Dubai Island Apartments: 5 Projects With No Transfer Fees

Imagine stepping into your sleek new apartment on Dubai Islands, the Arabian Gulf sparkling just outside, knowing you’ve saved thousands by dodging transfer fees in a tax-free paradise. In 2025, Dubai Islands, a visionary 17-square-kilometer waterfront project by Nakheel, is redefining luxury living with five interconnected isles Central, Shore, Golf, Marina, and Elite. These islands offer 50 kilometers of pristine coastline, lush parks, and a vibrant community for 30,000 residents, just 15 minutes from Deira via water taxi or Sheikh Zayed Road.

With 58% of buyers from countries like the UK, India, and Russia driving 94,000 property transactions in the first half of 2025, Dubai Islands boast 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price appreciation, outpacing London (2-4%) or New York (3-4%). The UAE’s dirham, pegged to the U.S. dollar, ensures currency stability, and residential purchases avoid 5% VAT, saving thousands.

Properties over $545,000 qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa, while smaller units offer 2-year residency perks. This guide spotlights five off-plan apartment projects Haven Living, Beach Walk Residences, Azura Residences, Cotier House, and Villa del DIVOS offering no transfer fees in 2025, helping you maximize returns in this dynamic market.

Why Dubai Islands Are a Smart Investment

Dubai Islands combine luxury with accessibility, offering sea-view apartments, cultural hubs, and 80 resorts across five isles. With a 2-3% vacancy rate versus 7-10% globally, demand is high, fueled by 25 million tourists and a 5% population surge. A $1.2 million apartment yielding 5% ($60,000 annually) is tax-free for individual landlords, versus $33,000-$42,000 elsewhere after income taxes. Zero capital gains tax saves $60,000-$84,000 on a $300,000 profit, and no annual property taxes save $12,000-$24,000 yearly, unlike New York (1-2%) or London (council tax up to 2%).

Residential sales dodge 5% VAT ($60,000), and the 9% corporate tax spares individual landlords. Free zone companies save $1,000-$30,000 annually, and small business relief waives corporate tax for revenues under $816,000 until December 31, 2026. No transfer fees on select 2025 projects eliminate the 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee, saving $48,000-$120,000, making Dubai Islands a financial haven.

The tax-free, no-fee allure feels like a golden ticket to wealth-building.

Haven Living: Affordable Waterfront Elegance

Haven Living by Metac Properties, set for completion in Q4 2025, offers 1-3 bedroom apartments starting at $475,750 with a 35/65 payment plan. These 800-1,800 square foot units feature sea views and modern designs, with 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price growth. A $1.2 million apartment yields $48,000-$72,000 tax-free annually, versus $26,400-$43,200 elsewhere, saving $21,600-$28,800.

Selling it for $1.5 million yields a $300,000 tax-free profit, saving $60,000-$84,000. No property taxes save $12,000-$24,000 yearly, and VAT exemption saves $60,000. With no 4% DLD fee, investors save $48,000. Initial costs include a 2% broker fee ($24,000) and a 10% deposit ($120,000). Maintenance fees are $5,000-$10,000, with a 5% municipality fee ($2,400-$3,600). A Qualified Free Zone Person (QFZP) saves $12,240-$18,360 on $122,400-$183,600 in income.

U.S. investors deduct depreciation ($21,818-$43,636) and management fees ($2,400-$5,455), saving up to $17,455. Golden Visa eligibility applies for properties over $545,000. Short-term rentals boost yields by 10-20% with Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) registration ($408-$816 annually).

The waterfront charm feels like a budget-friendly, tax-free retreat.

Beach Walk Residences: Premium Coastal Living

Beach Walk Residences by Imtiaz Developments, set for handover in Q2 2026, offers 1-3 bedroom apartments starting at $598,095 with a 60/40 payment plan. These 900-2,000 square foot units boast beachfront access and premium amenities, with 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price growth. A $1.2 million apartment yields $48,000-$72,000 tax-free, versus $26,400-$43,200 elsewhere, saving $21,600-$28,800.

Selling it for $1.5 million yields a $300,000 tax-free profit, saving $60,000-$84,000. No property taxes save $12,000-$24,000 yearly, and VAT exemption saves $60,000. No transfer fees save $48,000. Initial costs include a 2% broker fee ($24,000) and a 10% deposit ($120,000). Maintenance fees are $6,000-$12,000, with a 5% municipality fee ($2,400-$3,600). A QFZP saves $12,240-$18,360. U.S. investors deduct depreciation and management fees, saving up to $17,455. Golden Visa eligibility applies. Short-term rentals boost yields by 10-20%.

The beachfront lifestyle feels like a vibrant, no-fee paradise.

Azura Residences: Modern Urban Waterfront

Azura Residences by Invest Group Overseas, set for completion in Q2 2026, offers 1-4 bedroom apartments starting at $680,625 with a 60/40 payment plan. These 1,000-2,500 square foot units feature modern designs and sea views, with 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price growth. A $1.36 million apartment yields $54,400-$81,600 tax-free, versus $29,920-$48,960 elsewhere, saving $24,480-$32,640.

Selling it for $1.7 million yields a $340,000 tax-free profit, saving $68,000-$95,200. No property taxes save $13,600-$27,200 yearly, and VAT exemption saves $68,000. No transfer fees save $54,400. Initial costs include a 2% broker fee ($27,200) and a 10% deposit ($136,000). Maintenance fees are $6,000-$12,000, with a 5% municipality fee ($2,720-$4,080).

A QFZP saves $13,872-$20,808. U.S. investors deduct depreciation and management fees, saving up to $19,818. Golden Visa eligibility applies. Short-term rentals boost yields by 10-20%.

The urban waterfront vibe feels like a stylish, tax-free haven.

Cotier House: Sea-View Serenity

Cotier House by Imtiaz Developments, set for handover in Q1 2027, offers 1-3 bedroom apartments and townhouses starting at $653,250 with a 60/40 payment plan. These 900-2,200 square foot units offer breathtaking sea views, with 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price growth.

A $1.2 million apartment yields $48,000-$72,000 tax-free, versus $26,400-$43,200 elsewhere, saving $21,600-$28,800. Selling it for $1.5 million yields a $300,000 tax-free profit, saving $60,000-$84,000. No property taxes save $12,000-$24,000 yearly, and VAT exemption saves $60,000.

No transfer fees save $48,000. Initial costs include a 2% broker fee ($24,000) and a 10% deposit ($120,000). Maintenance fees are $6,000-$12,000, with a 5% municipality fee ($2,400-$3,600). A QFZP saves $12,240-$18,360. U.S. investors deduct depreciation and management fees, saving up to $17,455. Golden Visa eligibility applies. Short-term rentals boost yields by 10-20%.

The serene sea views feel like a tranquil, no-fee escape.

Villa del DIVOS: Luxury Coastal Retreat

Villa del DIVOS by Mr Eight Development, set for completion in Q2 2026, offers 2-4 bedroom apartments and penthouses starting at $625,875 with a 35/65 payment plan. These 1,200-3,000 square foot units feature luxury finishes and sea views, with 4-6% rental yields and 8-12% price growth.

A $1.36 million apartment yields $54,400-$81,600 tax-free, versus $29,920-$48,960 elsewhere, saving $24,480-$32,640. Selling it for $1.7 million yields a $340,000 tax-free profit, saving $68,000-$95,200. No property taxes save $13,600-$27,200 yearly, and VAT exemption saves $68,000. No transfer fees save $54,400.

Initial costs include a 2% broker fee ($27,200) and a 10% deposit ($136,000). Maintenance fees are $7,000-$14,000, with a 5% municipality fee ($2,720-$4,080). A QFZP saves $13,872-$20,808. U.S. investors deduct depreciation and management fees, saving up to $19,818. Golden Visa eligibility applies. Short-term rentals boost yields by 10-20%.

The luxurious coastal retreat feels like a prestigious, no-fee gem.

How No Transfer Fees Boost Savings

Eliminating the 4% DLD fee saves $48,000-$120,000 on a $1.2 million-$3 million apartment, a perk offered by developers like Nakheel and Imtiaz in 2025 to attract early buyers. This saving, combined with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or property taxes, amplifies returns. For example, a $1.2 million Haven Living apartment saves $48,000 in transfer fees, $60,000 in VAT, and $12,000-$24,000 in annual property taxes, totaling $120,000-$132,000 in savings upfront and yearly.

Short-term rentals, leveraging 25 million tourists, boost yields by 10-20%, adding $4,800-$14,400 annually. These savings make Dubai Islands apartments a compelling choice compared to markets with 1-2% property taxes or 15-28% capital gains taxes.

The no-fee structure feels like a financial high-five for investors.

Tax Strategies to Maximize Returns

To capitalize on these projects, use these strategies. First, hold properties as an individual to avoid the 9% corporate tax, keeping 100% of rental income. Second, set up a QFZP in areas like DMCC to save $12,240-$61,200 annually on $122,400-$612,000 in income, with setup costs of $2,000-$5,000. Third, recover 5% VAT ($20,000-$80,000) on off-plan developer fees via Federal Tax Authority (FTA) registration ($500-$1,000).

Fourth, leverage small business relief for revenues under $816,000 until 2026. Fifth, U.S. investors should deduct depreciation ($21,818-$43,636), maintenance ($5,000-$14,000), and mortgage interest on Schedule E, saving up to $19,818. Sixth, non-U.S. investors can use double taxation treaties with 130+ countries to avoid taxes like the UK’s 20-28% capital gains tax. Hire a property manager ($5,000-$14,000 annually) and consult tax professionals to ensure compliance.

These strategies feel like a roadmap to financial freedom.

Costs of Ownership

Buying a $1.2 million apartment incurs a 2% broker fee ($24,000) and a 10% deposit ($120,000). Flexible payment plans (35/65 or 60/40) spread costs, with 35-60% paid during construction. Annual maintenance fees range from $5,000-$14,000, and landlords pay a 5% municipality fee ($2,400-$4,080). Short-term rentals require DTCM registration ($408-$816), while long-term leases need Ejari registration ($54-$136). Off-plan purchases may incur 5% VAT ($20,000-$80,000), recoverable via FTA registration. Gift transfers to shareholders reduce DLD fees to 0.125% ($1,500), saving $46,500 on a $1.2 million property. These costs are modest compared to tax-heavy markets.

The costs feel like a small price for a tax-free, no-fee dream.

Navigating Risks in 2025

A projected oversupply of 41,000 units may slow price growth. Mitigate by choosing trusted developers like Nakheel, Imtiaz, or Metac, verifying escrow compliance under the 2025 Oqood system, and targeting low-vacancy projects (2-3%). Ensure QFZP and VAT compliance to avoid fines up to $136,125. Short-term rentals boost yields, while long-term leases ensure stability. Proximity to Deira and upcoming cruise terminals drives value. Register early for off-plan projects to secure prime units and no-fee offers. Regular market analysis keeps you ahead.

Why These Projects Stand Out

Haven Living, Beach Walk Residences, Azura Residences, Cotier House, and Villa del DIVOS offer no transfer fees, saving $48,000-$120,000, alongside 4-6% rental yields, 8-12% price growth, and tax savings of $12,000-$95,200 annually. With Golden Visa perks, flexible payment plans, and a tax-free environment, these 2025 Dubai Islands projects deliver luxury, accessibility, and high returns. The no-fee advantage makes them a vibrant, wealth-building choice for investors seeking a slice of coastal paradise.

read more: New Tax Rules for Dubai Properties in Coastal Developments