How to buy land in Dubai

Start with your plan

The right plot depends on what you want to do with it: build a family villa, develop an apartment building to sell or rent, open a hotel or shop, or hold land as an investment. Your plan decides the area, the size and the permitted use you need.

Freehold and leasehold

Foreign buyers can generally buy land in areas designated as freehold. In some zones land is offered on long-term leasehold. The ownership type affects what you own and for how long, so it is the first thing we confirm.

Permitted use and building rules

Every plot comes with rules from the master developer and authorities, such as permitted use, number of floors, building coverage and the time allowed to start construction. Read them before you make an offer.

• Permitted use: villa, residential, commercial, mixed-use or industrial
• Height and floor limits
• Building coverage and setbacks
• Construction start and completion deadlines
• Service charges and community rules

Checks before you pay

Before any payment, the ownership of the plot, the seller’s right to sell and any outstanding payments should be checked. We review the documents with you and work with licensed professionals in Dubai where needed.

Transfer and title deed

After the agreement, the transfer is registered with the official land registry in Dubai and the title is issued in the buyer’s name. Fees and the exact steps depend on the plot and the seller; we confirm them for each case.