In the absence of any federal law relating to ownership of land Dubai law is regulating the ownership declaring a freehold title for foreigners. A freeholder is considered to be the absolute owner of the land and buildings comprised in his title.

Yes, there are various banks offering financing for properties, and they would be able to advise on the procedures to get financing. Alternatively, feel free to ask one of our property consultants about the latest finance products available on the market.

If the default was registered before the family moved in, then it is possible for the Bank to sell the property to settle the debt. If the family was already living in the house, then alternative arrangements must be made.

Usually the Dubai Government would require a bank guarantee from the developer for a substantial amount prior to beginning of construction to minimize the default risk exposure for investors. For his own safety the investor may get the necessary insurance.

The developer will have to maintain the standards as stipulated in the regulations issued by the Dubai municipality. In case of any vexed questions the Civil Code of the UAE would decide.

The purchase may be registered both on a private person's name or a company name without any restrictions.

Yes, he can. Freehold ownership provides the owner with absolute ownership and with rights to sell the property. However, there are slight deviations in rules and regulations levied by different developers. For example, some developers would allow resale of property only after a certain number of installments has been met and paid for. In some cases, there is a fixed transfer fee charge levied by the developer on either the Buyer or the Seller.

On inheritance matters of foreign owning real estate in the UAE Article 11 of the UAE Civil Code states that “The law of the state of which a person has the nationality shall apply to the civil status and competence of such person”.

Yes, the investor may obtain residency visa for a husband, wife and immediate family below 18 years of age. Permission to work, however must be obtained separately if necessary.

Life insurance is required in order to get a mortgage only.

If you are not dependant on a mortgage all the official documents could be registered in a few days.

Only the passport of the person on whose name the purchase is made is needed.

The Land Department collects 0.5% of the purchase price from the Seller and 1.5% from the purchaser on the transfer of the property into the name of the new owner.

The owner has to obtain the permission from the Co-owners Association *in the case of altering* a unit, or the Home Owners Association *in the case of altering* a villa.

Electricity and water charges are invoiced by DEWA. Other maintenance charges are paid to the developer, and the fees vary from project to project.

Usually the developers offer several options for possible interior design and finishing of the unit which are included in price of the property. Sometimes the developer could offer premium finishing at an extra cost as an option to the buyer.

Usually the owner would receive the finished property with space for a garden. In the boundaries of his own territory the owner is free to pursue any garden style he sees suitable.