Questions
Buying property in the UAE, answered.
Ownership, fees, off-plan protection, golden visa residency and how we work. If your question isn’t here, ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
A senior advisor answers by phone or WhatsApp during office hours, and by email within one business day.
BuyingCan foreigners own property in the UAE?
Yes. Non-residents of any nationality can buy freehold property in designated areas, which include Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Saadiyat and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, and Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. You do not need a residence visa to buy.
BuyingWhat does it cost to buy, on top of the price?
In Dubai, plan on the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, a small title-deed and trustee fee, and a 2% brokerage fee on resale purchases. Off-plan purchases from a developer usually carry no buyer-side brokerage. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have their own registration fees, which we confirm before you commit.
BuyingCan I buy without travelling to the UAE?
Yes. Many of our clients never fly in before completion. We run video viewings, send independent valuations and snagging reports, and the transfer can be signed through a power of attorney or the developer’s digital process.
Off-planHow do you protect off-plan buyers?
Before recommending a launch we check that the project is registered with the land department, that payments go into a regulated escrow account, and how the developer’s previous projects were delivered. We also check each payment instruction against the escrow account before you send money.
Off-planCan I sell before handover?
Often, yes. Most developers allow resale once a set share of the price has been paid, typically 30–40%. We model this exit with you before you buy, so you know when you could sell and what it would cost.
ResidencyHow much do I need to invest for a golden visa?
A ten-year golden visa is available to owners of property in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million. Off-plan and mortgaged property can qualify under conditions, and several properties can be combined. We check eligibility before you choose a property.
ResidencyCan my family be included in the golden visa?
Yes. A golden visa holder can sponsor a spouse and children, and in many cases domestic staff. We prepare the family applications alongside yours.
Working with usHow is Meridian paid?
On resale purchases we charge the market-standard 2% buyer-side fee. On off-plan purchases we are paid by the developer, and we tell you so. Portfolio and family-office mandates are on a fixed annual retainer agreed in writing.
Working with usDo you also manage or let the property?
We coordinate lettings and management through licensed partners and stay your single point of contact. We do not run a holiday-home operation ourselves, so our advice on which operator to use stays independent.
Working with usIs my enquiry confidential?
Yes. Your name never appears on a public listing, and your details are seen only by your advisor and a partner. We never share or sell client data.
Consultation
Begin with a private conversation.
Tell us what you want the property to do: income, growth, a home, residency. A senior advisor replies within one business day, usually by phone or WhatsApp.