BSL GROUP UAE

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about buying, investing, financing, and living in Dubai’s real estate market — answered by the BSL advisory team.

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Buying Process

Property Purchase in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most accessible real estate markets in the world for international buyers. No restrictions on nationality. No annual property taxes. Straightforward ownership rights.

Yes. Dubai allows foreign nationals to purchase freehold property in designated freehold zones across the city. There is no restriction based on nationality. Both UAE residents and non-residents can buy, own, and sell property freely with full title deed rights.

Freehold ownership means you own the property and the land it sits on outright — indefinitely and with no time limit. Dubai has over 40 designated freehold zones including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Circle.

For cash purchases, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks from offer acceptance to title deed issuance. For mortgage-financed purchases, allow 6–10 weeks to account for pre-approval, bank valuation, and transfer. Off-plan purchases are completed faster — usually within 5–7 days of signing the SPA.

For ready properties: a valid passport is the primary requirement. UAE residents will also need an Emirates ID. For off-plan reservations, a passport copy is usually sufficient. Proof of funds or a mortgage pre-approval letter may be required for some transactions.

It is not legally required, but strongly recommended. A RERA-registered agent gives you access to accurate listings, verified prices, legal documentation support, and negotiation expertise. BSL Group agents are fully RERA-certified with deep knowledge across all Dubai districts.

The DLD is the government authority that registers all property transactions in Dubai. Every sale, purchase, and mortgage must be registered with the DLD to be legally recognised. The DLD also issues the official title deed — proof of ownership.

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Off-Plan Properties

Off-Plan Investment Questions

Off-plan is Dubai’s most active investment segment — driven by flexible payment plans, competitive pricing, and strong capital appreciation potential. Here is what every investor should know before committing.

An off-plan property is purchased before or during construction. Buyers pay in instalments tied to construction milestones rather than upfront. Off-plan properties typically offer lower entry prices, more flexible payment terms, and the potential for strong capital appreciation by handover.

Dubai’s RERA mandates that all off-plan developers hold buyer funds in escrow accounts regulated by the DLD. Funds are only released to the developer upon verified construction milestones. This protects buyers from project mismanagement. RERA also maintains a public register of all approved off-plan projects.

Most developers structure plans on a 60/40 or 70/30 basis — paying the majority during construction and the balance on handover. Some offer post-handover payment plans where 30–50% is paid over 1–3 years after you receive the keys. BSL advisors can help you compare plans across multiple projects.

Yes, this is called a resale of an off-plan unit (secondary market). You can sell once you have paid a minimum threshold — usually 30–40% of the purchase price — depending on the developer’s terms. BSL manages off-plan resales regularly and can advise on optimal exit timing.

RERA has a clear regulatory framework. Developers must notify buyers of delays and may face penalties. If a project is cancelled, DLD ensures refunds from the escrow account. BSL only recommends projects from reputable, RERA-approved developers with strong delivery track records.

Bank mortgages are typically arranged at the handover stage, not during construction. During the build phase, you pay via the developer’s payment plan. BSL’s mortgage advisory team can prepare your pre-approval in advance so financing is ready when the property completes.

Mortgage & Finance

Financing Your Dubai Property

BSL Group partners with leading UAE banks to secure competitive mortgage rates for both resident and non-resident buyers. Our advisors manage the full process — from pre-approval to disbursement.

UAE residents can borrow up to 80% LTV on properties priced below AED 5 million. For properties above AED 5M, the maximum is 70%. Non-residents are typically capped at 75% LTV. First-time buyers and repeat buyers may have different thresholds — your BSL mortgage advisor will assess your specific profile.
Yes. Several UAE banks actively lend to non-residents from GCC countries, India, the UK, Europe, and beyond. Non-residents typically access up to 75% LTV and must provide additional documentation including income proof, bank statements, and country-specific credit assessments. BSL facilitates this process end to end.
As of 2025, fixed mortgage rates from UAE banks typically range from 3.99% to 5.5% per annum, depending on the lender, loan tenure, and borrower profile. Variable rates are also available and track the EIBOR benchmark. BSL negotiates preferred rates with partner banks on behalf of clients.
The DLD charges a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount, plus an admin fee of approximately AED 290. This is payable to the DLD at the time of property transfer and is separate from the 4% DLD transfer fee.
Pre-approval typically takes 3–7 business days once all documents are submitted. The pre-approval letter is usually valid for 60–90 days and allows you to make offers on properties with confirmed financing in place. BSL’s mortgage team manages the submission process on your behalf.
Standard requirements include: passport and Emirates ID (for residents), last 3–6 months bank statements, proof of income (salary certificate or audited accounts for self-employed), and a credit bureau report. Non-residents may need additional country-specific documents. BSL provides a full personalised checklist.

LTV Quick Reference

UAE Residents
Under AED 5M → 80% LTV
Over AED 5M → 70% LTV

Non-Residents
Under AED 5M → 75% LTV
Over AED 5M → 65% LTV

Additional Costs
DLD Transfer Fee → 4%
Mortgage Registration → 0.25%
Agency Commission → 2%

Mortgage Calculator →

Golden Visa

UAE Golden Visa Through Property

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most compelling residency programmes in the world — 10-year renewable residency, zero income tax, full business ownership rights, and family inclusion. Qualifying through real estate investment is the most straightforward pathway.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years — renewable indefinitely. It does not require an employer or local sponsor and extends to your spouse, children of any age, and one household assistant.
You must invest a minimum of AED 2,000,000 in real estate registered in your own name with the Dubai Land Department. The property must be fully paid — either in cash or via a mortgage where the remaining equity is at least AED 2M.
Yes — once your total payments on an off-plan property reach AED 2,000,000, you can apply for the Golden Visa. You do not need to wait for handover. Some developers provide official payment confirmation letters accepted directly by the ICA for visa applications.
Yes. If the property is jointly owned, each individual owner’s share must independently meet the AED 2M threshold. For example, if a property is worth AED 5M and owned 50/50, neither owner qualifies individually as each share is AED 2.5M — which does meet the threshold.
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks from the point of submitting a complete application to the ICA. BSL Group manages the full application, document preparation, and government submissions on behalf of clients. You do not need to be in the UAE for most of the process.
A standard UAE residence visa is tied to employment or sponsorship, is valid for 2–3 years, and becomes void if you leave the UAE for 6+ months. The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years, renewable, requires no sponsor, and allows you to remain outside the UAE for extended periods without losing status.

Selling & Fees

Selling, Costs & Tax Questions

Transparent pricing is central to how BSL operates. Here is a clear breakdown of every cost involved in buying and selling property in Dubai — no hidden charges, no surprises.

Sellers in Dubai typically pay: (1) the NOC (No Objection Certificate) fee charged by the developer — usually AED 500 to AED 5,000 depending on the developer; (2) a real estate agent commission of 2% of the sale price; and (3) any applicable service charge clearance. The 4% DLD transfer fee is traditionally shared between buyer and seller, though this is negotiable.
For well-priced, well-marketed properties, BSL typically achieves an offer within 2–6 weeks. The transfer process (from accepted offer to completed sale) takes a further 2–4 weeks for cash buyers and 6–10 weeks if the buyer requires a mortgage.
Yes. Before transferring ownership, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate from your property developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges or dues against the unit. BSL arranges this on your behalf as part of the listing process.
Yes. The most common process is a ‘mortgage to mortgage’ or ‘cash to mortgage’ transfer where the buyer’s funds or financing is used to settle the seller’s outstanding mortgage at the DLD transfer stage. BSL coordinates this process between both parties’ banks.
Buyers should budget approximately 6–8% above the purchase price for all costs: 4% DLD transfer fee + AED 4,000 admin, 2% agency commission, AED 2,000–4,000 DLD registration admin, and mortgage registration (0.25% of loan) if financing. There is no annual property tax in Dubai.
No. Dubai does not charge capital gains tax, income tax, or wealth tax. 100% of your profit from a property sale is yours to keep. This is one of the most significant financial advantages of investing in Dubai compared to other global real estate markets.

Fee Summary

BUYER COSTS
DLD Transfer Fee → 4%
Agency Commission → 2%
DLD Admin Fee → ~AED 4,000
Mortgage Reg. Fee → 0.25% of loan
Bank Processing → AED 2,500–5,000

SELLER COSTS
Agency Commission → 2%
NOC Fee → AED 500–5,000
Service Charge Clearance → Variable
Capital Gains Tax → 0% (None)
Income Tax → 0% (None)

List Your Property →

Still Have Questions?

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