UAE Real Estate: 5 Legal Tips for Expats Buying in 2025

REAL ESTATE1 month ago

The UAE remains a top destination for global real estate investment, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the way in 2025. For expatriates looking to buy property—whether for personal use, rental income, or long-term investment—the process is now more transparent and accessible than ever.

However, navigating the legal landscape as a foreign buyer requires awareness of key regulations, ownership rights, and due diligence steps. With new laws, updated visa pathways, and digital platforms emerging in 2025, it’s essential to stay informed before signing any deal.

Here are five essential legal tips for expats planning to purchase property in the UAE this year.

1. Understand Where Expats Can Legally Own Property

Real Estate, Foreigners are allowed to buy property in designated freehold areas. In Dubai, these include neighborhoods such as:

Downtown Dubai
Business Bay
Dubai Marina
Palm Jumeirah
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Dubai South

Abu Dhabi expanded its freehold zones in 2019 to include areas like Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Beach, and Reem Island. Previously, expats could only lease for 99 years.

Legal tip: Always confirm whether a property falls within a freehold, leasehold, or usufruct zone. Only freehold gives you full ownership and resale rights.

2. Always Verify the Developer and Project Approval

Before making a down payment, ensure the developer is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or relevant authority (like ADREC in Abu Dhabi or SRER in Sharjah). In Dubai, all off-plan projects must be approved, with funds handled through escrow accounts to protect buyers.

You can verify:

Project status and escrow account details via Oqood (DLD),
Developer registration,
Broker licenses (check via DLD’s Trakheesi system).

Legal tip: Avoid unregistered agents or third parties. Make payments only through regulated channels and obtain official receipts.

3. Understand Ownership Structures & Joint Purchase Rules

Expats can purchase property:

Individually,
Jointly with a spouse,
Through a UAE-registered company, especially for high-value or commercial assets.

In 2025, joint ownership is more streamlined, but it’s crucial to clarify ownership percentages, especially in cases of inheritance or resale. UAE property laws don’t automatically follow common law rules, and disputes can arise in court.

Legal tip: If buying jointly, register all owners clearly on the title deed and consider drafting a co-ownership agreement to outline rights, obligations, and dispute resolution methods.

4. Factor in Inheritance Law and Will Registration

The UAE follows Shariah law by default in inheritance matters. However, expats can now register wills with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry or Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court to protect their property and assign beneficiaries.

Without a registered will, your UAE-based assets could be distributed under Islamic law—even if your home country law says otherwise.

Legal tip: Registering a UAE-compliant will ensures your property goes to your chosen heirs and avoids court delays or asset freezes.

5. Review the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) Carefully

The SPA is the legally binding contract between buyer and seller (or developer). In 2025, more SPAs are digitally executed and registered directly with authorities via online portals like Dubai REST.

However, expats must still:

Read all clauses carefully (delivery timelines, penalties, cancellation policies),
Understand the consequences of late payments or delays by the developer,
Ensure terms about handover, warranties, and service charges are clearly defined.

Hiring a local property lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected—especially in off-plan transactions or when dealing with sub-developers.

Legal tip: Do not rely on verbal agreements or sales brochures. Only what’s in the SPA holds legal weight in court.

Conclusion

Buying property in the UAE as an expat is more straightforward than ever—but only if you understand the legal framework. From verifying developer credentials to preparing for inheritance planning, these steps are critical to securing your investment.

As the UAE continues to attract long-term residents and global investors in 2025, these legal tips will help you stay compliant, avoid disputes, and make informed decisions. Real Estate