Legal Advice

The young property market in Dubai has only allowed foreigners to purchase property in the declared freehold areas since June 2002. Beforehand, the purchase of property was reserved for the citizens of the U.A.E. and under certain circumstances for citizens of the GCC states (Gulf Cooperation Council). For all others, only a leasehold of 99 years was possible. Outside the freehold areas, this is still the case.

As the laws are quite different to many other countries and are also changing from time to time, it is advisable to use a lawyer with a good knowledge of the UAE legal system and laws.

The Lands Department is the only authority that can register real property rights. For legal reasons, you should always check that this is done properly with your property. Real property rights capable of registration include rights of freehold ownership, long leases of up to 99 years and also collateral rights such as easements, restrictions and mortgages over real property. You must take the contract to the Lands Department and apply for ownership to be registered in their name. If the application is in order, the Lands Department will register the ownership in the Property Register and issue you with a ‘Title Certificate’. This is the document that proves ownership.

Make absolutely certain that the person or persons or company selling you the property is, in fact, the registered owner.

For more information on the laws and regulations regarding Dubai property, you can refer to the official RERA website.