How to Buy Land in Dubai – A to Z Guide 

Are you wondering how to buy land in Dubai and any of its areas? If so, then you are in luck – as this guide will walk you through valuable insider tips to do that, including an A to Z guide on how to plan to buy a piece of land and how to go through the process. Also, it will address various crucial questions, such as whether expats can buy land in Dubai and much more. So, explore this thorough guide and the valuable information it has to offer. 

• Plan Financially
• Decide the Land Usage
• Pick a Location
• Development Regulations
• Freehold vs Leasehold
• Arrange a Land Survey
• Agreement with Seller
• Title Transfer
• Resale Value
• FAQ

Steps to Buy Land in Dubai

Can we buy land in Dubai is a question many people ask. This does not come as a surprise due to the city’s great growth and development. Therefore, many people are invested in buying pieces of land in Dubai. Also, because of this massive development, many investors are interested in how to buy commercial land in Dubai for their thriving projects. So, explore how to buy any piece of land in Dubai with these steps below. 

1. Plan Financially 

When asking yourself can I buy land in Dubai – ask yourself this too: what is my budget? Setting a budget is always the first and most important step when planning any big project. This will help you plan out financially and distribute your money wisely. 

In addition, study your payment options such as how your bank can help out. For instance, are you paying in cash, or will you take out a mortgage loan with the support of your bank? If so, make sure to be familiar with the loan advantages and the interest rates. Also, be aware of everything regarding loans in the UAE for expats. 

2. Decide the Land Usage 

Secondly, you must decide why you are buying land before wondering whether can you buy land in Dubai or not. That is because the usage of the land will help determine other important factors. Such as location, investment value, understanding legal requirements, and re-saleability. 

Furthermore, one can purchase land in Dubai for various purposes. It can be for personal use, such as building the house of your dreams. Or you may want to buy industrial land in Dubai for commercial purposes. Each of these has different criteria and requirements, which is why deciding the usage of the land is extremely important. 

3. Pick a Location 

Thirdly, after planning financially and deciding on the usage of the land, You will need to pick where you want to buy land. There are many land plots in Dubai worth investing in – whether personally or for business. Therefore, the list below will showcase some of the best places to buy land in Dubai for any use: 

• Residential lands:
  • Jebel Ali
  • Pearl Jumeirah
  • Al Furjan
  • Dubai Hills Estate
  • Pearl Jumeirah 
  • Jebel Ali Hills 
  • Jumeirah Village Triangle 
  • Damac Hills 
  • Jumeirah Garden City
  • Palm Jebel Ali 
• Commercial lands:
  • Dubai Production City 
  • Barsha Heights 
  • Al Jaddaf 
  • Dubai Industrial City 
  • Jebel Ali Industrial 
  • Al Mamzar 
  • Al Qouz 

4. Be Aware of the Development Regulations 

Another crucial reason to choose both the usage of the land and the location is to help you understand the area’s regulations. The development regulations may differ from one area to another in Dubai, especially whether they are commercial or residential. 

In addition, upon visiting the Dubai Development Authority, you will come across these regulations and codes. Such as how to present plot boundaries, dimensions, areas, setbacks, surroundings and land uses. 

5. Difference between Freehold and Leasehold

In addition, upon buying land in Dubai – one must understand the difference between freehold land and leasehold land. Firstly, a freehold land is a piece of land that you can buy and own fully. This includes both the land and everything on it. Secondly, leaseholding is when you own the rights to a piece of land for a temporary period of time. 

Now, why is it important to know the difference between freehold and leasehold in Dubai? Well, the answer is essential to expats desiring to own land in the city. According to the UAE Government, non-UAE nationals can buy freehold land in Dubai only. In other words, expats can only own land plots designated as freehold properties. That is in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation Number 3 of 2006. 

6. Arrange a Land Survey

Surveying lands by yourself is not as easy as surveying buildings or apartments for example. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional to perform a land survey. This is an important step so you can be fully aware of the size of the land. As well as its boundaries and possible future issues like topography, soil quality, and others. 

Through the Government of Dubai, individuals and businesses can conduct said surveys. Simply head to the official website, go to ”Services”, and submit a “Real Estate Survey Application”. Also, a field survey of land would cost AED 500 – which you can pay cash or online. 

7. Agreement with Seller 

Getting to this step means that you finished all the previous six steps and are ready to buy land in Dubai! The land seller can be an individual, a company, or a residential development corporation. Also, you can do contracts through a third party, like a real estate company. This would be easier and more flexible, as they will negotiate various terms on your behalf. Moreover, when the contracts are drafted, make sure to read them thoroughly. 

8. Title Transfer 

When contracts are drafted and signed and you are ready to move forward, it will be time to submit a title transfer application. This is also done through the official portal of Dubai’s Government and Dubai Land Department. Find below everything you need to know regarding this application. Note that this whole procedure would only take about 25 minutes. 

• Documents
  • Transferor letter – either an entity or person 
  • Owner UAE ID or an official power of attorney in case an individual is not present 
  • Non-residents must have copies of a valid passport 
  • Companies must have a valid trade license 
• Fees 
  • Title deed: AED 250 per certificate 
  • Land plots map for lands outside the jurisdiction of Dubai Municipality: AED 100 
  • Land map for the unified map with Dubai Municipality: AED 225 
  • Knowledge fee: AED 10
  • Innovation fee: AED 10 
• Steps 
  • Submit an application at the Land Department Customer Happiness Center
  • An employee will review documents and payments and enter all details into the system. 
  • Pay the fees and receive your receipt 
  • An employee will audit and approve the transaction
  • You will receive a link for the title deed and the map via email 

9. Keep in Mind the Resale Value 

When owning any piece of property, one must keep in mind the long-term value. That is important in case you may resell your property in the future. Therefore, it is important to consider a desirable location and good investment potential to protect yourself. 

FAQ

In conclusion, buying land in Dubai is a great investment for both individuals and businesses. Lands rarely lose value, making them the best long-term project for anyone. In addition, Property Finder’s blog is filled with guides to owning property in Dubai. So, make sure to explore them.