Dubai Real Estate FAQ — Plots, Land & Buildings Investment
Frequently asked questions about buying plots and whole buildings in Dubai, investing in UAE real estate, and working with Plots & Buildings and West Gate Real Estate (RERA ORN 911).
General Dubai Real Estate Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals from any country can purchase freehold real estate in Dubai’s designated freehold zones. These zones cover most of Dubai’s major development areas including Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, MBR City, Dubailand, Dubai Islands and many more. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) registers all transactions and issues title deeds to foreign buyers.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
No. Dubai and the UAE do not have an annual property tax, capital gains tax or income tax on rental income for individual investors. The primary transaction cost is the 4% DLD transfer fee paid on purchase. This makes the UAE one of the lowest total-cost property ownership jurisdictions in the world.
What is the UAE Golden Visa for real estate investors?
The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency (10 years, renewable) to qualifying real estate investors. To qualify through property, the investment must be at least AED 2 million in a completed property. Plots and buildings qualify where the purchase price meets the threshold. The Golden Visa includes benefits for the investor’s family members and does not require continuous UAE residence.
What is the Dubai Land Department (DLD)?
The Dubai Land Department is the government authority responsible for registering and regulating all real estate transactions in Dubai. All property sales, leases and mortgages must be registered with DLD, which issues title deeds and maintains the official registry of all land and building ownership in the emirate.
What does RERA stand for?
RERA stands for Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department, responsible for licensing real estate companies and agents, regulating off-plan sales, overseeing owners associations, and implementing real estate law in Dubai. West Gate Real Estate holds RERA ORN 911.
Buying Plots in Dubai
What types of plots are available in Dubai?
Dubai plots are zoned for residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, hospitality and special-use development. Residential plots are the most common, ranging from villa plots (G+1) to high-rise apartment development plots (G+40+). Commercial plots allow office, retail and hospitality development. Mixed-use plots permit multiple use types within the same development.
What is GFA (Gross Floor Area) on a Dubai plot?
GFA (Gross Floor Area) is the maximum total built-up area permitted on a plot as defined by Dubai Municipality zoning regulations. For example, a 10,000 sqft plot with a GFA of 50,000 sqft has a permitted FAR (Floor Area Ratio) of 5.0, meaning you can build 5 times the land area. GFA is a critical factor in plot valuation — higher GFA typically means higher land value.
What does G+X mean in Dubai real estate?
G+X is Dubai’s shorthand for permitted building height. G represents the ground floor, and X is the number of additional floors. G+4 means a 5-storey building, G+14 means 15 storeys. Some plots have “unlimited height” permissions subject to Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) clearance, particularly in areas like JVC and parts of Business Bay.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold plots in Dubai?
Freehold plots give the owner permanent, full ownership of the land and any building on it, with a title deed registered at the Dubai Land Department. Leasehold plots grant the right to use the land for a defined period — typically 99 years — after which ownership reverts to the landowner. Foreign nationals can hold freehold in designated freehold zones. Leasehold is common in some older parts of Dubai and certain specialised developments.
What DLD fees apply when buying a plot in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department charges a 4% transfer fee on the transaction value. Additional fees include a DLD registration fee (AED 4,000 for properties above AED 500,000), trustee office fees (AED 4,000+VAT for off-plan or AED 2,000+VAT for ready), and a knowledge and innovation fee. Total transaction costs typically amount to 4.25–4.5% of the purchase price.
Buying Whole Buildings in Dubai
What types of whole buildings are available for sale in Dubai?
Whole buildings for sale in Dubai include residential apartment buildings, commercial office buildings, mixed-use buildings (retail + residential), hotel and serviced apartment buildings, shopping centres, schools and staff accommodation. Most are offered freehold with a single title deed covering the entire plot and building.
What rental yields do whole buildings in Dubai generate?
Fully rented residential buildings in Dubai typically generate gross yields of 6–9% depending on location, building age and tenancy profile. Well-located buildings in Jumeirah Garden City, Barsha Heights and Dubailand have historically performed at the top of this range. Net yields after management, maintenance and service charges are typically 4–7%.
Are whole buildings in Dubai sold with existing tenancies?
Yes. Most whole buildings listed on Plots & Buildings are sold with existing tenancies in place, providing immediate rental income for the buyer. All existing tenancy contracts must be honoured by the new owner under UAE tenancy law (RERA regulations). Rented buildings are clearly labelled in our listings.
Working with Plots & Buildings
Who is Plots & Buildings?
Plots & Buildings is a specialist platform for investment-grade plots and whole buildings in Dubai, operated by West Gate Real Estate — a RERA-registered brokerage (ORN 911) established in Dubai since 2005. Our platform is led by Majdi Burgan, who brings over 20 years of experience in property development, project management and high-value real estate transactions in the UAE.
Do you have off-market listings?
Yes. A significant portion of the best plot and building investment opportunities in Dubai are never publicly listed. We maintain direct relationships with private landowners, developers and distressed asset holders, giving us access to exclusive off-market deals. Contact our team to discuss your investment criteria and we will match you with suitable on-market and off-market opportunities.
Do you charge fees to buyers?
Standard real estate brokerage fees in Dubai are 2% of the transaction value, paid by the buyer. This is standard practice in the Dubai market and is regulated by RERA. Our fees are disclosed transparently before any transaction proceeds. Contact us for details specific to your transaction.
Can I list my plot or building on your platform?
Yes. Any seller or landlord (or their authorised agent) can list a plot or building on Plots & Buildings. View our listing packages or read the terms of engagement. We accept listings of plots and whole buildings only — we do not list individual apartments or villas.
How do I get started with an investment enquiry?
The best way to start is to contact our team directly with your investment brief — preferred location, budget, asset type and investment objective. We will identify matching on-market listings and any relevant off-market opportunities, and guide you through the due diligence and transaction process.