Freehold, Leasehold and Ownership Structures

Foreign nationals can own freehold property in designated areas of Dubai. Freehold conveys full ownership of the unit and, in villa cases, the underlying plot, registered at the DLD with a title deed.

Most areas discussed on this platform — Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Dubai Hills, JVC, Creek Harbour, DIFC among others — are designated freehold areas for foreign ownership.

Leasehold interests (typically 30–99 years) exist in some developments and neighborhoods. Usufruct grants use rights for a defined period without conveying underlying title.

Foreign buyers should be clear on which category their intended purchase falls into and the implications for resale and renewal.

Title transfer takes place at a DLD trustee office. Standard registration fee is 4% of the purchase price plus administrative fees, typically split by market convention or negotiation.

For off-plan, Oqood registration provides interim title until final title deed issuance at handover.

Corporate holding structures, joint ownership across jurisdictions, inheritance planning, mortgage structuring for non-residents, and any transaction involving off-plan assignment or resale of unregistered contracts.