Information and procedures for buying a property
We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to buying your dream flat in Dubai. After all, investing in or buying property isn’t always an easy process, especially when you’re based far away from the country in question – although it has to be said that Dubai is only a few kilometres from France.
Buying your first property on the other side of the world can involve certain risks, which is why you need to be sure you fully understand all the nuances and characteristics of the Dubai property market. You might think that buying a property in France is simpler than in Dubai, but that is not the case.
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you’re aware that a great many French people are choosing to invest in Dubai – and that’s no small matter; the advantages and benefits are incredible!
We’re going to explain why it’s so worthwhile to invest in a flat in Dubai and what specific steps you need to take to do so.
What pitfalls should you watch out for? Or how can you make sure you’ve secured the best financing deal for your dream flat?
Why does Dubai appeal so much to investors?
Contrary to popular belief, all the high-tech developments by property developers attract wealthy investors and families looking for a rental property in Dubai.
It is worth noting that it is no coincidence that new residents are flocking here in their thousands, as the price per square metre in Dubai is unrivalled. It is worth noting that the purchase price per square metre for a property in Dubai is lower than the prices charged in most major European cities.
On average, it stands at 2,000 euros; in London, it’s 15,000 euros per square metre; and in Paris, prices hover around 10,000 euros per square metre! It’s easy to see that investing in Dubai is far more affordable than in the rest of the world, especially as the amenities and comfort of the flats here are in a league of their own compared to what you’ll find elsewhere: in Dubai, you’ll have a luxury flat!
If you’re still not convinced, we’ll give you all the ins and outs of making the perfect investment in Dubai, to put your mind at ease as you go ahead with your purchase.
Whether you simply want to invest to generate substantial rental returns or are looking to become a permanent resident, Dubai is sure to fulfil your wishes!
We are fully aware that buying a villa in Dubai is an investment that spans several years or even a lifetime. That is why we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this major project a success.
The Dubai market is constantly evolving, with legislation that is very different from that in France.
Key information to consider before buying a property in Dubai
It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the Dubai property market before investing. It is a dynamic and constantly evolving market, offering a wide variety of property types, ranging from flats to luxury villas.
Prices vary considerably depending on location, the type of property, its size, its facilities and market conditions.
Another important factor to consider is Dubai’s property law. Foreigners are permitted to own property in designated “freehold” areas.
Furthermore, the Dubai government has introduced investor-friendly regulations, including the residence visa for property investors, which allows property owners to live in Dubai for an extended period.
Finally, the tax aspect is also important. Dubai is known for its favourable tax regime, with no income tax or capital gains tax, which is very attractive to international investors.
Identifying your criteria
Dubai’s property market
Over the past few years, property and flat prices have fallen dramatically. Dubai’s neighbourhoods have multiplied and evolved.
For a long time, expatriate workers could not afford to buy a home in Dubai, as supply was lower than demand. Those days are now a thing of the past, as property developers are completing one construction project after another.
The vast majority of employees can now buy their own homes in Dubai. At the same time, the financial capital of the United Arab Emirates has become the fourth most popular city in the world for foreign tourists. Investors are therefore continuing to buy new properties.
But why Dubai? The answer is very simple: here, the returns on investment are extremely attractive! The Dubai property market stands out from the rest of the world thanks to its many advantages: streamlined and transparent procedures, no taxes whatsoever, extraordinary rental yields, unbeatable financing schemes, and much more besides…
Defining your purchase plan
Once you have decided whether to invest in a rental property or buy a flat for your own use, it is important to ask yourself the following questions so that our team can best define your purchase plan:
1. How many bedrooms would you like in your flat? In Dubai, you’ll usually have a choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms.
2. Would you like a flat that has already been built, or would you prefer to buy off-plan from one of the property developers in our catalogue?
3. Have you already decided which neighbourhood in Dubai you’d like to live in? If not, our experts will be on hand to help you.
4. What budget will you set aside for this investment? Will you need to take out a loan from a Dubai-based bank? Or will you use a financing plan?
5. When are you planning to buy this flat? Straight away, in six months’ time, or in a year’s time? This is a key factor, as the property market in Dubai is changing rapidly.
Set your budget and find a property that suits you
The investment you are about to make is probably the investment of a lifetime, or at least for the next few years.
That is why we need to ensure that your projected finances are reliable and balanced. In this way, we can guarantee that you are able to cover the costs associated with purchasing this flat.
We will, of course, be there every step of the way throughout this investment process, to support you at every stage. You should be aware that the best flats for sale do not stay on the market for very long.
Consequently, to successfully secure the best opportunity, you need to act very quickly! This is also why it is important to organise your financial plan properly in advance, so as not to miss out on a good opportunity.
Monthly repayments under a finance plan
As a general rule – and this applies to any property purchase, regardless of the country you choose – it is best to ensure that your monthly mortgage repayment does not exceed 25 to 30% of your salary.
This is a crucial factor in ensuring that you are fully able to repay your bank loan without it causing you any financial difficulties. Our experts will work with you to put together this application for Dubai-based banks, should you wish.
Also bear in mind all the costs and charges that may be added to your mortgage. These may vary depending on the property developer you choose.
Information on the financing plan
Payment facilities, also known as payment plans, ensure that you can pay off your flat without any difficulty.
In Dubai, this type of investment is commonplace. In the vast majority of cases, the contracts allow you to recoup more than half of your total investment years after you have been handed the keys.
Repayment terms can be as long as 12 years. This means you can become a homeowner without needing a large initial deposit.
Examples of payment plans:
Please note that all our payment plans are guaranteed to be commission-free and interest-free!
The flat of your dreams, listed at 1,250,000 AED on our website, will cost you no more than that. For example, a payment plan with the developer Ellington Properties for a flat costing 150,000€ would be paid as follows:
– 15 % payable when booking the flat
– 35% to be paid during construction, then 50% upon handover
And as all property procedures in Dubai are designed to make your life easier, please note that property developers will not ask you for any supporting evidence or documents.
In fact, in Dubai, we take the view that if you are able to pay 20% as a deposit upon signing the deed of transfer, including notary fees, then you are in a position to cover the full cost of this transaction.
To conclude
You are now well equipped to navigate the Dubai property market and, we are certain, to find the flat of your dreams. The unattainable, the dream, the luxury – they are all within your reach!
Our teams, along with all our estate agents, are at your complete disposal to help with any flat searches. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a shortlist of properties; we will draw up a comprehensive list of flats that meet all your requirements!
To make buying a property in Dubai easier, put your trust in our Dubai Real Estate | Net estate agency.
Choosing your property
Floor area and facilities
You could start by asking yourself how many bedrooms you need, as well as what your ideal number of living rooms would be. Would you like a balcony, or a private swimming pool? In Dubai, you can never dream too big, as absolutely all your wishes can come true!
The majority of new developments by property developers are located in large, highly secure complexes, with security guards and CCTV cameras in place. Depending on the level of services you choose, please note that you may have access to a 24-hour concierge service, a valet parking service, a
a clubhouse, kids’ clubs and even a crèche! Here, the staff are on hand to look after you from morning till night, and can take care of all the day-to-day hassles for you. Naturally, all these properties are fitted with air conditioning and state-of-the-art facilities.
Luxury in Dubai
Dubai is, above all else, home to monumental and luxurious buildings that you won’t find anywhere else. We can almost guarantee that the residential complex where your flat is located will have one or more swimming pools!
Lagoons, infinity pools, wellness centres with hammams, saunas and spas, tennis courts and gyms are a common sight in Dubai. Everything you could wish for will now be right at your fingertips.
As well as all these exclusive amenities and services, you’ll find shopping centres, restaurants and cafés, international schools and private clinics close to your home or community. Everything here has been carefully thought out to make your life easier, so that you’ll never want to leave Dubai.
Obtaining your residence visa
In Dubai, the government grants you access to residence visas if you purchase property in the country.
It is thanks to this valuable pass that you will be able to settle permanently with your family. The legislation is very lenient and the financial terms are particularly favourable.
To obtain a residence visa, you will need to invest in a flat worth at least 750,000 AED, or €225,000. Even at this price, you will find some truly luxury flats in Dubai.
For further information, read our article: Investing and becoming a resident in Dubai
Opening a bank account in Dubai
Opening a bank account in Dubai is essential to ensure you have secure financial investments that you can manage remotely.
The property market in Dubai has been so attractive and lucrative in recent years that banks have had to adapt: as an expat, you can now find a bank in Dubai very easily!
In order to confirm your final financial transaction, you will, in the vast majority of cases, be required to provide a management cheque at the same time as transferring your funds.
That is why it is virtually impossible to avoid opening a bank account in Dubai. The process is extremely straightforward, so why not give it a go? Whether you are a permanent resident or a non-resident, you are entitled to hold a bank account in Dubai.
The only difference for people who do not hold a Dubai residence visa is that they are not permitted to hold a current account in the country. However, they can open a standard bank account. In the same situation – that is, for non-residents – you will not be allowed to have a chequebook when you open your bank account.
However, there are no restrictions on obtaining a debit card; the authorised withdrawal limit may, however, vary.
It is therefore best to start these banking procedures once your residence visa has been issued by the authorities. That way, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Dubai’s banks have to offer.
To do this, you will need to prepare a few supporting documents to present to your bank: a copy of your valid passport showing the entry stamp for the UAE, your up-to-date CV, a letter of recommendation from your bank manager, and your last six bank statements.
