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Square² — Real Estate

FAQ

Buying Dubai property, answered

Straight answers to the questions international investors ask most before buying off-plan or trophy real estate in Dubai.

Can a foreigner buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy property with full ownership in Dubai's designated freehold areas, with no residency or citizenship required to purchase. Square² is a Dubai Land Department-registered brokerage (RERA ORN 1375771) and handles the process end-to-end for buyers based abroad.
Can I buy Dubai property remotely from abroad?
Yes. The full purchase — selection, reservation, contracts, payment and title transfer — can be completed remotely, with a power of attorney where needed. Square² supports remote buyers in English, Arabic, French and Russian, from France, the UK, the USA and worldwide.
Does buying property in Dubai give you residency?
It can. A property investment of AED 750,000+ can qualify for a 2-year investor visa, and AED 2 million+ can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. Square² advises which properties meet the thresholds and manages the residency process alongside the purchase.
What is the difference between off-plan and ready property?
Off-plan is bought from a developer before or during construction, usually with staged payment plans and lower entry prices, but you wait for handover. Ready (secondary) property is already built and can generate rent immediately. Square² advises on both based on your goals for yield, growth and timing.
What are the costs of buying property in Dubai?
Budget roughly 7–8% on top of the price: a 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, agency commission (about 2%), plus registration and conveyancing fees. Off-plan purchases may also carry an Oqood registration fee. There is no annual property tax in Dubai.
What rental yields can I expect in Dubai?
Dubai typically offers gross rental yields of around 5–8%, higher than most global cities, and rental income is tax-free. Actual yield depends on area, property type and whether you let long-term or short-term. Square² models expected net yield before you buy.
Is Square² a licensed real estate brokerage?
Yes. Square² Real Estate is registered with the Dubai Land Department and RERA under office registration number (ORN) 1375771, operating from Office 803, Lake Central Tower, Business Bay, Dubai. Every mandate is owned end-to-end by one senior advisor.
How do off-plan payment plans work in Dubai?
Off-plan is paid in stages tied to construction milestones — commonly a 10–20% down payment, instalments during construction, and a balance at handover, with some developers offering post-handover plans. Buyer funds are protected in a RERA-regulated escrow account. Square² reviews each plan before you commit.