Ready vs Off-Plan Apartments
A ready apartment is complete and available to move into (or rent out) immediately, with the title transferring at purchase. An off-plan apartment is bought before or during construction, usually with a phased payment plan linked to building milestones and, on many projects, attractive post-handover terms.
Ready units suit buyers who want certainty and immediate use. Off-plan units suit those who want a lower entry commitment, the potential for capital appreciation before handover, and developer payment plans — and they often carry lower upfront transaction costs, as developers frequently cover the agency commission and, on promotions, part of the government transfer fee. (Explore off-plan projects across the UAE.)
The Cost of Buying an Apartment in the UAE
Beyond the listing price, buyers should budget roughly 7–10% of the purchase price in transaction costs. The figures below reflect Dubai (the country's largest market); fee structures differ in Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, so confirm the schedule for the emirate you are buying in.
Cost | Typical amount (Dubai) |
DLD transfer fee | 4% of purchase price |
Agency commission (resale) | 2% + 5% VAT |
Agency commission (off-plan, direct from developer) | Usually nil to the buyer |
Trustee / registration office fee | ~AED 4,200 (units above AED 500,000) |
Title deed issuance | ~AED 580 |
Mortgage registration (if financing) | 0.25% of loan + ~AED 290 |
DEWA utility deposit (apartment) | ~AED 2,000 (refundable) |
As of recent regulations, transaction costs cannot be added to a mortgage and must be paid in cash upfront, so a financed buyer should hold the down payment plus these fees in liquid funds. After purchase, the main recurring cost is the annual service charge, calculated per square foot and varying by building and community.
Fees shown are indicative and apply to Dubai; Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates follow different schedules. Rates are subject to change — confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department at the time of purchase.
Can Foreigners Buy Apartments in the UAE?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy and fully own apartments in designated freehold zones — and most popular apartment communities sit within these zones. Ownership in a freehold area gives the same property rights as UAE nationals, with the title deed issued in the buyer's name. A smaller number of areas operate on a leasehold or usufruct basis, granting long-term use rather than outright ownership; your consultant will confirm the tenure of any property before you proceed.
The Golden Visa
Buying property can also qualify you for the UAE's 10-year renewable Golden Visa. The threshold is a property (or combined portfolio of properties) with a Dubai Land Department–registered value of at least AED 2 million. Mortgaged and off-plan properties from approved developers can qualify, and recent rule changes removed the previous minimum down-payment requirement, so eligibility now rests on the registered value rather than the paid-up amount. (See the official UAE Golden Visa page for current conditions.)
Why Buy Through FP Property
FP Property (Footprint Real Estate®) has operated in the UAE market since 2004, headquartered in Dubai with branch offices in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. The brokerage is licensed by the Dubai Land Department and is a recognised channel partner for the country's leading developers — including Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha Realty, Danube, and Binghatti — with repeated partner awards to its name, among them Danube's Top 1% Broker Club (2025) and multiple DAMAC Top Sales Agency awards.
Every apartment listed is handled by a named consultant — not an anonymous portal listing — and our team supports buyers end to end: shortlisting and viewings, price negotiation, the transfer and registration process, mortgage coordination where needed, and handover. With over 100 affiliates serving clients across the Far East, Russia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe — and support available in seven languages — FP Property is equipped to guide both resident and overseas buyers.
That combination of a long market track record, regulated representation, and full transaction support is what separates working with a brokerage from browsing a listings aggregator. (Learn more about FP Property or see our services.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can expats buy apartments in the UAE?
A. Yes. Foreign nationals can own apartments outright in designated freehold zones across the UAE, with the title registered in their name. Your consultant will confirm a property's tenure before purchase.
Q. Which emirate offers the best value for apartments?
A. It depends on your goal. Dubai offers the deepest market and strongest liquidity; Abu Dhabi suits space and capital growth; Sharjah and the northern emirates (Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah) offer the lowest entry prices and emerging-area upside.
Q. What are the fees involved in buying an apartment?
A. In Dubai, budget around 7–10% of the purchase price on top of the listing price. The highest cost is the 4% DLD transfer fee, followed by agency commission (2% + VAT on resale; usually nil to the buyer for off-plan), plus trustee, registration, and any mortgage fees. Confirm current rates and the schedule for your emirate before committing.
Q. Can I get a Golden Visa by buying an apartment?
A. Yes. A property or portfolio with a registered value of at least AED 2 million can qualify you for the 10-year Golden Visa. Mortgaged and off-plan properties from approved developers can also qualify under current rules.
Q. Is it better to buy a ready or off-plan apartment?
A. Ready apartments offer immediate use and certainty; off-plan apartments offer payment plans, lower upfront costs, and potential pre-handover appreciation. The right choice depends on your timeline and whether you want to occupy or invest.
Q. Is rental income from a UAE apartment taxed?
A. There is no personal income tax on rental income and no annual property tax in the UAE, which is a key reason international investors are drawn to the market. (Buyers should check their own home-country tax obligations.)
Ready to find your apartment?
Browse the verified listings above, or speak to an FP Property consultant who can shortlist apartments to your budget, preferred emirate, and investment goals. Contact us or book an appointment to get started.