Freehold Areas in Dubai: Where Can You Own Property?

What is freehold property?

Let us first deconstruct the meaning of a freehold property in Dubai. 

Essentially a freehold property is based in one of Dubai’s several freehold areas. Freehold property areas in Dubai are designated zones where foreign nationals and even foreigners are allowed to purchase freehold properties - which gives them complete ownership rights in Dubai. 

Freehold properties became available to foreigners in 2001, wherein the government allowed foreigners to hold freehold lease rights over a property for up to 99 years. In 2002, the Freehold Decree was passed, which allowed foreigners aged 21 and above to buy, lease, sell, and rent properties in designated freehold areas of Dubai. 

Benefits of owning a freehold property

There are several benefits the owner of a freehold property in Dubai can avail. Some of these benefits include: 

Complete ownership

Owning a property in a freehold area in Dubai gives you complete ownership not only over the unit but also the plot of land it is on. The property owner can make desired changes to the property, pass it on to an heir, and decide whether to sell, lease, or stay in the property. 

Flexibility

Freehold property areas in Dubai generally come with few restrictions, terms, or conditions. As a freehold property owner, you do not need to involve any third parties in any process - which saves a lot of time and money. As long as you are abiding by freehold property laws and regulations, you are free to do whatever you wish with your property - be it bringing a pet or renovating your property. 

Visa access

Buying a freehold property in Dubai makes a long-term residential visa much easier to access for you and your family. For example, if you decide to relocate to Dubai with your family and purchase a property which is valued at AED 2 million or above, you could qualify for a 5 or 10 year renewable Golden Visa, giving you and your family the right to live, work and study in the UAE.  

Property appreciation 

Generally, Dubai’s property market is a solid one, with a high ROI and a great property appreciation rate. 

When it comes to freehold property areas in Dubai, studies estimate a 7-10% return on property investment. If you have invested in a freehold property and wait for the right time, you can gain tremendous returns on your investment. 

Key freehold areas in Dubai

As there are various freehold areas in Dubai, it is advised to conduct due diligence and understand the pros, cons, and offerings of each area - as it will give you more clarity and help you make an informed decision before beginning your property hunt. 

Keep in mind that many buyers and investors often have to decide between residential freehold properties and commercial freehold properties while making the investment. This article will provide a list of key residential freehold areas in Dubai and the properties they are known for offering. 

Freehold areas for apartments

If an apartment is the perfect property type for you, here is a list of freehold areas in Dubai to explore for apartments:

Business Bay

Business Bay is a popular freehold community and is known as a thriving commercial hub with a prime location next to Downtown Dubai. With modern, luxurious apartments with stunning canal views, Business Bay is a great choice for young professionals and investors.

Discovery Gardens

Discovery Gardens offers affordable apartment living, with lush green spaces and easy access to Ibn Battuta Mall and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Downtown Dubai

A prestigious freehold area, Downtown Dubai is home to famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, offering luxury apartments with breathtaking city views and access to some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Dubai.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the most sought-after freehold areas in Dubai, known for its vibrant lifestyle and upscale living. This waterfront community features high-rise apartments with stunning views of the marina, sea, and city skyline. Residents enjoy a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options along the Marina Walk, as well as convenient access to beaches and water activities.

Jumeirah Lake Towers 

A thriving residential and commercial community, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) features high-rise towers surrounding picturesque lakes. It provides affordable yet luxurious apartments with easy access to Dubai Marina and transport options like the Dubai Metro.

Arjan

A rapidly developing area, Arjan is great for those seeking modern apartments with excellent value for money. It is home to popular attractions like the Dubai Miracle Garden and offers a peaceful, suburban lifestyle while still being connected to major roads.

Dubai Creek Harbour

Situated along the historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Creek Harbour offers stylish apartments with panoramic views of the creek and skyline, ideal for those looking for luxury living in an up and coming waterfront community.

Bluewaters Island

A man-made island, Bluewaters Island is a luxury freehold area offering the best of Dubai amenities and architecture to buyers. With apartments and penthouses boasting panoramic sea views and the world’s largest observation wheel a stone’s throw away - apartments in this area are for those who appreciate the finer things in life. 

Freehold areas for both apartments and villas

As a buyer, you may want to reside in a freehold area that offers a mix of both apartments and villas. Luckily for you, several options offer both kinds of properties within one area. 

Here is a list of freehold areas in Dubai that offer both options for buyers and investors:

Al Barari 

Apartments and villas are not the only offerings of Al Barari. The freehold area also includes sparkling lakes, picture-perfect gardens, and a wide range of luxury amenities for residents. From a 1 bedroom flat to a 6 bedroom villa, Al Barari offers multiple options to choose from.  

Jumeirah Village Circle

Known for its rapid development, affordable prices and popularity with expats, Jumeirah Village Circle offers both apartments and villas, catering to families and professionals alike.

Palm Jumeirah 

Palm Jumeirah's waterfront villas and apartments promise buyers a piece of this exclusive paradise, the epitome of luxury in the city and globally, with some of Dubai's most expensive houses. From a studio apartment to a 7 bedroom beachfront mansion, there is an option for everyone. 

DAMAC Hills 

DAMAC Hills offers apartments, villas, and townhouses, with proximity to the Trump International Golf Course. This is a highly popular freehold area for families as there are all kinds of amenities for varying age groups. 

Dubai Hills Estate

Dubai Hills Estate, by leading real estate developer Emaar, is one of Dubai's most popular master communities. Whether you are a single or couple seeking a cosy apartment or a family looking for a spacious home, each property promises contemporary interiors, luxury, and modern amenities. 

Other freehold areas comprising both apartments and villas include:

• Dubai South 

• District One

• International City

• Dubai Silicon Oasis 

• Dubai Sports City

Freehold areas for villas

Villas are a popular option for many buyers in Dubai, as they offer luxury, space, and private living. Here is a list of freehold areas in Dubai that are popular for villas: 

Arabian Ranches

Arabian Ranches was Dubai's first freehold villa community, and it quickly became one of the most well-established and highly sought-after communities in the city. Arabian Ranches offers a range of 2-6 bedroom townhouses and villas, with lush greenery, parks, and world-class amenities such as a golf course and schools.

Jumeirah Park

Jumeirah Park is known for its spacious 3-5 bedroom villas surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks and gardens. It’s a popular community with families, offering easy access to key Dubai landmarks, schools, and shopping centers.

The Springs 

The Springs are known not only for their luxury 2-4 bedroom townhouses and villas but also for mesmerizing views of lakes and gardens that offer both privacy and proximity to nature. Even for those who may be slightly budget-conscious, The Springs 2 bedroom properties offer the best of both worlds: value for money and space.

The Meadows 

Considered one of the most scenic freehold property areas in Dubai, The Meadows is divided into nine sub-communities - each having an assortment of 3 to 6 bedroom villas. Located near JLT and Dubai Marina, villa buyers can enjoy the seclusion and beauty of this freehold area while remaining in close proximity to key city hubs. 

Tilal Al Ghaf

Tilal Al Ghaf is one of Dubai's top up-and-coming communities, centred around a stunning lagoon. With spacious, contemporary 3-6 bedroom villas, residents can enjoy private, luxury living while benefiting from world-class amenities and a focus on sustainability.

The Lakes 

The Lakes is a freehold area similar to The Meadows, offering 3 to 7 bedroom villas. This freehold area is popular with families and sports enthusiasts - as it has a range of nearby facilities for different sports and leisure activities for its residents. 

Other well-known freehold areas in Dubai for villas are: 

• Jumeirah Islands

• Emirates Hills 

• Arabian Ranches 2 

• Arabian Ranches 3  

How to invest in freehold property in Dubai

Having understood the meaning of freehold property and the various areas in Dubai offering the best of such properties, it is time to understand the process of investment. 

Here are some steps you can take to secure a successful investment in a freehold area in Dubai:

1. Do your research on freehold areas in Dubai and select an area that caters to your daily needs (e.g. proximity to schools, offices, retail, recreational hubs, and more). 

2. Within the particular freehold area, find the perfect property for you. You can enlist the help of a real estate agent to aid with your budget, needs, and the kind of property you want. 

3. Upon finding a property you wish to invest in, ensure that you have drafted a contract with the seller, and work with a conveyancer to oversee the legal process.

4. Once the contract is drawn, there will be various legal steps to follow. Depending on whether you to pay in cash, or using a mortgage, will impact the necessary process. 

5. The sealing of the deal occurs with the property transfer and issue of a new title deed at an approved property registration trustee office - which is given to you (the new owner) after the approval of all document submissions and payments. Your title deed will solidify your status as a freehold property owner in Dubai. 

Conclusion 

Whether it is understanding freehold property law better or finding your dream property in one of Dubai’s many freehold areas, a RERA-accredited real estate agent can make your search easier and the overall property-buying process smoother. 

Find the answers to all your Dubai real estate questions with Engel & Völkers Dubai at +971 4 422 3500.