How to Buy Property in Dubai from Singapore
Pricing claim based on comparative data for select airports and passes. Live pricing is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
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Dubai is a popular choice for real estate investors, as well as for entrepreneurs looking to work in a business-friendly environment with no income tax. If you’re considering buying property in Dubai, you’ll need to understand the process, costs and rules before you start.
This guide walks through all you need to know - including buying property in Dubai pros and cons, and the best area to buy property in Dubai for different buyer types. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.
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Can Singaporeans buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Singaporeans can buy property in Dubai, subject to a few important rules and restrictions¹.
Dubai has a huge expat community, and generally, foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas. Plus, buyers don’t generally need UAE residency to buy property, making this a viable option if you’re not planning on moving to Dubai but instead want an investment property there.
It’s important to know that your ultimate ownership rights depend on the area and property type. Before you buy, you’ll need to work with a legal advisor to verify the property, title and seller through official channels.
So - should I buy property in Dubai, and if so, how? This guide covers all you need to know.
What’s the property market like in Dubai?
Dubai has a large range of property types across a variety of development areas, many of which are open to foreign buyers. It has experienced something of a boom in recent years, but the Business Times² reports that prices started to fall slightly in March 2026, for the first time since 2020, in part as a result of ongoing tensions in the region.
Market watchers suggest that the Dubai property prices are likely to stabilize or even decline from the growth experienced in recent years, so watching the market carefully is key to deciding if this is the right time for you to buy property in Dubai.
How much does property cost in Dubai?
If you’re looking to buy a place to live in Dubai, or as an investment, you may not be looking for the cheapest property to buy in Dubai - but rather the best balance of cost, lifestyle options, and investment potential. We’ve set out some of the most commonly selected locations for expat buyers below, and we’ll look at the best value options right after:
| Area³ | Typical buyer profile | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina | Affluent buyers looking for upscale apartments, views and fine dining | 1 million AED for studio and 1 bed - 10 million+ for large apartments |
| Downtown Dubai | Working people seeking luxury accommodation close to landmarks, shopping and the office | Over 1 million AED for studio and 1 bed - 30 million+ for large penthouses |
| Palm Jumeirah | Families and investors with options for both landed properties and apartments | 1.2 million AED for small apartments, with villas available from around 10 million AED to 200 million AED or more |
| Dubai Hills Estate | Families wanting prestigious and contemporary homes in a premium golfing development | 1.2 million AED for small apartments, with villas on the golf course from 140 million AED or more |
*Data taken from online resources, 13th May 2026. Actual property prices vary widely depending on size, style and location.
Best area to buy property in Dubai
There’s not one single best area to buy property in Dubai - your perfect property will depend on your preferences and needs.
Buying a place in Dubai almost certainly requires you to work with a local agent to navigate the unfamiliar purchase process. Using an agent who is experienced in working with foreign buyers can be a big help, giving you insights into neighbourhoods, and helping you select the best area to buy property in Dubai for your specific requirements.
Cheapest property to buy in Dubai
The cheapest locations to buy Dubai property do change as the market evolves, depending on supply and demand. Realtors suggest more budget-friendly options may be found in places like International City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and the up-and-coming Dubai Production City.
Costs, taxes and fees when buying property in Dubai
When buying property in Dubai, you’ll need to get the help of a legal advisor and agent, who can explain the fees and taxes which apply based on the specific property type you select. To give an idea, here are some of the key costs to consider:
| Fee or service type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estate agent commission⁴ | 2% |
| Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee⁵ | 4% |
| DLD registration fees | 2,000 AED for properties under 500,000 AED in value, 4,000 AED above this 5% VAT also applies on this cost |
| Mortgage registration fee (where applicable) | If you have a Dubai based mortgage you pay 0.25% of the loan value in fees |
*Correct at time of research - 13th May 2026
How to buy property in Dubai from Singapore
Here’s an overview of the process for buying property in Dubai as a Singaporean buyer:
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Find a local agent and legal representative
Choose an agent and legal advisor who are experienced in helping foreign buyers navigate the Dubai property market. -
View properties and make an offer
Once you’ve found a suitable property, you can make an offer through your estate agent. -
Complete due diligence checks
Your agent and legal advisor will verify the property ownership, seller details and legal status of the sale before you proceed. -
Sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The MOU, also called Form F, outlines the sale terms. At this stage, you’ll usually pay a deposit of around 10% of the property value. -
Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The developer must confirm there are no outstanding service charges or issues linked to the property before the sale can continue. -
Complete the purchase and transfer ownership
You and your legal advisor will attend the Registrar’s office to complete the transfer, pay the remaining amount, and receive the title deed.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. While each bank sets its own rules about who can take out a mortgage, many major banks do offer mortgages to foreign buyers. As an example, with Emirates NBD⁶ you can take out a loan for up to 80% of the property value, with a cap of 25 million AED, or 84% of your salary - whichever is lower.
Other banks to check out when looking for a mortgage in Dubai include Mashreq Bank, ADCB, HSBC Dubai, and FAB Bank.
Documents required to buy a property
The exact documents needed to buy a property in Dubai depend on the situation, but can include:
- Your passport
- If you’re a UAE resident, your UAE visa and Emirates ID
- Proof of source of funds, such as bank statements or proof of your salary
You’ll also need documents related to the property, including:
- Title Deed and floor plan
- NOC from developer
- Completion certificate (if applicable)
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Buying property in Dubai: pros and cons
Still wondering whether you should buy property in Dubai? We have summed up the pros and cons to help you decide.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
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Buying property abroad? Send money to the UAE with Wise
When you’re buying property overseas, even a small difference in the exchange rate can affect your total cost.
Wise lets you send money from Singapore to the UAE with low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate. You’ll see the fee and exchange rate upfront before you transfer, so it’s easier to budget for deposits, instalments and other property costs in AED.
Wise international money transfers can be set up online or within the Wise app with low fees from 0.26% and the mid-market rate, to over 140+ countries. There’s no markup added to the exchange rate that’s used to convert your currency, which makes it easier to see exactly what you're paying for a transfer, and what the recipient will get in the end. Just transfer the amount indicated in SGD and let Wise do the rest.
Track your transfers easily when you create a free Wise account, and manage, hold, and convert your money in SGD and 40+ other currencies. You'll get the same great rates, and be able to track your transfers all from one place. As a bonus, you can also get 8+ local account details to be able to receive money in SGD, USD, GBP, and more.
Use the calculator below to estimate how much your SGD could be worth in AED before sending a property payment.
Sources:
- UAE government - buying property
- Business Times SG - Dubai property market
- Engel & Voelkers (real estate) - Dubai freehold
- Mirabello Consultancy - Dubai property taxes
- Qube (Dubai developer) - buy property in Dubai
- Emirates NBD
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
