Dubai is a city dreamt of by many – glinting skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and pulsating opportunities for its citizens. One attraction which is quite eye-catchy is freehold property ownership. In a freehold area, foreigner can buy land as well as buildings anywhere within the emirate of Dubai. No wonder the Emirate of Dubai has now emerged to be one of the hottest property markets in the world today for property investors with full ownership rights to hold a property. In this guide, we outline all those key points related to freehold ownership in Dubai, the best areas in which to invest, the process for buying, and benefits owning a freehold property.

What is a Freehold Property?

With freehold property ownership, you have legal rights over everything that goes with the land and any house you might develop there. It simply means you may live in the property, let it out to someone, sell it, or even give it to your loved ones. You don’t have any restrictions here. A leasehold grants the right to occupy the land for a number of years, usually 99. A freehold, however, grants full control over it for life. A few zones in Dubai have freehold and permit overseas investors to buy an investment property or a home.

Advantages of the Freehold Property in Dubai

Ownership: You will realize that while in the case of a leasehold, the lands and buildings are only owned partially, in a freehold, you are allowed to sell, rent it, or pass it on to heirs.

Resident Visas: The one who owns the property has eligibility to get residency visas. Therefore, his or her stay is much safer and permanent.

Capital Gains and Property Tax Benefits: The return is fully maximized because there are no taxes for capital gains or any kind of property tax in Dubai.

Good investment: This is due to the reason that real estate business in Dubai increases day by day, so do its prices, and its yield to rent is quite very high.

Legacy Creation: Freehold properties become part of your estate that you can bequeath as a legacy.

Best Freehold Areas and Properties in Dubai

Now let’s discuss some of the best freehold areas and what they have to offer by way of lifestyle, type of property, and investment.

1. Al Barari

Al Barari can be termed the “garden in the desert.” Al Barari is an oasis in the heart of a city with 80 percent of its area earmarked for lakes, streams, and gardens. This community is the favorite choice for nature lovers since it includes luxurious villas, duplexes, and apartments selling at prices of AED 1,000,000, which is equal to USD 272,000.

2. Al Furjan

Al Furjan is close to Ibn Battuta Mall and Discovery Gardens. It is a community-based development with beautifully designed apartments and villas. It strikes a balance between affordability and lifestyle amenities. 1-bedroom apartments are AED 400,000, and 3-bedroom villas are AED 1,600,000.

3. Al Warsan

Al Warsan is a developing freehold area that borders International City. It offers 1-2 bedroom apartments ideal for professionals and couples. The prices are budget-friendly and start at AED 360,000.

4. Business Bay

It is one of the fastest-growing commercial and residential areas near downtown Dubai with fantastic skyscrapers and waterfront views. This place hosts more than 240 structures and a tremendous number of retail and restaurant facilities, which are prepared for further growth.

5. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is perhaps iconic with Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall and is perhaps the most aspirational freehold place to own in the emirates. Best suited for luxury users who need to hold onto an iconic address within Dubai’s vibrant neighborhood, this place never fails.

6. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

It is fully packed with retail shops and cafes plus luxury apartments offering rich lifestyle on the beachfront. Enjoyed by quite a lot of people having a quest for resort-like feel and lifestyle in beautiful, waterfront community.

7. Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

These will be mainly targeting lake views and a dining place from with proximity to Marina and Downtown Dubai. Houses and apartments in JLT remain the wish for both residents and investors.

8. DAMAC Hills

DAMAC Hills is a freehold demanding much space both as residence and for commerce in which its modern setting accommodates families and investors, the area being freeholds and highly in demand due to its luxuriousness in which it accommodates some few people.

9. Palm Jumeirah

This iconic man-made island is home to freehold properties with world-class beach life. High-rise apartments and villas make it a prime destination among international investors.

10. Dubai Sports City

Ideal hub for lovers of sports on 4.6 million square feet with a composition of living, retail and sports environment attracting young professionals and families.

11. Meydan City

Meydan City is situated at Nad Al Sheba, one of the wealthiest developments on earth in terms of property that is on the market. There, residential homes with commercial and fun places are located. One can afford an expensive place that suits high-class property tastes.

12. Dubai Silicon Oasis

Among other tremendous planned communities around Dubai Silicon Oasis stands out due to villas with apartments or even just rooms. Secondly, most commercial facilities fall here with high tech.

13. Bluewaters Island

This is a luxurious ocean-view high-end apartments with penthouses and townhouse that makes it one of the most exclusive freehold regions in Dubai.

14. Dubai Festival City – Marsa

Marsa is a waterfront community, part of Dubai Festival City. It’s luxury townhouses, villas, and apartments, with retail and dining options to fit families.

How to Buy Freehold Property in Dubai (2024)

It is quite easy to purchase freehold property in Dubai. Here’s the step-by-step guide on securing your investment:

Research and Select a Location:

Dubai has diversified freehold areas suitable for various lifestyles and budgets. Research different communities and choose one that suits your needs.

Find an agent:

This process may get less complicated and allows a smooth navigation through Dubai real estate markets. The agents are knowledgeable about market trends too.

Get mortgage pre-approval:

If you are going to borrow, then this will help you set the right budget, after having got pre-approval from the bank.

Make offer:

Now that you found a house, make a proposition to the seller, where there might be bargaining; you could benefit if you get an agent.

Sign Sales Agreement:

Once there is a confirmed price, there will be a signed SPA to encapsulate all sales conditions.

Complete Payment and Register

Completing payment and registering on DLD hands over all freehold properties to others.

Other Freeholds Locations

• Discovery Garden. Some apartments offer this accommodation to the needy while portions here are a form of thematic gardens.
• Sky Court Towers in Dubai land is perfect for a family destination owing to newfangled gadgetry found around
• Springs A well gated-villa location suited to home families.
• Dubai Festival City-Hillside: A luxury gated villa and townhouse community
• City Walk: A lively shopping, dining, and luxury residence district
• Remraam: Low-rise apartment buildings ideal for quiet community life

FAQs

Are family-friendly apartments available in Dubai?

Indeed, many areas of Dubai are family-friendly and consist of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Business Bay, Bur Dubai, and Al Nahda. They will offer a safe, amenity-rich environment suitable for families.

Am I eligible for a residency visa while possessing a freehold property?

Yes, freehold property owners are eligible for residency visas; the nature of the visa is though the nature of the property and value.