New Apartments Projects in Dubai

Yes. Dubai recorded approximately 205,100 residential sales transactions in 2025, with off-plan apartments accounting for the majority of activity. The median price per square foot reached AED 1,770 in Q1 2026, up 12,5% year-on-year. Gross rental yields averaged around 7% citywide. Price appreciation is forecast to moderate to 5–8% in 2026, reflecting a market that is maturing rather than stalling. The combination of capital growth potential, rental income and a zero-tax environment positions Dubai’s new apartment segment as a competitive asset class relative to comparable global cities. Branded apartments, delivered fully furnished and serviced at handover, tend to command higher rental rates and demonstrate stronger resale performance over time.

Gross rental yields for Dubai apartments averaged approximately 7% in 2025. Studios and one-bedroom units in mid-market communities such as Al Furjan, Arjan and Jumeirah Village Circle delivered yields in the range of 7,5% to 8,5%. Larger two- and three-bedroom apartments in central waterfront locations typically yield between 5,5% and 7%. Net yields, after service charges and management costs, are generally 1.5 to 2 percentage points below gross figures. Furnished and branded apartments tend to achieve a rental premium over comparable non-branded units, which supports stronger net income for investors.

Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in designated zones across Dubai without the need for a local partner or residency visa. Title deeds are issued directly by the Dubai Land Department. Freehold zones cover the majority of new apartment developments, including Al Furjan, Meydan, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Islands. There are no restrictions on the number of properties a foreign buyer can own. Mira Developments' projects in Al Furjan and District 11 are located in designated freehold areas.

Dubai imposes a one-time 4% transfer fee, calculated on the purchase price, payable to the Dubai Land Department at the point of registration. There is no annual property tax, no stamp duty, no rental income tax and no capital gains tax. Buyers should also account for a registration trustee fee — typically AED 4,000 for properties above AED 500,000 — and an Oqood registration fee of approximately 4% for off-plan properties. This tax-efficient structure makes Dubai one of the most cost-effective jurisdictions for residential property ownership globally.

Yes. A residential property investment of AED 2 million or more qualifies the buyer for a 10-year renewable Golden Visa, which grants UAE residency to the investor and their immediate family members. The property must be registered in the buyer’s name with the Dubai Land Department. Off-plan properties that meet the minimum value threshold are eligible. The Golden Visa provides access to UAE banking, business licensing and long-term residency stability without the requirement of a local sponsor.

Off-plan apartments are purchased during the construction phase, typically at a lower entry price than completed units, with payments spread over the build period through structured instalment plans. This allows investors to benefit from capital appreciation between purchase and handover. Ready apartments provide immediate rental income and allow physical inspection before purchase. Off-plan activity has remained dominant, accounting for approximately 70% of total residential transactions in Q1 2026. The choice depends on the investor’s priority: capital growth potential with off-plan, or immediate cash flow with ready stock.

Approximately 120,000 residential units are scheduled for handover in Dubai during 2026. While this volume has moderated the pace of price growth relative to 2023 and 2024, off-plan demand has remained resilient — off-plan properties accounted for approximately 70% of Q1 2026 transactions by both volume and value. Price appreciation is forecast at 5–8% for 2026. In locations with limited competing supply and strong tenant demand, values are expected to remain firm. Branded apartments are generally less exposed to oversupply pressure due to their differentiated positioning and restricted inventory.

Tenant expectations in new apartment buildings have risen substantially in recent years. Standard features now include a swimming pool, equipped gym, lobby concierge and covered parking. Increasingly, new projects incorporate co-working spaces, landscaped terraces, children’s play areas, padel courts and smart home systems. Branded residences go further, with hotel-level services such as valet parking, in-room dining, housekeeping and dedicated guest suites. These features support rental premiums and long-term tenant retention.

Dubai recorded 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, a record figure and a 5% year-on-year increase. Average hotel occupancy reached 80,7%. This sustained tourist inflow underpins demand for furnished short-stay accommodation across marina, downtown and waterfront communities. Fully furnished branded apartments are particularly well positioned in this segment, as they meet the quality expectations of short-term tenants and the management requirements of licensed holiday rental operations.

Branded apartments in Dubai commanded an average price premium of approximately 43% over non-branded stock in comparable locations in 2025. Transaction value in the branded segment rose 38% year-on-year in 2025, reaching AED 79.1 billion. This performance reflects stronger resale liquidity, higher achievable rents and greater brand-driven demand from international buyers. For investors focused on long-term capital value and income stability, branded residences offer measurable advantages over standard stock in the same geographic market.

Foreign nationals can purchase freehold apartments across all of Dubai’s designated freehold zones. Key zones include Al Furjan, District 11 in Meydan, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Islands and Palm Jumeirah, among others. Each zone allows full foreign ownership with no equity cap and no requirement for a UAE national sponsor. Title deeds are issued by the Dubai Land Department and are recognised under UAE property law. Mira Developments' apartment projects are located in designated freehold areas, making them fully accessible to international buyers.