Buying Property in Dubai: A Complete Checklist for First-Time Expats & Investors

For many global investors, Dubai is no longer just a vacation destination; it is the ultimate safe haven for capital. With no property tax, high rental yields, and a dollar-pegged currency, the allure is undeniable.

However, for a first-time expat buyer, the legal framework—filled with acronyms like DLD, RERA, and Oqood—can feel intimidating.

Whether you are looking to buy a family home in Wadi Al Safa 7 or an investment asset like Mayfair Nexus, clarity is power. This guide breaks down the complex Dubai property buying process into a transparent, step-by-step checklist designed for 2025.

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What is the checklist for buying off-plan property in Dubai as an expat?

1. Verify Freehold Status: Ensure the property is in a designated freehold area like Wadi Al Safa 7.

2. Sign the SPA: Execute the Sales and Purchase Agreement with the developer.

3. Oqood Registration: Pay the 4% DLD fee to register the property on the interim registry (Oqood).

4. Secure Escrow Details: Confirm payments are deposited into a RERA-approved Escrow account.

5. Golden Visa Check: If the property value exceeds AED 2 million, apply for a 10-year residency visa.

6. Handover & Title Deed: Upon completion, convert Oqood to a Title Deed.

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Step 1: Freehold vs. Leasehold – Knowing Your Rights

The first box to tick on your checklist is location status.

• Freehold Areas: Foreigners (non-GCC nationals) can own property with 100% distinct ownership rights (land and unit) indefinitely. Wadi Al Safa 7 (where Mayfair Nexus is located), Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai are all Freehold zones.
• Leasehold: You only own the rights to the unit for a fixed term (usually 99 years), but not the land.

The Mayfair Advantage: All Seven Mayfair projects, including Mayfair Nexus, are located in designated Freehold zones, ensuring you hold the Title Deed in perpetuity.

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Step 2: The Off-Plan Buying Process (Step-by-Step)

Buying off-plan (under construction) is the most popular route for investors due to lower entry prices and capital appreciation during the build phase. Here is the workflow:

1. Reservation & Down Payment

You select your unit and pay a booking fee (typically 10-20%). For Mayfair Nexus, the entry is accessible with a standard 20% down payment.

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2. Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

This is your primary contract. It outlines the payment schedule, completion date, and unit details. Tip: Ensure the SPA specifies the "Anticipated Completion Date." (For Mayfair Nexus, this is Q4 2028).

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3. Oqood Registration (Crucial Step)

"Oqood" is Arabic for "Contracts."

• What is it? It is a pre-title deed registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It proves you own the off-plan unit before it is built.
• The Cost: You must pay 4% of the property value + approx. AED 3,000 admin fee to the DLD. This is mandatory to protect your ownership rights.

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Step 3: Understanding the "Safety Net" – Escrow Accounts

One of the biggest fears for expats is: "What if the developer runs away with my money?"

Dubai has solved this with Escrow Laws.

• How it works: When you buy a unit at Mayfair Nexus, your cheques/transfers are not paid to the developer's personal account. They go into a RERA-regulated Escrow Account specifically for that project.
• The Release: Money is only released to the developer as they prove construction milestones (e.g., reaching 20% construction triggers the release of the next tranche of funds).

Trust Indicator: Seven Mayfair operates with full RERA compliance and transparent Escrow accounts, ensuring your capital is used strictly for construction.

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Step 4: Property Buying Costs Dubai (The Hidden Fees)

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Budgeting goes beyond the property price. Here is the breakdown of Property buying costs in Dubai for 2025:

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Note: Dubailand (Wadi Al Safa 7) typically has lower service charges than Downtown/Marina, boosting your net rental income.

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Step 5: The Golden Visa Strategy (2025 Update)

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The Dubai Golden Visa real estate pathway has become significantly easier as of 2024/2025.

• The Rule: If you own property worth AED 2 Million or more, you qualify for a 10-Year Renewable Residency Visa.
• The Change: Previously, you had to pay at least AED 1 Million down payment to qualify. This rule has been removed. Now, as long as the property value is AED 2M+, you qualify, even if you are on a payment plan or mortgage (subject to specific DLD approval conditions).
• Family Benefits: This visa allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic staff.

Investment Tip: A 3-Bedroom apartment in Mayfair Nexus (valued ~AED 2.8M - 2.9M) automatically qualifies you for the Golden Visa, making it a dual investment in asset and lifestyle.

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Step 6: Handover and Title Deed

Once construction is complete (Q4 2028 for Mayfair Nexus):

1. You pay the final installment (typically 30-40%).

2. You conduct a "Snagging" inspection to check for finishes.

3. The Oqood certificate is converted into a full Title Deed in your name.

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Why Mayfair Nexus Checks Every Box

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For a first-time investor, Mayfair Nexus offers the perfect entry point into the Dubai market:

• Freehold: 100% foreign ownership.
• Secure: RERA-approved Escrow accounts.
• Accessible: 70/30 Payment plan spreads your cost over 4 years.
• Growth: Located in Wadi Al Safa 7, a district projected for high appreciation due to the upcoming Metro Blue Line.

Buying property in Dubai doesn't have to be a gamble. With the right checklist and a transparent developer, it is a calculated step toward financial freedom.

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FAQ’s

Q. Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in designated Freehold areas in Dubai, such as Wadi Al Safa 7, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. You get full ownership of the land and the unit with a Title Deed issued by the Dubai Land Department.

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Q. What are the hidden costs of buying property in Dubai?

The main additional cost is the 4% DLD Transfer Fee (paid to the government). Other costs include a registration trustee fee (approx. AED 4,000) and Oqood registration (approx. AED 3,000) for off-plan properties. Mayfair Nexus offers transparent pricing with no hidden agency fees when buying direct.

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Q. How do I get a Golden Visa through real estate?

To qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, you must invest in a property valued at AED 2 million or more. As of 2024/2025, the minimum down payment requirement has been relaxed, making it easier for off-plan investors to qualify once they meet the value threshold.

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Q. What is Oqood in Dubai real estate?

Oqood is a pre-title deed registration for off-plan properties. It registers the contract between the buyer and developer with the Dubai Land Department, ensuring the buyer's legal ownership rights before the property is completed.

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Q. Is my money safe when buying off-plan in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai uses a robust Escrow Account system. Your payments are deposited into a government-regulated bank account, not the developer's personal account. Funds are only released to the developer as construction milestones are met and verified by inspectors.