Information and process of a real estate purchase
We've put together a beginner's guide to buying a dream apartment in Dubai. Investing in or buying real estate is not always easy, especially when you're far from the country in question, even though Dubai is only a few kilometers from France.
Embarking on your first property purchase on the other side of the world can be fraught with risks, which is why you need to be sure you understand all the peculiarities and characteristics of the Dubai real estate market. You may think that becoming a homeowner in France is easier than in Dubai, but it's not.
If you're reading this article, it's probably because you're aware that many French people decide to invest in Dubai, and the advantages and benefits are incredible!
We'll explain why it's so attractive to invest in an apartment in Dubai, and what you need to do to get started.
What pitfalls should you watch out for? Or how to make sure you've got the best financing plan for the apartment of your dreams?
Why is Dubai such an investor's dream?
Contrary to popular belief, all these high-tech jewels are attracting wealthy investors and families looking to rent in Dubai.
It's no coincidence that thousands of new residents are flocking to Dubai, where the price per m2 defies all competition. The price per square meter of housing in Dubai is lower than in most major European cities.
The average price is €2,000, while in London it's €15,000 per m2, and in Paris, prices hover around €10,000 per m2! It's easy to see why investing in Dubai is much more affordable than in the rest of the world, especially as the amenities and comfort of the apartments here are nothing like what you'll see elsewhere: in Dubai, you'll have a luxury apartment!
If you're still not convinced, we'll show you all the tricks of the Dubai investment trade, so you can feel confident about your purchase.
Whether you're simply looking to invest for high rental yields or to become a permanent resident, Dubai is the place to be!
We are fully aware that buying a villa in Dubai is the investment of many years or a lifetime. That's why we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make this great project a success.
The Dubai market is constantly evolving, with legislation that is very different from that in France.
Essential information before buying property in Dubai
It's essential to understand the Dubai real estate market before investing. It's a dynamic and constantly evolving market, offering a variety of property types, from apartments to luxury villas.
Prices vary considerably depending on location, property type, size, amenities and market conditions.
Another important factor to consider is Dubai's real estate law. Foreigners have the right to own real estate in designated "freehold" areas.
What's more, the Dubai government has introduced investor-friendly regulations, including the Property Investor Residence Visa, which allows homeowners to live in Dubai for an extended period.
Finally, the tax aspect is also important. Dubai is known for its favorable tax regime, with no income or capital gains tax, which is very attractive to international investors.
Identify your criteria
Dubai real estate profile
For a number of years, property and apartment prices have fallen drastically. Dubai's communities have multiplied and evolved.
For a long time, expatriate workers couldn't afford to buy a home in Dubai, as supply outstripped demand. This is no longer the case, however, as one property developer after another is building.
The vast majority of wage earners are now able to own their own home in Dubai. At the same time, the financial capital of the United Arab Emirates has become the 4th most popular city in the world for foreign tourists. As a result, investors are constantly buying up new real estate.
But why Dubai? The answer is very simple: here, returns on investment are very attractive! The Dubai real estate market stands out from the rest of the world thanks to its many advantages: simplified and transparent procedures, no taxes whatsoever, extraordinary rental yields, unrivalled financing plans, and much more...
Defining your purchasing project
Once you've decided whether to invest in a rental property or buy an apartment yourself, it's important to ask yourself the following questions so that our team can best define your purchasing project:
1. How many bedrooms would you like in your apartment? In Dubai, you can choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms in the vast majority of cases.
2. Are you looking for an apartment that's already been built, or would you prefer to buy off-plan from one of the developers in our catalog?
3. Have you already decided which Dubai community you'd like to live in? If not, our experts are here to help you.
4. What budget will you allocate to this investment? Will you need to borrow from a Dubai bank? Or use a financing plan?
5. When are you going to buy this apartment? Now, in 6 months, or in 1 year? This is a key factor, as the Dubai real estate market is evolving rapidly.
Define your budget and find the right property
The investment you're about to make is probably the investment of a lifetime, or at least of the next few years.
That's why we need to make sure that your projected financing is reliable and balanced. In this way, we can guarantee that you are in a position to bear the costs that would result from the purchase of this apartment.
We'll be there every step of the way, supporting you every step of the way. You should know that the best apartments for sale don't stay on the market for very long.
So, to successfully negotiate the best opportunity, you need to position yourself very quickly! That's also why it's important to organize your financial plan well in advance, so you don't miss out on a good opportunity.
Monthly installments for a financing plan
As a general rule - and this applies to all property purchases, regardless of the country you choose - it's best to have a monthly repayment of no more than 25% to 30% of your salary.
This is crucial to ensure that you are perfectly able to repay your bank loan without any financial worries. If you wish, our experts will work with you to put together the necessary documentation for the Dubai banking institutions.
And don't forget all the fees and charges that may be added to your bank loan. These may vary depending on the property developer you choose.
Financing plan information
Payment facilities, otherwise known as payment plans, ensure that you can pay off your apartment without difficulty.
In Dubai, this type of investment is standardized. In the vast majority of cases, contracts allow you to repay more than half the total amount of your investment years after handover.
Payments can be spread over up to 12 years. This means you can become a homeowner without having too much capital to start with.
Examples of payment plans :
All our payment plans are guaranteed commission-free and interest-free!
The apartment of your dreams, listed on our site at AED 1,250,000, will cost you nothing more. For example, a payment plan from the developer Ellington Properties for an apartment costing €150,000 would be settled as follows:
- 15% to be paid when reserving the apartment
- 35% to be paid during construction, then 50% when the keys are handed over
And since all real estate procedures in Dubai are designed to make your life easier, you should know that property developers will not ask you for any supporting documents.
In fact, in Dubai, we consider that if you are able to pay a 20% deposit at the time of signing the transfer of ownership, including notary fees, you are in a position to assume the total settlement of this transaction.
To conclude
You're now well equipped to understand the Dubai real estate market, and to find, we're sure, the apartment of your dreams. The unattainable, the dream, the luxury, are all within reach!
Our teams, and all our real estate agents, are at your entire disposal for all your apartment searches. Don't hesitate to contact us for a pre-selection of properties, and we'll draw up a complete list of apartments to meet all your requirements!
To facilitate your real estate purchase in Dubai, trust our real estate agency Dubai Real Estate | Net.
Choosing your property
Area and services
You can start by asking yourself how many bedrooms you need, as well as the ideal number of living areas. Would you like a balcony or your own swimming pool? In Dubai, you can never dream too big, because absolutely everything you want is possible!
The majority of new developments by real estate developers are located in large, extremely secure complexes, complete with security guards and video surveillance cameras. Depending on the level of service you choose, you'll have access to a 24-hour concierge service, valet parking, an on-site parking garage, and more.
club house, kids' clubs and even a crèche! Here, the staff are on hand to take care of you from morning to night, and can handle all your everyday worries for you. And, of course, all our apartments are equipped with air conditioning and state-of-the-art facilities.
Luxury in Dubai
First and foremost, Dubai is all about pharaonic, luxurious real estate structures that you'll never see anywhere else. We can almost guarantee that the residence in which your apartment will be located will be equipped with one or more swimming pools!
Lagoons, infinity pools, wellness complexes with hammams, saunas and spas, tennis courts and gyms are all commonplace in Dubai. Everything you could wish for is now at your fingertips.
In addition to all these exclusive amenities and services, you'll find shopping malls, restaurants and cafés, international schools and private clinics close to your residence or community. Here, everything has been thought of to make your life easier, so that you'll never want to leave Dubai.
Obtaining your residence visa
In Dubai, the government gives you access to residence visas if you buy real estate in the country.
It's thanks to this precious sesame that you'll be able to settle down permanently with your family. Legislation is very lenient and the financial aspect is particularly advantageous.
To obtain a residency visa, you'll need to invest in an apartment worth at least AED 750,000 (€225,000). Even at this price, you'll find some very high-class apartments in Dubai.
For more information, read our article : Investing and becoming a resident in Dubai
Opening a bank account in Dubai
Opening a bank account in Dubai is a must for reassuring financial investments at a distance.
The Dubai real estate market has been so attractive and lucrative in recent years that banking institutions have had to catch up: you can now easily find a bank in Dubai as an expatriate!
To validate your final financial transaction, you will, in the vast majority of cases, be required to provide a manager's cheque at the same time as transferring your capital.
That's why it's virtually impossible to avoid opening an account in Dubai. The process is extremely straightforward, so why deprive yourself? Whether you're a permanent resident or a non-resident, you're entitled to a bank account in Dubai.
The only thing that changes for people without a Dubai residency visa is that they are not allowed to have a current account in the country. However, a standard bank account is available. In the same scenario, i.e. for non-residents, you won't be allowed to own a cheque book when you open your bank account.
On the other hand, there are no contraindications to obtaining a debit card, although the authorized threshold for withdrawal balances may vary.
So it's best to start banking once your residency visa has been issued by the authorities. This will enable you to benefit from all the advantages offered by Dubai's banks.
To do this, you'll need to prepare a few documents to present to your bank: a copy of your valid passport with the UAE entry stamp, your up-to-date CV, a letter of recommendation from your banker and your last 6 bank statements.
