Architecture
Sustainability Moves to the Centre of Development
January 21, 2026
It has been almost a year since Dubai announced that foreigners could own freehold property in designated areas, and the market has responded with enthusiasm. The legal and administrative framework that supports that ownership, however, is still being built. For buyers, it is worth understanding what is now clear and what is still uncertain.
What is now clear
- Foreigners can buy freehold in the designated areas, typically the new master-planned communities and towers.
- Leading developers are selling to international buyers with standard sale agreements.
- Residence visas linked to property ownership are being issued in many cases.
What is still developing
- Registration: a comprehensive register of freehold title for foreign owners is still being established.
- Mortgages: lending to foreign buyers is growing but remains limited.
- Regulation of developers and agents: there is not yet a comprehensive licensing regime.
- Owners' associations: rules for managing shared buildings and communities are not yet formalised.
Why registration matters
Registration is the foundation of property ownership in any market. It provides public proof of who owns what, allows banks to take security over property, and supports resale. Until registration is fully in place, buyers rely more on the developer's records than on an official register.
Inheritance and family matters
Inheritance in the UAE follows local law, which may differ from what foreign buyers expect. Buyers should take advice on how their property would pass to their heirs and whether wills or other arrangements are needed. This is an area where the rules for foreign owners are still being clarified.
What buyers should do
Buyers should keep all documents, follow up on registration with their developers, take advice on inheritance and avoid relying on informal assurances. The direction of travel is positive, but the details matter.
Our view
Dubai has taken the crucial first step by allowing foreign freehold ownership. The next steps, registration, regulation and clear rules for communities, will determine how mature and secure the market becomes. We expect steady progress and will keep clients informed as the framework develops.
