How to Buy a Flat or a House in Dubai as an Indian National

In 2024, Indian nationals reportedly dominated the buyer demographic in Dubai. Data for 2023 also shows that Indian citizens were the top buyers with 2,198 transactions.

Moreover, tenant profiling has evidenced that 8% of expatriates renting property in Dubai are Indian nationals.

With December 2024 recording 20,500 property transactions, marking a 6.8% increase from November 2024 and a 38% rise compared to December 2023, Indian buyers are expected to remain at the forefront of the market.

The ongoing expansion of property developments catering to Indian preferences further attracts their interest. With favourable exchange rates and a stable economy, Dubai will continue to be a prime destination for real estate investment in 2025 and beyond.

Why Do Indian Buyers Prefer Dubai to Other Destinations?

The UAE appeals to Indian nationals due to several reasons:

Sizable Expat Population and a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Indians constitute a significant portion of the UAE’s expatriate community, with over 3.5 million residing in the country. Dubai, in particular, offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and markets, creating an opportune environment for families.

The city’s quality education, healthcare facilities, and cosmopolitan lifestyle are the icing on the cake.

Business and Employment Opportunities

Indian investors are drawn to Dubai due to its simple business approach and clear regulations. A tax-free environment with no personal income or capital gains tax is another advantage.

As for the job market, Indian nationals are among the top foreign workers in Dubai. Many Indian expatriates work in construction, hospitality, healthcare, and IT. The demand for skilled professionals is rising in technology and finance.

Property Investment as a Path to the Golden Visa

Homebuyers and investors benefit from favourable visa regulations. When buying real estate, one can apply for a long-term visa. The validity period depends on the investment amount.

The Golden Visa has the longest possible validity period with an extension opportunity. With the minimum investment amount of AED 2 million (₹4.5 crore), it is valid for 10 years and can be renewed if its holder still meets eligibility criteria.

Popular Residential Areas in Dubai

First, Indian expats are welcome in any Dubai neighbourhood. But since listing all of them in one blog post will not be very useful, we focus on districts that attract Indian nationals the most and the development projects that our clients from India have found attractive.

Dubai Marina

With its waterfront lifestyle and robust rental income potential, it attracts affluent buyers from India, particularly investors. In the second quarter of 2024, flat societies reported an average annual rental price increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2023.

The top three appealing developments in Dubai Marina include Rove Home Dubai Marina, Studio One, and Sobha Marina.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

JVC is popular among Indian nationals for its landscaped gardens and facilities. The area hosts many Indian restaurants and schools, and families seeking cultural connectivity find it especially appealing.

The neighbourhood offers a range of affordable housing options: Elitz Residences, Westwood Grande 2, Stonehenge Residences, V1ter Residence, and Hadley Heights.

International City

International City consists of several distinct subdistricts, each themed around different countries. Mid-tier and affordable properties in the neighbourhood are often quickly sold out at initial sales stages.

We recommend leaving a notification request with our agents so we contact you when a new development project is launched.

Dubai Hills Estate

This master-planned society offers luxury living with suburban tranquillity. It has seen a 19% year-on-year property price growth and is a leading area for villa and townhouse rentals.

It features expansive green spaces and high-end facilities. The neighbourhood has units for sale in both off-plan and completed projects, for instance, two-bedroom flats in Collective.

How to Buy Property in Dubai as an Indian Citizen

As an Indian national, you must take into account the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), a framework under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. Under LRS, Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 (around ₹2.13 crore) per financial year (April — March) for transactions, including investments in property abroad.

That is why there are two possible scenarios. One is when the buyer plans to remit the amount for the investment from India, and the second is when the finances for property purchase are stored offshore.

If your finances need remittance from India — whether you are buying property alone or with your family member — consider interest-free instalment plans from Dubai developers instead of paying upfront.

In Dubai, under-development residential complexes require only a token amount as an initial investment (around 10% of the property value). As construction progresses, you will have to pay manageable amounts in instalments until your purchased unit is completed. That is when you will need to pay the remaining sum.

Some developers even offer post-handover instalment plans that allow you to extend payments for another year or more.

If your finances don’t need to be transferred from India, you can also benefit from instalment plans or pay the whole price upfront. Some buyers can even apply for a mortgage, but conditions and requirements for loan recipients differ from bank to bank.

Once you identify a payment scheme that fits your budget, follow this strategy:

1. Research and Select a Developer

Yes, future Dubai residents or investors generally start by looking for reputable developers with suitable instalment plans or price segments.

2. Identify the Neighbourhood and the Project

Each area in Dubai has its vibe, so visiting them in person is recommended. If the project is under development, sneak a peek at its construction site. Are there any workers? Is the construction progressing? 

3. Hire a Local Property Agent

This could be step 1, but prospective buyers usually start alone and only later realise that navigating the process without expert help is too complex. Working with a reputable real estate company familiar with the Dubai market saves time finding the right property and ensures a safe transaction of money and ownership rights.

4. Evaluate the Property

If the unit is completed, book a tour or ask your agent for a virtual one with videos and snaps to assess finishing quality, AC functioning, views, and amenities.

If the project is under development, ask your agent to arrange the viewing of already completed projects by the chosen developer to grasp the average quality level of materials and amenities.

5. Review the Sales Agreement

Once a suitable property has caught your eye, let your agent relay your interest to the developer. A sales and purchase agreement will be drafted.

Your agent will review it and confirm if it is okay and transparent. You will be able to address all your doubts to the agent. The ones who work in our agency, for instance, have solid legal knowledge and expertise in contract reviewing and due diligence.

6. Register the Rights Transfer with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

After signing the agreement, submit it to DLD, the legal body that will register the property in your name. Once the process is complete, you will receive a notification that your title deed is ready for pickup. And that’s it: you now own property in Dubai, congratulations!

There are also intermediary obligatory documents such as the Memorandum of Understanding and a No Objection Certificate, which the developer will have to provide. Property agents help navigate these steps with no hassle.

What May Go Wrong When Buying Property in Dubai

• Indian buyers may face difficulties due to misunderstandings of local legal frameworks, which can complicate negotiations and transactions. Engaging a real estate agent ensures all required documentation is ready for the deal while each contract clause is clear and safe.

 

• Emotional decision-making often leads buyers to rushed purchases that may later turn out unsatisfactory or misaligned with their goals. That is why having a personally uninvolved market expert by your side guarantees you won’t make such a mistake.

 

• Lack of a backup plan for financing or unexpected situations (like LRS approval issues) can jeopardise the purchase process. While LRS allows straightforward remittances, any discrepancies or incomplete documentation may delay the approval from Indian banks or financial institutions.

 

By understanding common challenges and taking proactive measures — such as engaging knowledgeable professionals and understanding remittance processes under LRS — Indian investors can purchase property in Dubai with no problem and in a short time. 

Another aspect of the property market in Dubai that often baffles investors and those looking for a new home is that local developers accept bitcoins and other major cryptocurrencies as payment methods. As a property agency with over 10 years of experience, we handle such cases expertly and help clients from India and other countries purchase real estate in compliance with local legal requirements.

Kindly contact us if you are looking for a flat or a townhouse in Dubai and need assistance throughout the process!