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Freehold means you own both the property and the land it stands on, outright and in perpetuity. Since the 2002 freehold decree — later codified in Law No. 7 of 2006 — foreign nationals have been able to buy freehold in designated areas of Dubai, which now number more than sixty and include Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay and Dubai Hills Estate. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department and evidenced by a title deed. You may sell, lease or pass the property to your heirs without seeking permission, and freehold ownership above the qualifying value is the basis of the property route to a long-term residency visa.

Leasehold gives you the right to occupy and use a property for a fixed term — commonly 10, 30 or up to 99 years — while the land itself remains with the freeholder, usually a government entity or master developer. You can live in the property, rent it out and sell your remaining interest during the term, but structural alterations generally need the landowner's consent, and at the end of the term the property reverts to the freeholder unless the lease is renewed or renegotiated. Leasehold areas tend to be Dubai's older established neighbourhoods that sit outside the designated freehold zones, such as parts of Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama and Satwa.

Mainland refers to land that falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Dubai Government and is registered with the Dubai Land Department, as distinct from free-zone areas such as DIFC, which operate their own property registers and legal frameworks. It is worth clearing up a common confusion: mainland is not the opposite of freehold. Most of Dubai's designated freehold communities are on the mainland. Mainland describes which authority governs and registers the title; freehold and leasehold describe what kind of ownership that title actually gives you.

They answer three different questions, which is why they are so often confused. Freehold answers what you own: the property and the land, permanently, with a title deed, open to foreign buyers in designated zones and eligible for the property residency route. Leasehold answers for how long: the right to use the property for a fixed term of up to 99 years while the land stays with the freeholder, typically at a lower entry price but with a reverting interest and consent required for major changes. Mainland answers who governs it: land administered by the Dubai Government and registered with the Dubai Land Department rather than by a free-zone authority. So a single property can be both mainland and freehold at the same time. For most international buyers seeking a permanent asset, a resale market and a residency pathway, freehold in a designated zone is the appropriate route — and we will confirm the exact status of any property before you commit.

Dubai offers a stable, tax-free environment with no capital gains or property tax, world-class infrastructure, a strategic global location, and a high quality of life — making it one of the world's most sought-after destinations for property ownership. Dubai's master-planned communities are consistently among the most in-demand.

We offer a complete portfolio — villas, high-rise apartments, beachfront residences, and waterfront towers across Dubai's finest communities. Both off-plan and ready properties are available.

The process involves selecting a property, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paying a deposit, completing due diligence, and transferring ownership at the Dubai Land Department. Our team guides you through every step to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transaction.

Yes. Dubai allows foreign nationals to purchase property in designated freehold areas, which include Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Emirates Hills, and many more prestigious locations. Ownership may also qualify you for UAE residency visas.

Simply contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email and our advisors will arrange a convenient time — in person at our One Central office, virtually, or at a property of your choice. We serve clients across the UAE, GCC, and internationally.