The UAE is considered as one of the best place to invest in real estate: instead of taxes on maintenance, rent, sale and inheritance you only pay registration fees, which are most often included in the utilities. Therefore, you do not need to submit annual reports as a foreigner: everything happens automatically. Citizens of other countries can buy, rent and sell residential and commercial real estate in the UAE without restrictions. And it makes no difference-through an individual or a company. How much will you have to spend on a "communal apartment" and are the costs comparable to the income in the Emirates? Read our article.
Real Estate Taxes
There is no mandatory annual property tax in the UAE, but there is an annual fee for the owner. The money goes to the maintenance of the building in which the apartment is located: maintenance of the common area, cleaning and checking the appliences, major repairs, playgrounds, gym, etc. The exact amount is determined by the developer, depending on the area of the apartment and the rates for a particular project.
The average annual rate is $14.6–58.7 per sq.m.
No tax reporting is required: the amount will be deducted from the owner's account automatically. It is worth remembering that in the UAE, payment for the maintenance of the house is made in advance, for a year in advance. And even if the apartment is rented, the owner is the one to pay.
What you can buy in the UAE right now:
1 518 500 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
146 m²32
It is a residential complex with stunning and unique panoramic views of the Dubai Marina, beaches and luxurious marine architecture, a guarantee of an incomparable calm and healthy lifestyle. We offer apartments with 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms by the water. The interiors will please you with an exquisite color scheme, stylish finish and modern...
Renaissance Estate
847 984 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
122 m²
ResidenceRental property
UAE. Dubai. New residential complex Damac Canal Heights. Business Bay, Dubai Price $701,976 - $5,228,459 Type of residential project Business Bay, Dubai Property area 85 - 433 m2 Project status 50% Distance to the beach: 8 KM Distance to the center: 0 KM Distance to the airport: 14 KM Year of construction 2027-09 1 Bedroom. $701,976-$749,193....
Europe Gmbh
369 500 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
85 m²21
1 bedroom
Spacious apartment
Rented.
No furniture.
Excellent community and facilities
Large open-plan apartments
Beautiful view.
Kitchen appliances included
We are pleased to offer a very spacious 1-bedroom apartment in a popular complex. This apartment offers a beautiful view of the city, boulevard and amenities. A well-sized semi-enclosed...
Renaissance Estate
952 332 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
148 m²431
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Apartments in the luxury residential complex Skyscape Aura in the area of Bukadra! Fully furnished kitchen with appliances! Plenty of leisure and entertainment facilities! Stunning panoramic view! We will select housing with a favorable mortgage or installment rate in the UAE!
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212 000 €
Apartment in United Arab Emirates
38 m²11
Online ViewingRemote Transaction
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TEKCE
5 581 400 €
Penthouse in Dubai, UAE
200 m²43
The complex is suitable for all fans of Palma Jumeirah, connoisseurs of luxury and hotel services from concierge to jack-parking and personal chef, fans of tropical lifestyle and everyone who wants to admire the continuous sea horizon. Also investors, because the prices in the project are one of the best among the recent starts on Palma.
The...
Renaissance Estate
392 900 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
72 m²21
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Renaissance Estate
1 219 600 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
107 m²32
Beachfront is a luxury residential complex located in Dubai Harbour.
Features:
Access to a private beach for residents
- Views from all sides.
- Health club.
- Children's playground
Real estate information:
- 2 bedrooms.
- 2 bathrooms
- Big balcony.
- Open kitchen.
- 1,152 square feet
- Laundry.
- Spacious layout
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Renaissance Estate
384 379 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
76 m²211
Online ViewingRemote TransactionRental property
Azizi Milan in City of Arabia (Dubailand): invest in a dynamic area with a yield of up to 7% per annum
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Expertagent
3 020 601 €
Villa in Dubai, UAE
680 m²446
Villa in the grand Palm Jebel Ali project in the coastal area of Dubai! From the owner!
The main feature of the project is a 110 km long beach.
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207 946 €
Studio in Dubai, UAE
44 m²11
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
A thoughtful format for modern living
The 44.27 m² studio in REEF 998 is a comfortable space in the Dubailand Residence Complex (DLRC) , created for the dynamic rhythm of the city. Modern aesthetics, high-quality finishes and functional organization of the interior allow you to make the most of the space while maintaining a feeling of freedom...
DDA Real Estate
778 000 €
Apartment in United Arab Emirates
97 m²323
Online ViewingRemote Transaction
Furnished Apartments with Burj Khalifa Views in Business Bay, Dubai
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TEKCE
345 000 €
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61 m²211
Online ViewingRemote Transaction
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TEKCE
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Ashley Hills in Arjan-Dubailand: quiet life near Miracle Garden with a yield of 6-8% per annum
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Online ViewingRemote Transaction
Elegantly Designed Apartments with Installment Plans in Dubai Studio City
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TEKCE
509 924 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
103 m²322
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Binghatti Wraith at Al Jaddaf is a 20-storey residential complex with expressive architecture in the heart of Dubai.
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DDA Real Estate
455 338 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
117 m²321
CitizenshipOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Unique apartments in the new Luma 22 project in the Jumeirah Village Circle area! Apartments for living and investment (ROI - 6.7% in $)! Fully furnished! A popular area! Interest-free installments!
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DDA Real Estate
1 950 000 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
196 m²433
Online ViewingRemote Transaction
Luxury Apartments in Dubai Islands with Sea Views
Located in the prestigious Dubai Islands, this development offers a unique beachfront living experience in one of Dubai’s most promising coastal destinations. Set along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, it combines serene island living with seamless access to the city. Dubai Islands is a...
TEKCE
229 223 €
Flat in Dubai, UAE
56 m²111
ResidenceOnline ViewingRemote Transaction
Modern 1 bedroom apartment 56.27 m² in Mirari Lagoon
Imagine a life where the morning begins with a walk through the landscaped grounds, and in the evening you can relax by the pool in the atmosphere of a real resort. This is exactly the concept offered by Mirari Lagoon , a new residential complex from Zoya Developments in the Dubai Industrial...
DDA Real Estate
316 569 €
Apartment in Dubai, UAE
66 m²111
Residence
Jumeirha beach residence
Murjan 2
66 square meters. fully furnished.
Stuido 66 square meters sea view in Murdjan 2 in Jumeirah beach residence for sale. Completely updated. A great investment for a short time.
Sale price1,3000 .000 dirhams. 355,000 dollars
JBR Murjan 1 Vacant STUDIO and balcony.
View of the marina.
Amenities and...
Service system houses calculate the amount of payment on the basis of meter readings, the rates depend on the number of guests in the apartment people, space and time. The air conditioning system is centralized, and the housing insurance is voluntary.
What other features?
The owners conclude contracts for the supply of resources independently, in their own name. If a new building is initially rented out for a long time, most often this issues are solved by tenants.
The main items of expenditure are electricity, water, garbage collection and fuel collection. Gas is almost not used in the UAE, mainly electric stoves are used for cooking. The supplier of water and electricity is the Dubai-based DEWA company.
70-80% of Dubai residents are visitors, which is very profitable for the country, since only they pay the water and electricity bills. Citizens of the Emirates (as well as Kuwait and Libya) they are partially exempt from this obligation: their expenses are covered by the state up to a certain extent. The "punishment" for overspending is a full payment for utilities.
Instead of heating (which in the UAE is not necessary even in the coldest period of the year), residents of Dubai pay for air conditioning. Each district has its own centralized cooling system. Such a system is significantly cheaper than individual devices. It is interesting that the condensate, which is formed from such installations in a huge volume, is used for watering common areas.
About expenses
The average monthly bill for an apartment of 85 square meters (for two people) is $180 (excluding Internet and house maintenance). The cost of electricity and water starts at $50 per person, and the cost of air conditioning depends on the season and the area: $70-120 when it is particularly hot, $40-70 in winter. For the Internet, you have to pay another $100-120 per month.
When it comes to a private house, you should add cleaning of the water tanks ($130-250 per year), gardening and cleaning the pool ($1,000 per year).
The Cost of Living
Revenue. The state does not regulate the minimum and average salaries in the country. But one thing is for sure: foreigners receive 30-40% less than locals with identical education and experience. Seasonal workers and handymen have the lowest incomes. Their income of $300-400 is taken as the minimum. People who have at least some qualifications receive $2,000–2,500.
The average salary is about $4,500. Doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and engineers earn significantly higher than this bar. Office assistants, cashiers, receptionists, bartenders receive at the level of $2,000–2,500. Low-rate jobs usually assume that the employer provides housing, covers the cost of transportation, and partially or completely covers the cost of food.
Housing. To rent a single apartment in the center of Dubai, you need about $1,500–1,600 per month, a three-bedroom - $3,000–3,200. Outside of the center, you have to pay about $1,000–1,100 for a one-bedroom, and $2,100–2,300 for a three-bedroom.
In rented housing, payment is usually made in four checks. The rent for three months is immediately paid. Plus, a deposit of 50-100% of the monthly rate is required upon check-in. Usually, if you pay immediately for six months, the owner offers a good discount.
Meal. Buying food in the UAE is not so expensive: a liter of milk costs $1.6, bread – $1.4, a kilo of rice – $1.9, a dozen eggs – $2.9, a kilo of chicken fillet – $9, beef - $15. A kilogram of fruit usually costs $1.5–2.0, vegetables - $1-2 (we are talking about local products). For a kilo of fish on the market take $7-8. If you eat at home, the average meal will cost $300-400 for two people.
For lunch in an inexpensive cafe, you will give about $10, for a full dinner for two (without alcohol) - $60-70. A combo lunch at McDonald's costs $7.6, but for a cup of cappuccino you will have to pay about $5.
Transport and communication. The cost of a single trip in public transport is $1.5–2.0, depending on the distance. A monthly pass will cost $85. And a kilometer of a taxi ride is about $0.7. A liter of gasoline in the country costs $0.5, a car rental is $400 per month. For mobile communication with the included Internet package, you will have to pay $30-40 per month.
Entertainment. A ticket to the cinema costs $15-17, to the theater - $25-30. A gym membership costs about $80-100.
Renting
Profitability. According to the analytical portal Global Property Guide, apartment with an area of 120 sq. m in the center of Dubai is available for $710,160 (the average rate per square meter is $5,918). If you rent an apartment for $3 thousand a month, the annual return will be 5.2%.
Bids. We have already discussed the long-term lease above. As for the short-term-good apartments in the center of Dubai rent for $70-80 per night minimum. During the season, the fee may increase by 2.0-2.5 times.
Taxes. Homeowners do not pay tax in Dubai on the income from renting out real estate. But there is a fee of 5% of the rate specified in the contract. This amount is automatically added to the utility bill and paid together with water and electricity to those who actually live in the apartment (for example, the tenant). In the case of commercial real estate, this fee is 10%, but the payment scheme is the same.
Management company. In the Emirates, the function of the management company is usually performed by the developer themself or a representative company. The main functions are the maintenance of housing (including cleaning, furniture cleaning and maintenance) and rental (search for tenants, conclusion of a contract, control of payments and the safety of property, etc.).
Trends. The Dubai market is currently oversupplied. As a result, prices are falling, especially for apartments, the villa segment has more or less stabilized. In 2021, developers want to release fewer projects to actively sell off inventory. However, for example, JLL predicts a further decline in the UAE real estate market.
Taxes. As in the case of rent, there are no taxes on the saling your property, only a fee for registering the property in the register in the amount of 4% of the value, specified in the contract. As a rule, the seller and the buyer divide this amount in half. The fee is paid directly to the Land Registry on the day of the transfer of ownership rights.
