# Dubai property questions, answered > Answers to the most common questions about buying Dubai property from the UK: costs, mortgages, Golden Visa, off-plan, remote buying and verifying agents. Source: https://gemma-green.com/faq/ Author: Gemma Green, property consultant at McCone Properties, Dubai Last updated: 2026-10-30 1. [Home](/) 2. Dubai property questions, answered FAQ # Dubai property questions, answered Short, sourced answers. Each links to the full guide. Can UK citizens buy property in Dubai? Yes. Foreign nationals, including UK citizens, can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai, and you do not need to live in the UAE to do so. What does it cost to buy a property in Dubai? Budget for a 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, a title deed fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT on properties over AED 500,000, and the agent commission, which is typically 2% plus VAT on a resale. Mortgage buyers also pay a mortgage registration fee and bank charges. Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai? Yes, many UAE banks lend to non-residents, usually at a lower loan-to-value than for residents, often around 50 to 60 percent of the property value. Terms vary by bank and by your income and credit profile. Does buying property qualify me for a Golden Visa? A property investment with a value of AED 2 million or more can qualify for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa, subject to the current rules and supporting documents. Should I buy off-plan or a ready property? Off-plan usually means lower entry prices and staged payment plans, but you wait for completion and carry developer risk. Ready homes give you immediate use or rental income and a property you can inspect. The right choice depends on your goal and timeline. Do I need to be in Dubai to buy? No. Viewings, paperwork and many of the steps can be handled remotely, and Gemma can walk you through the process by video and WhatsApp. Who is Gemma Green? Gemma Green is a UK expat and property consultant at McCone Properties in Dubai, helping buyers and investors find the right home with clear guidance from first conversation to handover. How do I get started? Message Gemma on WhatsApp on +44 7535 840084 or use the match quiz. Tell her your goal, budget and timeline and she will send a short list of options. What is the DLD fee in Dubai? The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4 percent of the property price. It is usually paid by the buyer, though the split can be negotiated in the sales contract. Is there stamp duty in Dubai? There is no stamp duty as in the UK. The main government cost is the 4 percent Dubai Land Department transfer fee plus registration fees. Do I pay agent commission as a buyer? On a resale the commission is market convention at 2 percent plus VAT, recorded in the RERA brokerage contract rather than set by law, and usually paid by the buyer. On new off-plan purchases the developer normally pays the agent. Is there annual property tax in Dubai? Dubai does not currently charge an annual property tax on residential owners, but there are service charges, and you should confirm the current position. Is off-plan safer than ready in Dubai? Neither is automatically safer. Off-plan carries delivery and market risk during construction, partly mitigated by registration and escrow rules; ready property carries condition and resale risk. Can I get a mortgage on off-plan? Some banks lend on approved off-plan projects, usually later in the construction, and often under tighter terms. Ask a broker about the specific project. What property value qualifies for the Golden Visa? Property worth AED 2 million or more at the time of purchase can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa through the Dubai Land Department, subject to the current criteria. Does a mortgaged property qualify? The Dubai Land Department allows it with a bank no-objection letter showing the amount paid and the balance. Confirm the current requirements before you buy. Is the Golden Visa guaranteed if I buy? No. Eligibility is decided by the authorities against the current criteria. Buying a property does not by itself guarantee a visa. Can a UK resident get a mortgage in Dubai? Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, generally at a lower loan-to-value than for residents, typically around 50 to 60 percent. How big a deposit do I need? Plan for a deposit of roughly 40 to 50 percent as a non-resident, plus the purchase fees, and confirm the current limit with a broker. How do I check a Dubai real estate agent is licensed? Ask for their RERA broker card number (BRN) and the brokerage’s ORN, then confirm both on the Dubai Land Department register. What is the permit number on a Dubai property advert? It is an advertising permit that identifies the advert with the regulator. Adverts are expected to show it with a QR code you can scan to check the details. Can I buy property in Dubai without visiting? Yes. Many UK buyers do viewings by video and complete remotely, though some steps may need a signature or an attorney. How long does buying in Dubai take? A cash resale can complete in a few weeks; mortgage purchases take longer; off-plan follows the developer’s timeline. Are Dubai property prices falling? Reports for the third quarter of 2026 describe softer prices and lower sales on the year. Check recent registered sales for the specific area and building you are considering. Should I wait to buy in Dubai? No one can predict the market. Decide on your goal, budget and timeline, and buy only if the numbers work for you without relying on price growth. Do I need to visit Dubai to buy? Not necessarily. Viewings can be done by video and many steps can be completed remotely, though some may require a signature or attorney. Do UK buyers pay UK tax on Dubai property? UK residents normally pay UK tax on overseas rental income and Capital Gains Tax on selling overseas property, with possible relief for tax paid abroad. Take advice from a UK adviser. Do I need a visa to move to Dubai? Most people need a residence visa, usually through an employer, family sponsorship or an investor route. Confirm your route on the official UAE government portals. Should I rent or buy when I first move to Dubai? Many newcomers rent first to learn the areas before buying, but it depends on your plans, budget and timeline. Can I use my UK driving licence in Dubai? Rules depend on your licence and visa status. Ask the Roads and Transport Authority whether you can convert it or need to test. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-29. Next step ## Prefer to talk it through? 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