What investors ask us
Can a foreigner buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Foreigners hold full ownership in the designated freehold zones of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which cover most districts investors care about. You can freely buy, sell, rent out and pass on the property. Freehold means the property and the land are yours outright, not built on someone else's lease.
Is it safe and legal to buy in Dubai as a foreigner?
It is, and that is exactly why the market is regulated. Ownership is recorded by the Dubai Land Department, and off-plan purchases are protected by escrow accounts that release payments to the developer only as construction progresses. We coordinate the legal side so your title is clean and correctly registered.
What are the real total costs on top of the price?
The main ones: the 4% land registry fee, our agency commission, and mortgage registration if you finance. Add conveyancing and the building's annual service charge. We give you the exact numbers for your specific property in writing, before you commit.
Do I pay property tax or capital-gains tax in Dubai?
There's no annual property tax and no capital-gains tax on residential property. It's one of the main reasons Dubai's after-tax returns compete well with the world's leading cities.
What rental yield can I realistically expect?
Apartments return roughly 6-8% a year gross, and short-term or holiday lets in the best locations can do better. The honest answer depends on the building, the district and the management, so we model your specific property instead of quoting a headline number.
Can I get a mortgage in Dubai as a non-resident?
Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, typically financing 50-60% of the value, so plan for a larger down payment than a resident would need. We handle the lender, the pre-approval and the paperwork.
Can I do all of this from home, without flying out?
Yes. The whole process is built to work remotely. Consultations happen on video, we run guided property tours remotely, and the purchase can be completed by power of attorney if you can't be in Dubai for the transfer. You can buy without boarding a plane, though most buyers like to come out at least once.
How long does a purchase take?
A ready property usually closes in about 4-6 weeks from accepted offer to title deed. Off-plan is different: the contract is quick, then completion comes at handover, which can be months or years away depending on the project.
What does the Golden Visa require, and does a mortgaged purchase qualify?
The Golden Visa is a long-term UAE residence permit tied to a qualifying property investment, currently from AED 2 million (roughly EUR 500,000). A mortgaged purchase can also qualify, depending on how it is structured. We confirm whether your specific purchase meets the threshold and handle the application.
What happens if there are construction defects?
On new builds we run the snagging inspection before you accept the keys, checking every room against the developer's specification and logging defects so fixing them is the developer's obligation, not your cost. Catching problems before handover is far easier than chasing them after.
How is Nour different from the big agencies?
We don't run a portal with thousands of listings, and we don't chase volume. We invest our own capital, work with few clients at a time, and find the right few properties for your goals with the same finance-driven judgment we apply to our own money. And after the deal closes, we're still the first call you make.
Is the first consultation a sales pitch?
No. It's a conversation about whether Dubai property fits your goals, and whether we're the right people to guide you. If it's not a fit, we'll say so.