The process of buying resold property in the Dubai from UK is similar to how it works in the UK. You look for a property and make a formal offer, which is usually done through an agent. If the offer is taken, a deposit (usually 10%) should be paid. You’ll also have to pay a transfer fee and fees to the real estate agent.
In Dubai, it’s common to buy a property before it’s finished. However, before you decide to buy, you should contact the right authorities in Dubai to find out more about the developer and the project. Developer fees vary from emirate to emirate, and you may have to pay in installments until the project is finished. You will also have to pay a transfer fee and a premium, which is usually a percentage of the original price. Before you sign a contract, you should make sure this is true and look for any hidden costs or information about what will happen if the project isn’t done on time. In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department has a service called “Escrow Account Service” that protects both the buyer and the developer during transactions.
How to pick a property to buy in Dubai
There are certain places in Dubai where foreigners can and can’t buy freehold or leasehold property.
We suggest you:
- check to see if the developer or real estate agent has been approved by a governing body.
- Check out other properties the developer has built to see how the finishes and work are done.
- Know exactly how much you will have to pay and when.
- Make sure you can buy property in the area you want as a foreign investor.
- Do a price check to make sure the property you want to buy is being sold at a fair market value.
- Make sure your lender has approved your loan and you have thought about all the costs, such as the down payment, agent fees, transfer fees, etc.
- have gotten legal advice and know what your contractual obligations are. You have also told the right people about any concerns you have.
How to rent a property in Dubai from UK
In Dubai, it is common to rent. In the past few years, rents have gone down a lot, making the market more competitive.
You should only use agents who are registered. In Dubai, ask to see the agent’s RERA card. This will show that the agent is working legally and not freelancing, which is illegal in Dubai and over the UAE. If you use an agent, you can expect to pay the agent a fee, which is usually a certain percentage of the annual rent.
When you find a house you like, you will usually have to show a copy of your passport and proof that you live there. At this point, the landlord will ask you to pay a deposit equal to a certain amount of the annual rent. You will also have to give the landlord a number of checks with dates in the past, but this varies from landlord to landlord. It’s important to make sure the contract clearly says when the cheques need to be turned in and that you photocopy the cheques as proof of what you’ve given. Please keep in mind that it is against the law in the UAE to give someone a bad check, and you could be arrested and put in jail if you do.
In Dubai, a legal contract should be registered through Ejari, which is a system made to keep the rental market in Dubai organized and easy to use. The contract should make it clear what the landlord and the renters are responsible for. Once the contract is signed with Ejari, the landlord can’t change it.
Checklist for UK Renters in Dubai
- Do some research on the market, talk to local real estate agents, and look at local newspapers and websites. 2 You should think about payments that need to be made up front, such as your deposit, broker fees, moving costs, utility hookups, etc.
- If you use an agent, you should make sure they have a license.
- Your contract should have told you what your responsibilities are, so make sure you read the fine print.
- Before you sign the contract, you might want to talk to a lawyer.
- Check to see if you need to register your contact.
- Think about the things you can do nearby. You should also think about the traffic in your area, as it can add a lot of time to your trip.
- You might want to think about getting insurance for your stuff.
Dubai property rental and purchase issues: what to do?
A significant number of issues are brought about because purchasers or renters do not consult an attorney or carefully study the contracts they sign. When obtaining legal guidance, it is imperative that you consult with a local attorney.
If you believe that you have been treated unfairly or that your developer or landlord has behaved in an unethical manner, you may want to consider contacting RERA. They will be able to review your contract and offer you individualized guidance if you do so.
In the event that you make the decision to lodge a complaint against your developer or landlord, you will be required to give as much information as is reasonably practicable (with evidence). You should be aware that this can be a lengthy process at times, and that it can take many months and even years for cases to be resolved. You should be prepared for this possibility.
Dubai property rental and purchase issues: What the UK Embassy can do?
The British Embassy in Dubai do not have the jurisdiction or the ability to become engaged in a private legal action that is taking place in another country, nor can we participate in the processes that are being carried out by another nation. If you run across an issue, we will be able to offer guidance regarding who you should speak to and what the procedures are. If you are a party to a case, we can make an effort to obtain information about it and keep you updated on its status.
Although the British Embassy is unable to make any recommendations for lawyers, there is a list of lawyers who are fluent in English that may be found on this page of GOV.UK website. If you choose to retain legal representation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you must be aware that only a local lawyer is permitted to do so. You may seek the counsel of a lawyer from another country, but because they do not have no legal jurisdiction and not practice law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they will not be able to represent you there.
You have the right to file a complaint with either the Dubai Legal Affairs Department in Dubai, if you believe that your attorney has behaved in an inappropriate manner or has failed to represent you in accordance with the agreement that the two of you have made. In all other emirates, the appropriate place to lodge a complaint is with the local municipality.
See the page on “Support for British Nationals Abroad” for more details on the assistance that can be provided by the embassy. This page contains introductory advice on purchasing real estate in a foreign country.
