New & Latest Projects in Dubai

Yes. Off-plan projects in Dubai operate under a RERA-mandated escrow framework. All buyer funds are held in regulated accounts and released to the developer only upon verified construction milestones. This structural protection has supported sustained investor confidence: off-plan transactions accounted for approximately 73% of total residential activity in 2025. The strongest risk-adjusted positions are found in projects launched within master-planned communities that have confirmed infrastructure delivery timelines, established anchor demand drivers and developers with verified completion records.

Gross rental yields for apartments in Dubai average approximately 6,7%–7% across the market. Performance varies by configuration and location: studios and one-bedroom units in high-absorption communities typically yield 7%–8%, while larger apartments in premium or branded buildings achieve 6%–7% depending on furnishing standard and occupancy. Branded and fully furnished units benefit from a rental premium attributable to turnkey condition and design quality. Properties within 700 metres of metro stations achieve faster leasing cycles and improved occupancy consistency.

Yes. Foreign nationals are entitled to purchase freehold ownership in all designated freehold zones across Dubai. These include the majority of active development corridors: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Al Furjan, Meydan, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai South. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department and evidenced by a title deed. The process is fully accessible to international buyers with no restrictions by nationality. All new off-plan projects are registered with the DLD and subject to RERA regulation, which governs sales agreements, construction milestones and escrow protection.

Dubai imposes no annual property tax, no rental income tax and no capital gains tax on residential property. The primary transaction cost is a one-time DLD transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, payable at the point of sale registration. An Oqood registration fee applies for off-plan purchases. No stamp duty is levied. This tax structure makes Dubai materially more cost-efficient for long-term property holding compared to most European or North American markets, where annual taxes, capital gains levies and stamp duty can collectively reduce net returns by several percentage points.

Branded residences in Dubai trade at a premium of approximately 40% over comparable non-branded stock, based on H1 2025 transaction data. The premium reflects several factors: design authorship and quality consistency enforced by the brand licence, fully furnished delivery that eliminates fit-out costs, stronger tenant demand from corporate and international occupant profiles, and improved resale liquidity in secondary markets where branded provenance supports pricing confidence. Non-branded developments compete primarily on location and price-per-square-foot entry point and carry more variable design and finishing standards. For investors with a medium-to-long holding horizon, the resale price floor and rental differentiation of branded stock typically justify the higher entry cost.

Foreign buyers who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in qualifying UAE real estate become eligible for a 10-year renewable UAE residency visa, commonly referred to as the Golden Visa. The threshold applies to the total registered property value and may be met through a single purchase or a combination of qualifying assets. Off-plan purchases from approved developers registered with DLD qualify once the investment value threshold is confirmed. The visa covers the primary applicant and immediate family members and carries no minimum stay requirement.