Your Guide to Real Estate in Dubai | Live and Work in Dubai

Q: I’ve found an apartment and signed a lease agreement. What’s next?

Once the terms of a tenancy contract are agreed upon and signed, the next step is connecting the water and electricity by applying to Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA). Next, the contract must be registered with RERA through the online portal, Ejari.

Q: Can the terms of my lease be altered during the contract period?

As per Article 14 of the Dubai tenancy law, the landlord or tenant can amend the terms of the contract, but they must notify the other party at least 90 days before the contract’s expiry date.

Q: My circumstances have changed, and I’d like to break my lease early. Can I?

According to Article 7 of the RERA tenancy law, rental contracts can only be terminated prior to their expiration date upon the mutual consent and signed agreement between tenant and landlord. There will usually be an early exit clause written into their rental contract, which typically involves some form of compensation due to the landlord.

Q: What happens if the landlord sells my apartment while I’m a tenant?

If the property is sold while tenanted, the terms of the rental contract must be abided by the new landlord for the remainder of the contractual period.

Q: Who is responsible for maintaining my leased property?

In common practice, minor repairs (usually those costing under AED500 or US$136) are the responsibility of the tenant, while anything costing more or requiring any major maintenance work should be undertaken and paid for by the landlord. However, it is important to check the specific terms as mentioned in the tenancy contract, and if such terms are not mentioned, get it clarified from the landlord prior to signing the contract. As the tenant, you are legally obligated to vacate the property in the same condition as it was when you signed the lease.

Q: I’m almost at the end of my 12-month lease. Can my landlord raise my rent?

Yes, the landlord is allowed to increase your rent for the next lease period. However, the increase must be communicated to the tenant 90 days prior to the expiry of the current lease. If the tenant does not wish to continue, they must give notice to the landlord and vacate the property before the next lease period commences. The allowed increase in rent is mandated by RERA guidelines pertaining to the calculated market value of the property and the average market rental rate for the area/locality in question. In general, the rental increase can range from 5% to 20% above the current rate.

The diversity of options available across the Dubai housing market is one of the key factors contributing to the city’s reputation as a top place to live and work. It is also one of the most sought-after realty markets in the world, with foreigners allowed to buy and own property in any locality.

From historic districts like Al Fahidi and Bur Dubai to ultra-modern areas like Business Bay and Dubai Marina, or peaceful lifestyle-focused residential havens like Springs and Al Barari, the city has something for everyone. Most neighbourhoods also feature essential amenities, from grocery shops, pharmacies and clinics to malls, gyms and schools, plus multiple choices for services and conveniences.

Searching for property

Searching for the right property to rent or buy in Dubai is a breeze. Several online portals and real estate tools provide verified, up-to-date information on everything from studio apartments to townhouses and villas. Users can select advanced filters to navigate properties based on price, area and size preferences. It’s important to note that not all listings may be valid, so users should prioritise certified properties.

Renting property in Dubai

Renting a property in Dubai – whether an apartment or a villa – is a hassle-free process. Rental prices vary based on multiple factors such as location, property type, quality, age of property, layout, views, market conditions and more. Generally, it is recommended to allocate no more than 30% of one’s income to rentals.

Average annual rental prices for accommodations ranging from one-bedroom apartments and bigger in some prime locations are as below (as of 2024):

Dubai Marina: AED109,000 to AED1.4 million
Dubai Hills Estate: AED101,000 to AED279,000
Mirdif: AED45,000 to AED132,000
Jumeirah Beach Residence: AED118,000 to AED899,000
Al Barsha: AED64,000 to AED454,000

Further information can be found on the Dubai Rental Index, a government initiative under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The rental calculator available here is updated annually to ensure customers can access accurate rental price information.

Additional fees to consider

Security deposit (between 5%-10% of annual rent)
DEWA (Dubai Water and Electricity Authority) security deposit fees (AED2,000 for apartments; AED4,000 for villas)
Dubai Municipality housing fees (5% of annual rent, paid in 12 parts)
Ejari fees (around AED220)
Chiller fees for air conditioning (consumption + demand + fuel charges)

Dubai tenants: frequently asked questions

I’ve found an apartment and signed a lease agreement. What’s next?

Can the terms of my lease be altered during the contract period?

My circumstances have changed, and I’d like to break my lease early. Can I?

What happens if the landlord sells my apartment while I’m a tenant?

Who is responsible for maintaining my leased property?

I’m almost at the end of my 12-month lease. Can my landlord raise my rent?

Tenant support

Tenancy laws and rental dispute filings are handled by RERA. Its laws regulate landlord-tenant relationships, dispute settlements and rent increases, among other services. Tenants and landlords should be familiar with these laws, and disputes can be filed on the RERA portal.

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Find out more on renting in Dubai, with the latest insights and step-by-step details.

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Buying property in Dubai

Buying property in the city comes down to various factors, from deciding on desirable areas to managing the finer details of the purchase. Property ownership in Dubai comes in two forms: freehold and leasehold.

Freehold property means full ownership rights go to the buyer, while leasehold allows ownership for a set period – usually up to 99 years. Buying property in Dubai as a foreigner requires understanding that some areas will only have leasehold options, whereas other localities in Dubai only allow property sales to Emiratis (UAE Nationals) and citizens of other GCC countries.

Average property prices for accommodations ranging from studios to larger apartments and villas in some popular Dubai neighbourhoods are as below (as of 2024):

Dubai South: AED378,000 to AED3.27 million
Dubai Marina: AED949,000 to AED14.5 million
Palm Jumeirah: AED1.4 million to AED110 million
Jumeirah Golf Estates: AED996,000 to AED2.37 million
Arabian Ranches: AED2.63 million to AED17.9 million

Additional fees to consider:

DLD fees (4% of property value + AED430 for land, AED40 for off-plan, AED580 admin fee for apartments and offices)
Property registration fee (based on property value)
Fees for issuing title deed (AED250)
Service charges (generally used to cover maintenance of common areas)

Getting a mortgage

Getting a mortgage requires approval from the DLD before signing the sale agreement and applying for the NOC, followed by a down payment, credit check and mortgage pre-approval. Using a mortgage broker is advisable for those new to the region.

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Learn more about buying property in Dubai, covering the latest laws and insights.

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Related Sites

Real estate in Dubai: a comprehensive guide

Searching for property

Renting property in Dubai

Additional fees to consider

Dubai tenants: frequently asked questions

Tenant support

Dive deeper

Buying property in Dubai

Additional fees to consider:

Getting a mortgage

Dive deeper