Your questions, answered.

• Can UK citizens buy property in Dubai?

  Yes, absolutely. UK citizens have full rights to purchase property in Dubai's designated freehold areas. You can own property outright with your name on the title deed - no local sponsor or partner required. With over £400M in transactions and 7 years helping British investors, we've guided hundreds of UK buyers through the straightforward purchase process. The UAE welcomes British investment, and you can buy apartments, villas, or commercial properties with 100% ownership rights. You can sell, lease, mortgage, or pass the property to your heirs, just like UK property.

• What are the tax implications for UK investors?

  Dubai offers zero taxes, but UK obligations remain. In Dubai, you pay no income tax on rental income, no capital gains tax when selling, and no inheritance tax. Your only costs are a 4% transfer fee when buying and 5% monthly housing fee on rentals. However, as a UK resident, you must declare all Dubai rental income on your Self Assessment. After the £12,570 personal allowance, you'll pay 20% (basic rate) or 40% (higher rate) tax. For property sales, UK capital gains tax applies at 18% or 28%. The good news? Even after UK taxes, Dubai properties typically yield 6.5-7.5% versus UK's 3-5%.

• How do off-plan payment plans work?

  Flexible payments make Dubai property accessible. Off-plan properties require just 10-20% down payment at booking, with the balance spread over construction (typically 2-4 years). Popular plans include 80/20 (80% during construction, 20% on handover), 60/40, or even 50/50 for premium developments. Some developers offer post-handover plans where you pay 50% over 2-3 years after receiving your property. With our £400M transaction experience, we'll match you with developers offering the best payment terms for your budget. Many UK clients use rental income to cover installments, making it self-financing.

• Can I get residency if I buy property?

  Yes, property investment opens the door to UAE residency. Invest AED 750,000 (£165,000) for a 2-year renewable visa, AED 1 million for enhanced benefits, or AED 2 million (£430,000) for the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa. The Golden Visa requirements were just relaxed - now only 20% down payment is needed instead of 50%. You're not required to live in Dubai; visit whenever you like while earning rental income. The visa allows you to sponsor family members, open UAE bank accounts, and enjoy tax-free living whenever you're in Dubai.

• What's the difference between freehold and 99-year lease?

  Freehold means forever; leasehold expires. With freehold property (our recommendation), you own both the property and land permanently. Full rights to sell, rent, mortgage, or inherit - exactly like UK ownership. The 99-year leasehold means you only have usage rights for 99 years, after which the property reverts to the government with no automatic renewal or compensation. Since no 99-year leases have expired yet (introduced in 2002), the renewal process remains legally uncertain. Banks prefer freehold for mortgages, and resale values are stronger. We exclusively recommend freehold properties to protect your investment.

• Can I buy property remotely from the UK?

  Yes, we make remote purchasing seamless. Dubai Land Department's digital systems allow complete remote transactions. We provide virtual property tours, handle all documentation electronically, and coordinate with developers on your behalf. For final registration, you'll need Power of Attorney - a simple process taking 24-48 hours. Many of our UK clients have purchased multiple properties without visiting Dubai. We manage time zones, oversee money transfers, and ensure smooth completion. Your first Dubai investment can literally be completed from your London living room.

• What are the best areas for investment returns?

  Location determines your returns. For maximum rental yields (7-8.5%), consider Al Furjan, JVC, or Dubai Sports City. For capital appreciation and prestige, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah lead with 5-7% annual growth. Family-focused investors love Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches for their communities and schools. Business Bay offers the sweet spot - 6.5% yields with strong appreciation. With £400M in transactions, we know which areas suit different investment goals. We'll analyze current market data to match you with locations offering the best returns for your strategy.

• How much deposit do I need?

  Less than you might think. Off-plan properties require just 10-20% initial deposit. For a £200,000 apartment, that's only £20,000-40,000 to start. The balance is paid in installments during construction, giving you 2-4 years to complete payment. For ready properties with a mortgage, UAE banks typically require 20-25% down for expats. Golden Visa holders now benefit from reduced deposit requirements - just 20% down versus the previous 50%. We work with all major developers to find the most flexible payment plans, making Dubai property accessible to UK investors at every level.

• What are the ongoing costs after purchase?

  Transparent and predictable costs. Service charges average AED 14-18 per square foot annually (about £1800-£2,300 yearly for a one-bedroom). This covers building maintenance, security, pools, gyms, and common areas. Utility connections cost around AED 2,000 (£430) with deposits. DEWA (utilities) bills average AED 200-400 monthly for apartments. Annual property insurance runs AED 1,500-3,000. If renting out, property management fees are 5-10% of rental income. No council tax, no ground rent, no surprise charges. Total annual costs are typically 15-20% of rental income, leaving you with strong net yields.

• Can UK citizens get mortgages in Dubai?

  Yes, financing is readily available. UAE banks offer mortgages to UK citizens with competitive rates from 4.5% (variable) to 5.5% (fixed). Maximum loan-to-value is 75-80% for properties under AED 5 million. You'll need 3-6 months of bank statements, salary certificates, and passport copies. Pre-approval takes 5-7 days. Banks typically require minimum income of AED 15,000 monthly (£3,200). The process is straightforward - we work with mortgage advisors who specialize in UK expat financing. Many UK clients combine Dubai mortgages with their off-plan payment plans for maximum flexibility.

• How does Dubai property compare to UK investment?

  Dubai wins on returns, UK on stability. Dubai offers 6-8% rental yields versus UK's 3-5%, plus zero taxes within UAE. Property prices grew 20% in 2024 compared to UK's 4.6%. You'll get more for your money - a Dubai Marina two-bedroom costs the same as a small London flat but includes pools, gyms, and concierge. However, UK markets are more stable with established regulations. Dubai excels for higher returns and lifestyle benefits; UK for long-term predictability. Most savvy UK investors diversify with both, using Dubai's tax-free income to offset UK property costs.

• What happens if I can't complete off-plan payments?

  You have options, and we'll guide you through them. Legitimate developers offer solutions: restructuring payment plans, extending deadlines, or allowing you to sell your contract to another buyer. In worst cases, you may forfeit 30-40% of paid amounts, but never everything. With our 7 years' experience, we've helped clients navigate every scenario. The key is choosing reputable developers (like Emaar, Damac, or Dubai Properties) and communicating early if challenges arise. We stay involved throughout your ownership journey, ensuring you're never alone if circumstances change.

• Is it cheaper to live in Dubai than the UK?

  Overall living costs favor Dubai for most UK expats. While some items cost more (alcohol, UK imports), the tax-free income means you keep 100% of earnings versus 60-80% in UK. Monthly costs: single person £863-1,615, family £3,014-3,596 (excluding rent). Petrol is 57% cheaper, no council tax, and utilities are competitive. British curriculum schools range from £8,200-20,500 annually. Dining out is often cheaper than UK cities. Most UK expats report saving 30-50% more in Dubai while enjoying a higher standard of living - think year-round sunshine, beach clubs, and world-class amenities.

• How do I manage my property from the UK?

  Professional management makes distance irrelevant. Property management companies charge 5-10% of rental income but handle everything: finding tenants, collecting rent, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. They provide quarterly reports and direct deposit rental income to your UK account. For Airbnb, specialized operators handle guest management and maximize occupancy. With digital property platforms, you can monitor performance, approve maintenance, and track finances from your phone. Our recommended management partners have dedicated UK desks, understanding exactly what British investors need for peace of mind.

• Why choose your company?

  Track record, expertise, and genuine care. As licensed Dubai real estate professionals with 7 years' experience and £400M in successful transactions, we've earned our reputation. We work exclusively with government-approved developers, provide complete fee transparency (no hidden costs), and support you from initial inquiry through to property management. Our UK clients stay with us because we deliver: expert market knowledge, honest advice even if it means no sale, and ongoing support long after purchase. Ask for references - our clients will tell you why trust isn't given but earned through consistent delivery. We're not just agents; we're your long-term Dubai investment partners.