Plain-language explanations of the laws that apply to property in each Emirate, cited to the instrument rather than to a portal summary, and updated when they change. Where a widely repeated figure does not survive a check against the primary text, we say so.
Since 1 February 2023 a non-Muslim who dies without a will gets a civil split, not Sharia succession, though real estate is unsettled. Wills and DLD fees.
Subletting needs the landlord's written consent, and the statutory remedy is eviction, not a fine. The AED 500,000 penalties belong to shared-housing law.
Dubai law sets no deposit percentage and no early-exit penalty. The 5%/10% deposit and two-month fee are market custom, not statute.
A resale runs through Form F, the developer NOC and DLD registration. The 10% deposit is custom, not law, and a seller's mortgage can add weeks.
A renovation can need a developer NOC, a permit from Dubai Municipality, DDA or Trakhees by zone, and a registered contractor under Law No. 7 of 2025.
Dubai Police cases show money moving before anyone checks the listing. The Land Department's own tools let you verify permit, broker, title and developer first.
Per commentary on DLD Circular 29/R/2025, a sale needs a special POA naming the property and the deal, with a full attestation chain if signed abroad.
Co-owners are presumed to hold equal shares unless the title deed says otherwise. How joint mortgages, selling a share, pre-emption and partition work.
Article 25 lists nine grounds during a lease and four at expiry. Expiry grounds need 12 months' notice by notary or registered mail, and no self-help.
Since 2 January 2022 a bounced rent cheque is usually a civil matter. Landlords go to the execution judge, but eviction still needs 30 days' notice.
Dubai's broker bylaw leaves the fee to the brokerage agreement. Custom applies only if the contract is silent, and 5% VAT is added on top.
The AED 1,000,000 figure is real, but it belongs to the retirement visa. The three property routes into UAE residence, separated.
Between 0% and 20%, on five bands set by Decree No. (43) of 2013 and keyed to how far below the benchmark average your current rent sits. The Smart Rental Index launched in January 2025 changed how the benchmark is calculated (to a building-specific, star-rated figure), but DLD stated on the record that the percentages themselves are unchanged.
No. Non-GCC foreign nationals may own freehold only in areas designated under Law No. 7 of 2006 and Regulation No. 3 of 2006. The designated list has grown since, but not into one consolidated published document, which is why the widely quoted "60-plus areas" figure does not survive a check against the primary text.
Yes, and the consequence is procedural: under Article 4 of Law No. 26 of 2007 the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre and the courts cannot consider a dispute over an unregistered lease. Registration is also needed for utilities and visa processing.
AED 2,000,000. The AED 1,000,000 figure that circulates alongside it is real but attaches to a different scheme, the retirement visa for applicants aged 55 and over, not to the ten-year investor Golden Visa.
