Home Buyers Guide
Q. Can expatriates own a home in Dubai?
A. Yes. Expatriates are now legally entitled to purchase a home at any of the developments designated for that purpose in the UAE.
Q. Will my ownership rights be protected?
A. Yes. Your rights of ownership are recognised and legally protected under the UAE property law.
Q. Am I ready to buy a home?
A. It depends upon your circumstances and future plans. Here are some questions, which could help you decide:
- Do you have other financial commitments? (e.g. an auto or personal loan)
- Do you have a secure and steady job?
- Do you have a steady and regular source of income?
- Do you normally have additional funds left over at the end of each month?
- Do you have money saved for a down payment?
- Do you have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus the additional costs associated with home ownership, such as maintenance and utilities?
If you answer yes to all of the above questions, you are probably in a position to consider buying your own home.
Q. How does purchasing a home compare with renting?
A. The only advantage of renting is that your landlord is generally responsible for property maintenance. However you may not be free to make home improvements without the landlord's permission. Home ownership gives you the freedom, stability and security to build equity in your home and protects you from the risk of exorbitant rent increases.
Q. What do I do first?
A. The first step to buying a home is to determine your family's needs.
- Are you looking for an apartment or a villa?
- How many rooms and how big should it be?
- Do you need a garage and storage space?
- What type of amenities and facilities would you like?
- Next, consider the location; seafront, city centre or golf course.
- Consider access to your work, schools, hospitals, parks, shops or activities that you and your family enjoy.
- Once you have determined your needs, divide them into a list of essential must haves and nice to have but non essential features. Now you are ready to start the search for your new home.
Q. Where can I find the home I want?
A. There are many developments throughout the UAE available for sale to expatriates. Look through the property sections of various newspapers and keep an eye out for announcements and advertisements of property developers. Speak to family and friends and, if possible, to someone who already lives in the development you wish to purchase. Not only will they have the most knowledge about the property and any hidden pitfalls or benefits, but they will also be your future neighbours.
Q. How do I know if it is the right one?
A. It's time to talk to the property managers or property developers and gather as much information as you can about the home that you like. Be sure to communicate with them regularly and inform them of your expectations from the property. This will save time on the long run. Once you have found a home that you like, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is the right one for you:
- Does it have sufficient electrical outlets and telephone sockets and are they in appropriate and accessible places?
- Are there too few or too many bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Is the garden or balcony big enough?
- Will your existing furniture fit into your new home?
- Are there enough windows for light and ventilation?
- Does the building afford you enough privacy?
- Is there space, connections and outlets for a washing machine and tumble dryer?
- Is there enough room for your family to grow in the future?
- Are there sufficient recreational areas and are facilities well maintained?
Above all, take time to think carefully about your decision. Make a list of questions you should ask your property developer such as potential problems and maintenance issues, and how long would it normally take to resolve these? Be sure the property developer's answers are clear and complete, and make sure you understand all the information they give.
