Dubai · Community Guide

Downtown Dubai

Central Dubai, along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

Living in Downtown Dubai

The city's centrepiece district around Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, combining flagship residences, five-star hotels and the Opera District.

Market snapshot

Average price: AED 2.5M
Gross rental yield: 5.2%
Emirate: Dubai

Developers building here

Sobha Realty

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.