How do you buy property in Abu Dhabi?
Six steps from budget to keys, and what changes if you're buying off-plan.
Set your budget, agree a price, sign an agreement and pay a deposit, get the developer's clearance, arrange your mortgage, then transfer and register. A ready home typically takes 2 to 6 weeks from agreement to keys. [1]
What's your real budget?
Your budget is the price plus buying costs (often 4 to 8%) plus your mortgage deposit. Most expats need at least 20% down. [1] If you're borrowing, get a mortgage pre-approval first, so you know what banks will actually lend. Our cost calculator adds it all up for you.
Which property can you buy?
As a foreigner, you can buy freehold only in designated investment zones. Check the zone before you go further.
How do you agree the price?
What's the developer's NOC?
For resale homes, the developer issues a no objection certificate (NOC) confirming the seller has paid their service charges and nothing blocks the sale. It usually costs Dh500 to Dh5,000. [1]
How do transfer and registration work?
Everyone settles up, the sale is registered with the authorities, and the title deed is issued in your name. [1] On Al Reem Island, registration goes through Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) instead of the main registry. [3]
What's the catch?
Read these before you sign anything.
The MOU is binding.
Pull out after signing and you can lose your deposit. Don't sign until your finance is lined up.
Off-plan depends on the developer.
You're paying for something that doesn't exist yet. Check the developer's record on delivering on time, and where your payments are held.
Use your own lawyer.
The agent works for the deal getting done. A lawyer works for you, and the fee is small next to the price.
What should you read next?
Three guides that follow on from this one.
See all guides
Stuck on a step?
Ask us anything about buying in Abu Dhabi. We'll give you a straight answer, usually the same day.
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