United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Coastline, city life and new neighbourhoods

Yachts and high-rise buildings in Dubai Marina

Dubai is a city in the UAE emirate of the same name. Historic neighbourhoods around Dubai Creek sit alongside high-rise buildings and coastal districts. Start exploring the city in several different areas: an impression of one development does not describe all of Dubai.

Country: United Arab Emirates
Currency: UAE dirham · AED
Landmarks: Dubai Creek, Downtown, Dubai Marina

Explore the destination

Getting to know the city

The historic souks and waterfronts of Dubai Creek, the skyscrapers of Downtown and the walking areas of Dubai Marina show different sides of the city.

Everyday journeys

Compare the journey from a specific home to work, school and the places you need. A neighbourhood’s proximity to the metro does not mean a short walk from every building.

When choosing a home

Clarify the development’s annual charges, parking arrangements and which nearby facilities are already operating. For a project under construction, separately check the handover date and the finishing specification.

Dubai: buying property

Dubai is a distinct destination to consider when choosing a home. Compare the neighbourhood, property type, included features and total cost. The questions below will help you shortlist and check a particular offer.

City life or walks by the water?

Compare the destination in terms of your own journeys and how you plan to use the property.

The neighbourhood and everyday life

Downtown, Dubai Marina and the areas around Dubai Creek offer different surroundings. Compare them in terms of your own journeys: work, school, walks and shopping. A neighbourhood name is no substitute for checking a specific address.

Checking the specific address

Check the route from the building to a stop or station, as well as the approach to the property itself. Having a metro in the area does not confirm that the final part of the journey is convenient. For a new development, separately find out which nearby facilities are already operating.

What should you check in a development under construction?

Check the chosen property, what is included and its actual condition.

Viewing the property and checking what is included

Request the contractual handover date and the exact finishing specification. Inspect the available shared spaces, parking and building entrance. Distinguish between operating facilities and promises for future phases.

From a viewing to a particular unit

For the chosen unit, obtain its area, layout, floor, included features and designated use in a single offer. Photographs of another building and the terms of a neighbouring project do not confirm the specifications of your purchase.

How do you compare the price and annual charges?

The price in the listing is the starting point; additional and recurring charges need to be clarified.

The total purchase cost

Compare offers with the same finishes and payment method. The price per square metre, the total unit price and the price under an instalment plan should be clearly distinguished. Request a separate calculation for your chosen layout.

Running costs and property management

Clarify the development’s annual charges, parking, transaction costs and the cost of preparing the home. If you plan to rent it out, also request details of management commissions and costs during periods without tenants.

What should you ask about payment and the purchase process?

The rights, documents and payment schedule need to be checked for the particular property and buyer.

Documents and payment

Request a draft contract, payment schedule, settlement currency and the parties’ obligations if handover is delayed or the date changes. One developer’s terms do not apply to other projects.

Checking the terms of your transaction

The specialist handling the transaction should check the right being acquired, the seller, the property documents and the purchase procedure for your buyer status. This guide does not confirm a foreign buyer’s right to a particular unit, visa conditions or tax rates.

Properties in the city

Open map and properties

Photo credits

1. Chris Combe · Abra boats on Dubai Creek · CC BY 2.0. Resized, WebP format.

2. Francisco Anzola · Yachts and towers in Dubai Marina · CC BY 2.0. Resized, WebP format.