Dubai Property for UK Buyers
0% tax. 7-hour flight. Only 3-4 hours ahead. Here's why 14,000 UK residents search "buy property Dubai" every month.
Why UK Buyers Choose Dubai
Tax-free gains. High yields. A property market that doesn't punish landlords. Dubai offers UK buyers what the UK no longer does.
UK vs Dubai: Tax Comparison
The numbers that make UK landlords weep.
| Tax Type | UK | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax | 18-28% | 0% |
| Rental Income Tax | 20-45% | 0% |
| Stamp Duty (on purchase) | 3-15% | 4% |
| Annual Property Tax | Council Tax | None |
| Inheritance Tax (UAE) | 40% | 0%* |
UK vs Dubai Tax Comparison
See why UK landlords are looking East for better returns
UK Tax Obligations
UK tax residents remain liable for worldwide income and gains. *UK inheritance tax (40%) may still apply to Dubai property for UK-domiciled individuals. Consult a cross-border tax specialist. This is not tax advice.
5-Step Buying Process
From London sofa to Dubai title deed. Here's how it works.
Research and Budget
Define your budget in GBP. Research areas (Marina, Downtown, JVC). Factor in total costs: property price + 7-8% in fees (4% DLD, 2% agency, 1-2% other).
Lock in Your Exchange Rate
GBP/AED volatility can cost you thousands. Lock a rate with a specialist broker before you commit. Potential savings vs banks: 2-4%.
Reserve the Property
Pay 10% booking deposit to secure. Sign Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA). For off-plan: Oqood registration with DLD.
Complete Payment
Transfer remaining funds per schedule. Ready property: balance on transfer. Off-plan: staged payments over 2-3 years (30/70, 50/50 plans).
Register and Collect Title
Final transfer at Dubai Land Department. Pay 4% DLD fee. Receive title deed. You now own freehold property in Dubai.
Off-Plan Payment Schedule
How staged payments work over your construction period
Golden Visa for UK Buyers
Buy AED 2M+ property, get 10-year UAE residency. No employer needed. Sponsor your family. No strict minimum stay requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UK citizens buy property in Dubai?
Yes. UK citizens can buy freehold property in designated areas with no restrictions. No visa required to own, though Golden Visa available through investment.
How much tax do I pay on Dubai property?
Zero in Dubai. No CGT, no rental income tax, no inheritance tax. UK tax residents may still have UK obligations on worldwide income.
What exchange rate will I get for GBP to AED?
Banks charge 3-5% margin. Specialist brokers offer 2-4% better rates. On a AED 2M purchase, that's potentially GBP 15,000+ saved.
Do I need to visit Dubai to buy?
No. Power of Attorney enables remote purchase. But visiting to view properties is recommended for first-time buyers.
Can I get a mortgage as a UK resident?
Yes. UAE banks lend to non-residents: 50-60% LTV, 25-year terms, ~4-5% rates. Need UK bank statements and proof of income.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Property investment carries risks including loss of capital. Exchange rates fluctuate and past performance is not indicative of future results. UK tax residents should consult a qualified cross-border tax advisor regarding their obligations. MyCurrencyTransfer is a comparison service and does not provide property purchasing services.
GBP/AED Exchange
UK Buyer Essentials
- Flight time 7 hours
- Time difference +3h (summer) / +4h (winter)
- Min. investment ~GBP 100K
- Golden Visa ~GBP 435K
- Purchase fees 7-8%
- Mortgage LTV 50-60%
Related Guides
Compare Transfer Rates
Get quotes from specialist brokers. Save thousands on your property transfer.
Get Quotes