the best rental yields vs capital growth?
   This varies by market cycle — we prepare a short area guide and ROI estimate for any property you like.

Selling

10. How much commission do agents usually charge to sell a property?
    Typical commission is around 2% of the sale price plus VAT (rates vary by agency/contract).

11. What documents are required to sell (FORM A, NOC, etc.)?
    FORM A/MOU, FORM F (if applicable), NOC from the developer, title deed and passport/visa copies.

12. How do I sell a mortgaged property?
    You need the bank’s mortgage discharge NOC and to settle any outstanding loan at transfer; we coordinate with the bank.

13. Do I need to get an NOC from the developer? How much is it?
    Yes — NOC fees vary by developer and can range widely (typically AED 500–AED 5,000).

14. How can I improve my property’s sale price?
    Professional photos, minor repairs, staging, the right asking price and targeted marketing across portals.

Renting & tenancy

15. What is Ejari and why should I register?
    Ejari registers tenancy contracts with DLD; it’s required for utilities, legal protection and some residency/visa services.

16. How long is a typical tenancy contract and can it be ended early?
    Most are 1 year. Early termination depends on the lease terms — we help negotiate exit clauses.

17. Who pays DEWA/utility setup and security deposit?
    Usually the tenant pays setup; deposit terms (one month/5% etc.) depend on landlord agreement — clarify before signing.

18. How do rent increases work in Dubai?
    Rent increase rules are governed by RERA guidelines and market conditions; we’ll advise using current indices.

19. Do you handle tenancy renewals and legal notices?
    Yes — we offer tenancy management and renewal services, including Ejari updates.

20. What policies apply to short-term (holiday) rentals?
    Short-term rentals require licensing/permits in some communities; regulations have become stricter as the market grows. (We can guide you on compliance.)

Off-plan & developers

21. What is an escrow account and why does it matter for off-plan projects?
    Escrow accounts hold buyer payments for off-plan projects and protect buyers if the project stalls — enforced by DLD rules.

22. What are typical off-plan payment plans?
    Developers offer milestone-based plans (e.g., reservation, during construction installments, final payment at handover).

23. How can I check a developer’s track record?
    We review past delivery history, DLD records, and independent ratings before recommending any developer.

24. What happens at handover?
    Final inspection, DLD registration steps, and practical handover paperwork — we assist with snagging and documentation.

Property management & short-term

25. Do you offer full property management (rent collection, maintenance)?
    Yes — we provide end-to-end property management, including rent collection, maintenance and guest management for short-term rentals.

26. Do you provide furnishing and staging services for rentals/holiday lets?
    Yes — optional furnishing and short-term setup packages are available to maximize rental yields.

27. How do you handle emergency repairs and routine maintenance?
    We have vetted contractor partners and a defined SLA for emergency callouts and planned maintenance.

Legal, fees & payments

28. What are the common selling/buying fees I should budget for?
    DLD transfer fee (approx 4%), agent commission (typ. 2% + VAT), NOC, trustee fees and possible mortgage discharge costs — we’ll give a tailored breakdown.

29. Is VAT applied to agent commission?
    Yes — VAT (5%) is usually charged on commission amounts in UAE transactions.

30. Are there taxes on rental income?
    The UAE has no federal personal income tax, but business/tax rules can apply for companies — check with a tax advisor.

Visas & investment

31. Can property investment give me a UAE Golden Visa?
    Yes — the Real Estate Investor route typically requires property ownership of AED 2,000,000 or more (rules apply and documentation is required). We help prepare valuation and documents.

32. Will a mortgage affect my Golden Visa eligibility?
    Mortgaged properties can qualify if the paid amount / valuation meets the threshold and bank proof is submitted — the DLD/visa rules specify details.

Website / account / transaction support

33. How do I list my property on your site?
    Use our “Submit Listing” form or contact an agent — we handle listing creation, photos, and portal syndication.

34. How do I reset my account password or remove my listing?
    Use the header login area to reset your password; contact support to remove or update listings quickly.