From Down Under to the UAE: Why and How Aussies Buy Property in Dubai

Australians purchase property in Dubai more and more often, but why? Dubai’s property market offers solid returns on investment, low taxes, and safety, which appeals to Australian investors who want to diversify their portfolios beyond the domestic market. However, the city’s compelling real estate market and favourable investment conditions are not the only reasons behind the trend.

Investing in Dubai allows Australian entrepreneurs to tap into a buzzing economy and internationally recognised business hub.

For example, the trade agreements between Australia and the UAE stand as proof of the binational partnership. One of the most recent is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that the two countries signed on November 6, 2024. The CEPA marks Australia’s first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country to strengthen economic ties and facilitate exports.

Alongside the CEPA, the countries signed an Investment Agreement. Senator Don Farrell has consequently announced that it can lead to a potential annual increase of $678 million in Australian agriculture, fishery, and forestry exports to the UAE.

Such a steadily evolving connection between the countries inspires Australians to give it a whirl. As another motive, they see Dubai as a layover or retreat spot for travels within the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Property ownership in Dubai becomes a way to gain a foothold in other significant global markets.

As for the number of Australians living in the emirate, there are 8.8K members in the private Facebook group Australians & Kiwis in the UAE. Nonetheless, the actual number of Aussies residing in Dubai is expected to be three times that amount. What are the particular benefits that attract them to Dubai of all the emirates in the UAE?

Why Australian Investors Choose Dubai

Dubai’s legal system is open to foreign investment and has a no-worry registration process that is convenient even for non-UAE nationals.
Property ownership types include freehold, which allows for complete ownership rights, and leasehold, which grants rights for a specified duration. Foreigners can own property in designated freehold zones, which include all the most coveted suburbs in Dubai, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Palm Jumeirah.
Property transactions are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), an equivalent of the Torrens system. As in Australia, the registration process is formal and requires comprehensive documentation to establish ownership and identity. Once the unit is written down in the registry in the buyer’s name, DLD provides a title deed that serves as legal proof of ownership.
Dubai has a favourable tax environment, with no personal income or capital gains taxes on property sales.
Dubai offers promising rental yields compared to many Australian cities ranging from 4% to 7% according to Statista. With rental yields often exceeding 9%, Dubai draws Australians looking to maximise their investment returns.
The overall real estate market in Dubai grows steadily due to job creation and increasing population.
Many Australians are attracted to Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle, modern amenities, and eclectic and inclusive culture.
Property ownership opens up residency options in the UAE. Those who consider relocation or extended stays often choose the Golden Visa with a ten-year validity period and extension opportunity. The visa is granted to buyers of real estate worth AED 2 million (around AUD 876,800). One can also qualify for Dubai’s Golden Visa by purchasing multiple properties that together total AED 2 million.

What Types of Property Can Aussies Buy in Dubai?

Australian investors and expatriates purchase both residential and commercial real estate. For a tailored list of available commercial spaces, please contact our agents.

Among residential properties, foreign buyers can choose from off-plan and pre-owned homes. Developments that are under construction are generally more popular because:

They are more affordable.
Dubai developers offer interest-free instalment plans with only a 10% down payment.
Off-plan properties often come as blank canvases and allow buyers to customise their units according to personal preferences, including finishes, colours, furniture style, and providers of sanitary ware and fixtures.
New constructions feature cutting-edge designs and top-notch facilities.
New properties are often located close to major landmarks or airports.
Off-plan properties typically offer higher potential ROI compared to pre-owned homes.
Many new developments are designed with sustainability in mind and use energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly materials.

As for the exact types of real estate sold in Dubai, you are free to choose between apartments, villas, townhouses, penthouses, duplexes, and studio apartments.

The Best Freehold Suburbs in Dubai to Reside or Invest In

Damac Hills

Prices in this suburb persistently grow since it captivates both investors and those looking for a second home in Dubai. In Q3 2024, for example, the year-over-year growth for apartments was 21.4%, and for villas—17.9%.

Prices range depending on the project’s scale and amenities. With a handover date in 2027, Golf Greens is one of the most affordable developments in Damac Hills. If you are looking for a villa, consider

Just Cavalli Villas. More spacious villas, with five to seven bedrooms, will be completed in 2026 in Utopia Damac Hills.

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

In the third quarter of 2024, the suburb showcased a 16.2% year-over-year growth in annual rental prices, boosted by increased demand from expatriates and tourists.

Located a short distance from shopping malls and city landmarks, JLT is an investors’ honeypot. SO/Uptown Residences, Viewz Sky Villas, and Sobha Verde offer units for sale to suit every goal and budget.

The Valley

Situated south of Dubailand, the suburb is a nine-minute drive from The Sevens Stadium and thirty minutes away from Al Maktoum International Airport. More than 1,400 property sales were recorded in The Valley during Q3 2024, making it the leading suburb in villa transactions.

Rivana at The Valley is one of the most desired developments in this suburb, with units of 327 square metres still available.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

For many property investors and expats, developed infrastructure and rich dining and leisure options top their must-have lists. For such clients, we recommend considering JBR as it is a fully developed suburb with direct access to the sea and Dubai Marina Mall.

Average annual rental prices grow here at a steady year-over-year pace of 11%, while property purchase prices increase at a rate of 15.3%. Two completed and handed-over developments with available properties for purchase are Five JBR and Five Luxe.

How Can an Australian Investor Buy Property in Dubai?

One can purchase property in Dubai either by handling the property selection and transaction personally or by hiring a local real estate agent.

Pathway 1: Opting for a Personal Transaction

Besides familiarising yourself with legal requirements, you will have to identify freehold areas where foreign ownership is permitted, take a squiz at the suburbs, and understand which papers to submit with your application.

While registration with DLD is nothing complicated and can be done remotely, understanding and settling on the terms of the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) can be challenging.

Most developers offer standard templates with clear clauses and conditions. However, some may avoid including terms about construction and handover delays or termination rights.

Handling the purchase on your own saves on agent fees but requires significant time commitment, personal involvement and presence, and a good understanding of the UAE laws.

Pathway 2: Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Alternatively, this approach allows Australian investors to hit the ground running. A savvy agent will identify suitable properties based on your needs, preferences, and budget and assist with negotiations and paperwork.

Agents are well-versed in Dubai laws and can facilitate communication with developers and DLD, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings during the transaction.

If you are not familiar with Dubai’s property landscape or cannot be present in the UAE throughout the transaction, this option is ideal for you. A seasoned agent may also recommend reputable management and maintenance services if you prefer living overseas.

Maneuvering in Dubai’s legal landscape can be challenging for Australian expats, and hence the second pathway has become the gold standard.

Another thing to note: Whether you are looking for an off-plan property or a pre-owned home in Dubai, studying the suburbs and their infrastructure is crucial. Unless you have lived in Dubai for a while or have close friends whose opinions you can trust, locating your perfect suburb requires expert advice and guidance.

At Top Address, we assist our clients from start to finish by monitoring local developers and their launches and conducting due diligence before we initiate negotiations with a developer or seller. We also help clients apply for a visa and Emirates ID or start a business in Dubai.

Fill out our application form for a free consultation on property prices, recent launches, and exclusive real estate offers in Dubai!