Q&A
- What services does Terra Elite offer?
Terra Elite provides complete real estate support, including buying and selling guidance, off plan project advisory, investment analysis, portfolio building, holiday home management, property marketing and assistance for tenants and landlords.
- Can I purchase a property in Dubai if I do not live in the UAE?
Yes, non residents can purchase property in Dubai with full ownership rights in designated freehold areas. Our team assists international clients throughout the entire process, including documentation, payment plans and remote transactions.
- What are the main costs involved when buying a property in Dubai?
Typical costs include the Dubai Land Department fee, registration fees and service charges. Terra Elite provides a clear overview of all costs from the beginning to ensure complete transparency.
- What is the difference between off plan and ready properties?
Off plan properties are purchased during construction and usually offer lower entry prices, attractive payment plans and strong capital appreciation potential. Ready properties are completed units that can be lived in or rented out immediately. Terra Elite helps clients choose the option that best fits their goals.
- Can Terra Elite manage my property or holiday home for me?
Yes, we offer full property and holiday home management services, including marketing, tenant screening, maintenance coordination, check in and check out support and ongoing supervision to ensure your property remains profitable and well maintained.
- What are the exact buying costs when purchasing property in Dubai?
The main costs are: Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, registration fees of AED 4,000, and agency commission of 2% on the secondary market (no commission for off-plan purchases). There is no annual property tax, no capital gains tax, and no income tax on rental revenues in Dubai.
- Is it safe to invest in Dubai real estate during the current regional conflict?
Dubai's physical property market has remained structurally stable despite regional tensions in 2026. Physical prices have declined only 4-5%, compared to a 30% drop in the DFM stock index — two very different realities. The UAE's zero-tax regime, dollar-pegged dirham, and Golden Visa programme remain fully intact. Our team is on the ground in Dubai and provides personalised assessments of your situation.
- What is the Dubai Golden Visa and how do I obtain it through real estate?
The UAE Golden Visa grants a 10-year renewable residency to investors who purchase property worth AED 2 million or more (approximately €500,000). It covers the main applicant, spouse, children, and parents. No minimum stay is required. Terra Elite guides clients through the full process from property selection to visa application.
- Can I resell an off-plan property before handover?
Yes, subject to developer conditions. Most developers require that 30-40% of the purchase price has been paid before authorising a resale (called an "assignment"). Terra Elite assists with the NOC process, valuation, and finding qualified buyers. Contact our team for a free assessment of your off-plan property's resale potential.
- What rental yield can I expect from a Dubai property in 2026?
Rental yields in Dubai range from 6-9% gross per year depending on the area and property type. JVC and Dubai South typically offer 7-9%, while prime areas like Downtown or Palm Jumeirah range from 4-6%. These yields are net of all taxes — Dubai charges zero income tax on rental revenues for individuals.
- Can I get a mortgage in Dubai as a non-resident?
Yes. UAE banks offer mortgages to non-residents with a minimum down payment of 25% for properties under AED 5 million. Loan terms range from 15 to 25 years. Major banks include Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and Mashreq. Terra Elite works with trusted mortgage brokers to help clients secure the best rates.
- Do I need to be in Dubai to buy a property?
No. The entire process can be completed remotely. Payments can be made from any international bank account. The developer or Dubai Land Department handles all registration formalities. Terra Elite supports remote clients throughout Europe with video calls in English, French, Dutch and Arabic.
- What is the difference between freehold and leasehold in Dubai?
Freehold means full ownership of both the land and the building — exactly as in Europe. It has been available to foreign nationals since 2002 in designated freehold zones including JVC, Business Bay, Downtown, Marina, Creek Harbour and Palm Jumeirah. Terra Elite exclusively markets freehold properties.
- How are funds protected when buying off-plan in Dubai?
All off-plan payments are deposited into a RERA-regulated escrow account. The developer can only access funds as construction milestones are completed. This regulatory protection significantly reduces the risk of developer default. Terra Elite only works with DLD-certified developers with a proven delivery track record.
- What happens if I cannot meet my off-plan payment instalments?
You should immediately contact your Terra Elite agent and the developer. Options include renegotiating the payment schedule or selling the property to recover your investment. If payments stop for more than 6 months without communication, the developer may cancel the contract and retain up to 40% of the amount paid. Early communication is essential.
- Is there inheritance tax on property in Dubai?
Dubai does not levy inheritance or succession taxes. However, without a registered will (DIFC Wills Service Centre), Sharia law may apply by default to your assets in the UAE, following different succession rules than European standards. We strongly recommend registering a DIFC will. Terra Elite can refer you to specialist lawyers for this process.
- What is a RERA licence and why does it matter?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is the official body overseeing all real estate activity in Dubai. All agents must hold a valid RERA licence to legally operate. Terra Elite is a fully RERA-registered agency. You can verify our registration directly on the Dubai Land Department website at dubailand.gov.ae.
- Puis-je investir à Dubaï depuis la France, la Belgique ou les Pays-Bas ?
Oui, absolument. Aucune résidence aux Émirats n'est requise pour acheter. Les paiements se font directement depuis votre compte bancaire européen. Chez Terra Elite, nos agents francophones (Said, Monaïme, David) et néerlandophones (Ihsane, Yasmine) vous accompagnent dans votre langue maternelle, de la sélection du bien jusqu'à la remise des clés.
- Kan ik als Belg of Nederlander investeren in Dubai vastgoed?
Ja, volledig. Er is geen verblijfsvergunning vereist om te kopen. Betalingen kunnen rechtstreeks vanuit uw Belgische of Nederlandse bankrekening worden gedaan. Bij Terra Elite begeleiden onze Nederlandstalige makelaars Ihsane en Yasmine u volledig in het Nederlands, van de selectie van het onroerend goed tot de sleuteloverdracht.
- Quels sont les meilleurs quartiers pour investir à Dubaï en 2026 ?
Les quartiers les plus recherchés sont JVC (rendement 7-9%, prix accessibles), Business Bay (centre-ville, forte demande locative), Dubai Creek Harbour (potentiel de croissance Emaar), Dubai South (aéroport Al Maktoum, long terme) et Palm Jumeirah (prestige, stabilité). Nos agents vous conseillent selon votre budget — consultation gratuite en FR, NL, EN et AR.