Dubai · Community Guide

Business Bay

South of Downtown Dubai along the Dubai Water Canal

Living in Business Bay

A fast-growing canal-side district next to Downtown, mixing corporate towers with new luxury residential addresses.

Market snapshot

Average price: AED 1.6M
Gross rental yield: 6%
Emirate: Dubai

Developers building here

Location

Common questions

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?+

Yes. Non-residents and foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and most new master communities, with full ownership rights.

What fees do I pay when buying?+

Budget roughly 7–8% on top of the purchase price: 4% DLD transfer fee, about 2% agency commission plus VAT, trustee office fees, and mortgage registration of 0.25% if financing.

What is the minimum down payment for a mortgage?+

UAE residents typically need 20% down for properties under AED 5 million (30% above). Non-residents are usually asked for 40% or more, depending on the bank.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?+

Yes, several UAE banks lend to non-residents, generally up to 50–60% of the property value with streamlined income documentation.

What does off-plan mean?+

Off-plan property is bought directly from a developer before construction is complete, usually on a staged payment plan linked to construction milestones and secured through a DLD-regulated escrow account.