Don’t Just Buy a Home- Buy It Smart
Buying property in Dubai is a big move, whether it’s your first apartment in Downtown Dubai, a luxury villa on Palm Jumeirah, or an off-plan investment in Dubai South. The city has become one of the world’s most attractive real estate hubs, pulling in investors from London to Mumbai and beyond.
But here’s the catch: not all buyers ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line. And in a market as dynamic as Dubai, the difference between asking and not asking can mean walking away with a dream investment, or a regret that costs you millions.
That’s why your Dubai real estate agent isn’t just a salesperson. They’re your guide, your market analyst, and sometimes, your negotiator. But only if you know the right questions to ask.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 powerful questions every buyer should ask their property consultant before making a purchase in Dubai. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap, insider knowledge, and the confidence to take your next step.
Question 1: What’s the Current State of the Dubai Property Market?
Before you even discuss a specific property, you need to know what’s happening in the Dubai property market overall.
A good agent should be able to answer:
- Are prices going up or down in your chosen community?
- Which areas are seeing the highest demand (like Business Bay, JVC, or Dubai Marina)?
- Are investors focusing on off-plan or ready-to-move properties?
For example, in 2024, Dubai recorded AED 141.9 billion in sales in Q3 alone, with off-plan transactions making up nearly 60%. If your agent doesn’t have this data on hand, that’s a red flag.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent for recent reports from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or RERA. A reliable property consultant should be well-versed in market data, not just listings.
Question 2: What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Dubai?
Buying property in Dubai is more than just paying the headline price. Smart investors ask upfront about hidden costs:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee – 4% of property value.
- NOC charges – required from the developer before transfer.
- Service charges & maintenance fees – often calculated per square foot.
- Agency commission – typically 2%.
If your agent only talks about the property price and avoids these details, that’s not the full story. You don’t want surprise costs eating into your ROI.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent to give you a cost breakdown sheet for the property you’re considering.
Question 3: Is This a Good Investment or Just a Good Deal?
Not every good-looking property makes a good investment. A reliable agent should help you differentiate between:
- End-user properties (good for living but not necessarily high ROI).
- Investment-focused properties (designed for strong rental yields or capital appreciation).
For instance, studios in JLT and JVC often offer higher rental yields, while luxury waterfront villas provide long-term capital appreciation.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent for projected ROI calculations, both for short-term rentals (Airbnb style) and long-term leases.
Question 4: Who Is the Developer Behind This Project?
The developer can make or break your investment. Established names like Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha, Nakheel, and Ellington have strong track records.
Questions to ask:
- Has the developer delivered past projects on time?
- What’s their reputation for construction quality?
- Do their communities hold long-term value?
Pro Tip: Don’t just trust brochures, ask your agent to arrange a site visit to a completed project by the same developer.
Question 5: What Financing Options Are Available?
Not all buyers purchase with cash. Mortgage financing in Dubai can be complex, especially for foreigners.
Ask your agent:
- What are the mortgage eligibility criteria for my nationality?
- What’s the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio? (It’s typically 80% for UAE nationals, 75% for expats).
- Which banks are offering the best rates for property financing right now?
Pro Tip: The right agent should have banking partners or mortgage advisors they can connect you with.
Question 6: What’s the Track Record of This Community?
Not all neighbourhoods grow at the same pace. Some areas explode in popularity (like Dubai Hills Estate), while others stagnate.
Ask your agent for:
- Historical price trends in the community.
- Rental demand vs. supply.
- Occupancy rates.
For example, Dubai Marina has been stable with consistent demand, while newer areas like Dubai South are gaining attention due to Expo legacy and Al Maktoum Airport expansion.
Pro Tip: Ask for comparative market analysis (CMA) reports that show year-on-year growth in your chosen community.
Question 7: What’s the Resale Potential of This Property?
You’re not just buying a home, you’re buying an asset. At some point, you’ll want to sell.
Ask your agent:
- How easy will it be to resell this property?
- What’s the average resale timeline in this community?
- Do properties in this area usually appreciate quickly or slowly?
Pro Tip: Properties near schools, metros, and waterfronts usually enjoy stronger resale demand.
Question 8: What Legal and Regulatory Steps Do I Need to Know?
Dubai has one of the most investor-friendly property laws in the world, but you still need to follow the process.
Ask your agent:
- Do I need a residency visa to buy? (Answer: No, but you may qualify for one after buying).
- What’s the step-by-step process at the Dubai Land Department?
- How do RERA and escrow accounts protect buyers in off-plan purchases?
Pro Tip: A good agent should not only answer but also walk you through the paperwork and coordinate with legal advisors if needed.
Question 9: What Are the Rental Prospects for This Property?
If you’re buying for investment, rental income is key.
Ask your agent:
- What’s the average rental yield in this community?
- Is there higher demand for short-term rentals or long-term leases?
- Can they connect you with a property management service?
For example, Downtown apartments attract high short-term rental demand, while suburban villas are better for long-term family tenants.
Pro Tip: In Dubai, rental yields can range between 5–8%, one of the highest globally.
Question 10: Why Should I Trust You as My Agent?
The final, and perhaps most important question. Your Dubai real estate agent should:
- Be RERA-certified.
- Have testimonials or references from past clients.
- Demonstrate transparency in all dealings.
If they dodge this question, walk away. The right consultant won’t just sell you a property, they’ll build a relationship that lasts.
Pro Tip: Always check your agent’s RERA card. Licensed consultants are the only ones legally allowed to sell property in Dubai.
Bonus Question: What Mistakes Should I Avoid as a Buyer?
Sometimes it’s not about what you ask, but what you avoid. Top mistakes include:
- Rushing into a purchase without market research.
- Ignoring service charges.
- Overstretching your budget.
- Skipping due diligence on developers.
Pro Tip: The best agents will proactively warn you about these pitfalls, before you even ask.
Buy Smart, Not Blind
Buying property in Dubai is one of the smartest investments you can make in 2025, but only if you do it right. The questions you ask your Dubai real estate agent are your shield, your magnifying glass, and your power play.
At Vista Properties, we don’t just sell; we advise, guide, and ensure you’re investing with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we’ve got the answers, and the listings, that make sense for you.
Ready to start your property journey in Dubai? Contact Vista Properties today and let’s find your perfect investment.
FAQs
1. Do I need to live in Dubai to buy property?
No, foreigners can buy property in designated freehold areas without being residents.
2. Can I get a Golden Visa by buying property in Dubai?
Yes, properties worth AED 2M+ qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa.
3. How do I verify if my real estate agent is licensed?
Check their RERA ID card and verify on the Dubai Land Department app.
4. What’s the minimum down payment for property in Dubai?
For expats, 25% for properties under AED 5M, plus fees.
5. Are off-plan properties safe to buy?
Yes, if bought through escrow accounts and trusted developers under RERA supervision.
