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Property Investment Dubai
The UAE boasts benefits such as no personal income or capital gains tax. This means that you receive all rental returns and aren’t taxed on property appreciation when you sell.
However, the UAE closely regulated foreign ownership. It is not as simple as just buying property as a UK company. The Dubai Land Department only permits foreign buyers in designated freehold areas and any corporate purchases must follow a specific legal structure. If you do not follow the right setup, your investment may face delays, additional costs or regulatory complications.
At Dubai Pivot, we support UK business owners in investing in UAE property. We take care of corporate structuring, liaise with developers and brokers, coordinate finance and manage the compliance.
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Discover how we have supported UK businesses to establish compliant and strategically structured operations in Dubai.
Dubai Real Estate Investment
The Dubai property market is attractive to UK investors. This is due to the ability to have rental income be completely tax free, attractive rental yields, transparent regulatory environment and prices that have recovered from the pandemic lows.
However it is important that you navigate this correctly. The Dubai Land Department distinguishes between individual and corporate buyers. They treat foreign corporations more carefully than foreign individuals. Even if a property purchase works perfectly for a UK individual, there may be restrictions if accessed through a trading company.
How you hold your investment matters. Some UK business owners purchase through their existing UAE trading company while others establish a dedicated property holding company in a free zone like JAFZA or RAKICC. Others may use DIFC structures for asset protection and succession planning. Each of these pathways have different costs, tax consequences and operational requirements.
At Dubai Pivot, we will look closely at your specific situation, such as your other UAE structures, your UK tax residency and your capital allocation plans. Then, we will recommend the structures that give you the lowest total costs and best compliance position.
Thinking about property investment in Dubai? Get in touch and we’ll discuss your options.
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
No, UK companies can not buy property in Dubai directly. They are unable to hold freehold property in Dubai. You have to establish a UAE-registered entity, either through a free zone, mainland registration or an offshore jurisdiction that is recognised by the Dubai Land Department, such as JAFZA or RAKICC.
There is no universal total cost of buying a property in Dubai. But, when purchasing a property you must consider the DLD registration fee, which is 4% of the sales value, transaction costs, usually 7-10% of the property price, registration charges, mortgage fees and professional services. The total cost will be different for every business looking to purchase UAE property, however the Dubai Pivot team is here to provide you with clear advice and ensure your property purchase is compliant.
No, you do not need a UAE residency visa to purchase property. You are able to purchase remotely. However, your corporate entity must be properly registered and in good standing with UAE authorities.
There is no universal length for the purchase process. For completed properties, it is normally a 2-4 week process, once corporate structure and finance is in place. Off-plan properties will depend on construction timelines. Delays are caused by incomplete corporate documentation or the buyers finding source not being clearly documented.