An Investment Decision Made from a Distance
Investing in Dubai from abroad raises questions a local buyer rarely has to ask: which communities and developers merit the capital, how a payment plan compares with a completed purchase, how financing works for a non-resident, and who will look after the asset once the transaction is done. We answer them in that order, against your objective, before any property is proposed.
Under Dubai law, non-UAE nationals may hold freehold property, without time restriction, in the areas of Dubai designated for that purpose; this includes foreigners who do not live in the UAE. Ownership is recorded in the property register of the Dubai Land Department, which issues the title deed.
The Objective Comes First
Before any property is considered, we agree what the investment is for: income, preservation of capital, a home for the family, residence, or a combination of these. We then consider how the acquisition fits alongside your existing property and investment exposure, including currency, concentration, liquidity and investment horizon.
Completed or Off-Plan
A completed property can be inspected before purchase and let from the outset. An off-plan property is paid for in stages under the developer's payment plan and depends on the project being delivered. Dubai law requires payments made by off-plan purchasers to be deposited in an escrow account dedicated to the construction of that project. Which route is right depends on the objective, not on the payment plan.
Objective and Location
The role the property should play in your wealth, then the communities and asset types that fit it, assessed on future supply, rental depth and resale liquidity.
Strategic Advisory
Developer and Opportunity
Developer delivery record, entry point and payment structure, across new launches, resale and off-market stock, drawing on our direct developer relationships.
Access to Opportunities
Acquisition Coordination
We coordinate each step with you remotely, explain at the outset where your presence or a legal representative is required, and introduce trusted conveyancing and legal professionals where needed.
Discuss an InvestmentFinancing, Residency and Ownership
Three questions shape most international purchases: how the acquisition is funded, whether it supports an application for UAE residence, and how the asset will be held and managed once you own it.
Financing Support
Where you use financing, we assist through a wide and reputable network of mortgage brokers, and assess how the terms affect the return before you commit. Lending to non-residents is available from a number of UAE banks, on terms and eligibility criteria set by each lender.
Discuss Financing
Golden Visa Assistance
Where the investment may support a Golden Visa application, we assist you through the process. Eligibility is determined, and the visa issued, by the UAE authorities. The Dubai Land Department lists property valued at AED 2 million or more, wholly owned by the investor across one or more properties, as a route to a 10-year renewable residence permit. Mortgaged property may be accepted with a no-objection letter from the bank. Residence can follow a sound investment; it should not be the reason for an unsound one.
Golden Visa
Ownership and Stewardship
Ownership structure is considered before purchase. After completion, our Private Office manages leasing, tenants and reporting, with the portfolio visible in Sidra wherever you are, and plans the eventual exit with you.
The Private OfficeHow the Acquisition Proceeds
A completed resale property usually follows five steps:
- Agreement of price and terms between buyer and seller through the applicable DLD/RERA sale contract.
- Payment of a deposit.
- Obtaining the developer’s no-objection certificate where required for the transfer.
- Transfer of ownership at a Dubai Land Department registration trustee office.
- Issue of the title deed in your name.
An off-plan purchase is contracted with the developer and registered with the Dubai Land Department. Instalments are paid into the project’s escrow account, and the title deed follows completion.
Where you cannot attend the transfer, a representative may act for you under a power of attorney that meets UAE requirements. We confirm the appropriate route with you before you commit.
The Cost of Entry
Beyond the price, an acquisition involves the Dubai Land Department registration fee of 4% of the sale value, divided between buyer and seller as set in the sale contract, together with trustee and other administrative fees, brokerage commission and, where the purchase is financed, mortgage registration; a resale may also involve a developer’s fee for the no-objection certificate. Once you own the property, there are annual service charges and, where it is let, management costs. Before you commit, we set out the principal acquisition and ownership costs relevant to the transaction.
Income, Liquidity and Exit
We measure return net of service charges, management, letting costs and expected vacancy, rather than on gross yield. Resale demand differs by community and by type of asset, so we consider who the next buyer is likely to be before recommending a purchase. When the time comes, our sale advisory handles the disposal.
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. Rental income and gains on sale from property an individual holds personally fall outside UAE corporate tax where the activity does not require a business licence. Your country of residence, your nationality or another jurisdiction may tax the same income or gains.
We do not give tax advice. Where a purchase has consequences in your country of residence, we work with your own advisers.
Who We Advise
Private investors, families and family offices from Europe, Asia and the Americas investing in Dubai from abroad, from a first acquisition to a portfolio built over several years. When the time comes to sell, our sale advisory completes the cycle.
Where Dubai real estate forms part of a wider international allocation, we work alongside Redwood Heritage Multi-Family Office, a separate business.
- First-time investors in Dubai seeking an independent view
- Non-resident owners building a portfolio over time
- Families and family offices allocating to UAE real estate
- Investors considering residency alongside the investment
Discuss an Investment from Abroad
We work with international clients remotely and in person in Dubai. A first conversation covers your objective, your timing and the questions specific to investing from abroad.
Malika Al Mellouki, Chief Executive Officer · Meet the Founders
