Dubai is one of the most attractive cities in the world for real estate investment. With its futuristic skyline, tax-free income, secure legal framework, and ever-growing luxury property market, the city has established itself as a magnet for global investors. Among the key questions international buyers often ask is: Can foreigners buy property in Dubai? The answer is yes. And not only is it legal and straightforward — it becomes exceptionally smooth when done through Luxhabitat, Dubai’s leading luxury real estate agency.
This guide explains how foreigners can legally buy property in Dubai via Luxhabitat, outlines the process step by step, and explores why so many high-net-worth individuals choose Luxhabitat for their property investment needs.
Foreign Ownership in Dubai: What the Law Says
In 2002, Dubai introduced a revolutionary property law allowing foreigners to buy freehold property in designated areas of the city. This marked a turning point for the emirate’s real estate market and paved the way for international ownership on a large scale.
As a foreigner, you are allowed to buy, sell, lease, and own property outright in freehold zones. These areas are officially approved by the government and include some of the most luxurious and desirable neighborhoods in Dubai — such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and District One, among others.
In these zones, you can own the property and the land it stands on, with full rights to lease, sell, or pass it on as inheritance. This makes buying property in Dubai not just a lifestyle decision, but a long-term investment opportunity with minimal restrictions.
Why Choose Luxhabitat for Property Purchase?
Foreign investors who want a secure, premium, and well-managed property buying experience often choose Luxhabitat. Unlike standard property portals that list a wide range of homes, Luxhabitat focuses exclusively on luxury, design-led, and curated real estate. This includes bespoke villas, high-end penthouses, contemporary apartments, and architecturally significant homes.
One of the biggest advantages of using Luxhabitat is the platform’s tailored service for international buyers. The agency employs multilingual consultants who understand cross-border transactions and provide one-on-one assistance to help you navigate the legal, financial, and cultural elements of buying in a foreign country.
Their listings are pre-qualified, verified, and often include off-market properties that are not available to the general public. If you’re looking for quality over quantity, Luxhabitat offers a highly selective and private inventory of homes that cater to international tastes.
The Buying Process for Foreigners with Luxhabitat
Buying a property in Dubai through Luxhabitat is a smooth and transparent process. Everything is handled professionally from the first inquiry to the moment you receive the title deed.
First, you can browse Luxhabitat’s website to explore listings in various neighborhoods. The search tools allow you to filter properties by price range, location, size, and property type. Each listing includes detailed photos, virtual tours, floor plans, and neighborhood information — giving you full visibility before arranging a viewing.
Next, you’ll be connected to a property consultant who will learn about your goals, whether you’re purchasing for investment, as a second home, or for relocation. If you’re outside the UAE, they can arrange virtual tours, video calls, and digital documentation to help you move forward remotely.
Once you select a property, your Luxhabitat agent will help you submit a formal offer. If the seller agrees, both parties sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines the sale terms. At this stage, you’ll pay a 10% deposit to secure the deal.
Afterward, legal checks begin — including title deed verification, seller due diligence, and clearance from the developer (if needed). When all conditions are met, the final transaction takes place at the Dubai Land Department, where ownership is officially transferred and the title deed is issued in your name.
What Documents Do Foreigners Need to Buy Property?
Buying property in Dubai as a non-resident is not complicated, but you do need a few essential documents. These typically include a valid passport, proof of residence in your home country (such as a utility bill), proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval, and a visa copy (if you are already residing in the UAE).
If you’re purchasing through a company or jointly with another person, you may also need business registration papers or powers of attorney. Luxhabitat helps organize all of this, offering referrals to trusted legal and financial advisors if needed.
What About Mortgages for Foreigners?
The good news is that foreigners can obtain mortgages in Dubai, although conditions can differ slightly from those offered to residents. Many banks in Dubai provide home loans to non-residents, but you’ll generally need to make a higher down payment, typically between 25% and 40% of the property’s value.
Loan tenure can go up to 25 years, and interest rates are competitive. To apply, you’ll need to show bank statements, proof of income, and a clean credit history. Luxhabitat’s partnerships with mortgage brokers and lenders can help simplify this part of the process, ensuring you’re paired with a financing solution that matches your budget.
Costs and Fees to Be Aware Of
While there are no annual property taxes in Dubai, there are some one-time costs involved in buying property as a foreigner. These include a 4% transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department, a 2% agency commission (usually paid to Luxhabitat), and an NOC (No Objection Certificate) fee, which can vary between AED 500 to AED 5,000 depending on the developer.
There’s also a registration trustee fee, typically ranging from AED 4,000 to AED 5,000, depending on the value of the property. If you’re financing the purchase through a mortgage, you’ll also pay a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount.
Luxhabitat provides a full cost breakdown in advance so you can budget properly and avoid any surprises during the process.
Can Property Ownership Lead to Residency in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai offers residency visas to property owners, which is another reason many foreigners choose to buy. If your property is worth AED 750,000 or more, you may qualify for a renewable residency visa valid for 2 years. If you invest AED 2 million or more, you could be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa, which includes sponsorship for your family members as well.
Luxhabitat can help identify properties that qualify for visa-linked ownership and guide you through the residency application process with immigration advisors.
Why Foreigners Trust Luxhabitat
Luxhabitat’s reputation for luxury, privacy, and professionalism makes it the go-to choice for global investors. The agency has a strong track record of working with celebrities, executives, royalty, and international buyers who value discretion and service.
What sets Luxhabitat apart is its personalized approach — you are not just a number. Each client is assigned a dedicated consultant who offers insights on architecture, interior design potential, rental ROI, and lifestyle fit, all while managing the logistics of buying from overseas.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Can foreigners buy property in Dubai via Luxhabitat? — the answer is a resounding yes. Not only is it legal for foreigners to own property in Dubai, but the process is also straightforward, well-regulated, and incredibly rewarding when you work with a professional brokerage like Luxhabitat.
From curated luxury listings and legal support to personalized service and residency guidance, Luxhabitat is the ideal partner for foreign nationals seeking to invest in Dubai’s dynamic property market. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a skyline-view penthouse, or a private estate, Luxhabitat provides the expertise and access to make your investment secure and successful.
