7 Most Affordable Dubai Properties Foreigners Can Buy in 2025

REAL ESTATE1 week ago

Affordable Dubai Properties: Dubai’s real estate market in 2025 is booming, with 94,000 residential transactions worth AED 262.7 billion in H1, up 23.04% year-on-year. Foreigners can buy freehold properties in designated zones under Decree No. 3 of 2006, enjoying 6–12% rental yields, 5–15% capital appreciation, and tax-free returns. While luxury areas like Palm Jumeirah command high prices, affordable freehold zones like Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai International City offer entry-level properties starting from AED 270,000.

With 41,000 new units expected in 2025 and flexible payment plans, foreigners have access to budget-friendly options. This guide lists seven of the most affordable off-plan and ready properties foreigners can buy in 2025, focusing on price, ROI, and accessibility.

1. Cubix Residences (Jumeirah Village Circle)

Developer: QUBE Development
Price: From AED 660,000 (studios, 650 sq. ft.)
Handover: Q2 2025
Payment Plan: 50/50 (50% during construction, 50% post-handover)
Investment Potential: Located in the freehold JVC, a family-friendly zone with 33 parks and Circle Mall, Cubix Residences offers 7.5–9.3% yields (e.g., AED 61,380/year for a AED 660,000 studio) and 5–10% capital gains. Prices start at AED 1,000 per sq. ft., making it ideal for budget-conscious investors. Its central location, 20 minutes from Dubai Marina, ensures strong rental demand.
Key Features: Modern studios and 1-bedroom apartments, gym, pool, and proximity to schools.
Why It’s Affordable: Low entry price and flexible payments suit first-time buyers. Verify escrow compliance via DLD and engage RERA-registered agents.

2. Samana Hills (Arjan)

Developer: Samana Developers
Price: From AED 650,000 (1-bedroom apartments, 700 sq. ft.)
Handover: Q1 2026
Payment Plan: 60/40 (60% during construction, 40% post-handover)
Investment Potential: Arjan, a freehold zone near Dubai Hills Mall and Miracle Garden, offers 8–9% yields (e.g., AED 54,000/year for a AED 650,000 apartment) and 5–10% capital gains. Prices start at AED 930 per sq. ft. Its proximity to schools and Al Barsha makes it popular for families and young professionals.
Key Features: Smart home features, rooftop pool, and green spaces.
Why It’s Affordable: Competitive pricing and high ROI make it attractive. Confirm escrow account and RERA approvals via DLD.

3. Emaar South – Altan (Emaar South)

Developer: Emaar Properties
Price: From AED 480,000 (studios, 500 sq. ft.)
Handover: Q4 2027
Payment Plan: 70/30 (70% during construction, 30% post-handover)
Investment Potential: Emaar South, a freehold zone near Al Maktoum Airport, is part of Dubai’s 2040 Master Plan, offering 8–11% yields (e.g., AED 38,400/year for a AED 480,000 studio) and 5–10% capital gains. Prices start at AED 960 per sq. ft. Its strategic location near Expo City drives demand.
Key Features: Golf course views, community parks, and proximity to Dubai South’s business hub.
Why It’s Affordable: Low starting price and Emaar’s reliability ensure value. Verify escrow via DLD and budget for 4% DLD transfer fee.

4. Sobha Aquamont (Umm Al Quwain)

Developer: Sobha Realty
Price: From AED 700,000 (1-bedroom apartments, 750 sq. ft.)
Handover: Q3 2026
Payment Plan: 60/40 (60% during construction, 40% post-handover)
Investment Potential: Located in the freehold Umm Al Quwain, a quieter emirate 45 minutes from Dubai, Sobha Aquamont offers 6–8% yields (e.g., AED 49,000/year for a AED 700,000 apartment) and 5–8% capital gains. Prices start at AED 933 per sq. ft. Ideal for budget buyers seeking affordability outside central Dubai.
Key Features: Waterfront views, modern amenities, and serene lifestyle.
Why It’s Affordable: Lower prices than central Dubai and flexible payments. Confirm Sobha’s escrow account via DLD.

5. International City Apartments (Dubai International City)

Developer: Nakheel Properties and others
Price: From AED 270,000 (studios, 514 sq. ft.)
Handover: Ready properties
Payment Plan: Full payment or 50–70% mortgage (25–35% down payment)
Investment Potential: Dubai International City, a freehold zone in Al Warsan, is the most affordable area, with prices from AED 590–616 per sq. ft. Studios yield 7–9% (e.g., AED 21,600/year for a AED 270,000 unit) and 5–8% capital gains. Its multicultural community and proximity to Dragon Mart attract tenants.
Key Features: Budget-friendly studios, retail spaces, and public transport access.
Why It’s Affordable: Lowest entry price in Dubai. Request NOC from seller and verify title deed via DLD.

6. Discovery Gardens Apartments (Discovery Gardens)

Developer: Nakheel Properties
Price: From AED 400,000 (studios, 500 sq. ft.)
Handover: Ready properties
Payment Plan: Full payment or 50–70% mortgage (25–35% down payment)
Investment Potential: A freehold zone near Al Furjan Metro, Discovery Gardens offers 7–8.5% yields (e.g., AED 32,000/year for a AED 400,000 studio) and 5–8% capital gains. Prices start at AED 800 per sq. ft. Its green, community-focused design appeals to families and professionals.
Key Features: Landscaped gardens, pools, and proximity to Ibn Battuta Mall.
Why It’s Affordable: Low per-square-foot cost and ready-to-move-in units. Check NOC and engage RERA-registered agents.

7. Damac Chelsea Residences (Dubai Maritime City)

Developer: DAMAC Properties
Price: From AED 750,000 (1-bedroom apartments, 700 sq. ft.)
Handover: Q3 2026
Payment Plan: 60/40 (60% during construction, 40% post-handover)
Investment Potential: Located in the freehold Dubai Maritime City, a waterfront hub, Chelsea Residences offers 6–8% yields (e.g., AED 52,500/year for a AED 750,000 apartment) and 5–10% capital gains. Prices start at AED 1,071 per sq. ft. Its proximity to Port Rashid and business hubs drives tenant demand.
Key Features: Maritime-inspired design, waterfront views, and modern amenities.
Why It’s Affordable: Competitive pricing for a waterfront location. Verify escrow and SPA terms via DLD.

Strategic Tips for Foreign Buyers

Verify Freehold Status: Ensure properties are in freehold zones via DLD’s portal or title deed to confirm full ownership rights.
Check Developer and Escrow: Confirm developer reliability (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC) and escrow compliance for off-plan projects via DLD to protect deposits (e.g., AED 66,000 for a 10% deposit on Cubix Residences).
Budget for Costs: Include 4% DLD transfer fee, 2% agent commission plus 5% VAT, registration fees (AED 4,200 for properties over AED 500,000), and mortgage fees (0.25% + AED 290) if financing. Total: 6–8% of purchase price.
Financing Options: Secure 50–70% mortgages from UAE banks (e.g., Emirates NBD, HSBC) at 3–5% rates for non-residents. Down payments: 25–35% (e.g., AED 162,500 for a AED 650,000 property). Provide passport, income proof, and AECB report (AED 100).
Maximize ROI: Target short-term rentals via Airbnb in tourist-heavy zones like Dubai Maritime City (6–8%) or long-term leases in JVC (7.5–9.3%) using the Dubai Smart Rental Index 2025.
Golden Visa Eligibility: Combine multiple units (e.g., two AED 1 million apartments) to meet the AED 2 million threshold for a 10-year visa. Submit title deed and documents to DLD Cube (fees: AED 9,884.75 primary).
Avoid Scams: Work with RERA-registered agents (verify via Dubai REST app) and conduct due diligence via DLD to prevent fraud (150+ cases in 2024).
Monitor Trends: Use DXB Interact, Property Finder, and Bayut for real-time pricing. Track infrastructure like Blue Line Metro via RTA Dubai App for appreciation potential.

Conclusion

Foreigners can access affordable properties in Dubai’s freehold zones in 2025, with options like Cubix Residences (AED 660,000), Samana Hills (AED 650,000), and International City Apartments (AED 270,000) offering 6–9.3% yields and 5–10% capital gains. These projects, located in JVC, Arjan, Emaar South, Umm Al Quwain, International City, Discovery Gardens, and Dubai Maritime City, provide low entry points and flexible payment plans.

By verifying freehold status, engaging RERA-registered professionals, and leveraging market tools like DLD and Bayut, foreign buyers can secure high-return investments in Dubai’s thriving, tax-free real estate market.