Al-Zaeem
Al-Ainawi

Frequently asked questions

Short, precise answers to the questions we are asked most about buying off-plan property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — from broker licensing to payment plans and official fees. All figures follow current Dubai Land Department regulations.

About the company

Who is Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate?

Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate is a licensed Dubai property broker specialising in Dubai and Abu Dhabi off-plan projects sold at direct developer prices with zero buyer commission. Our office is at Sheikh Zayed Road — Majlis Al Zaeem, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and our advisors work in Arabic, English, Russian and Chinese. Contact us on +971 52 113 8999 or info@trustainawy.com.

Is Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate a licensed broker?

Yes. Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate is licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under broker number 96129. You can verify the licence in the official Dubai REST app or on the Dubai Land Department website by entering the broker number.

Do you charge the buyer a commission?

No. We charge buyers no commission on off-plan purchases. Our fee is paid by the developer, so the price you pay is the developer official price with nothing added. Consultation, unit shortlisting and reservation are all free to the buyer.

Which languages do you work in?

We provide full advisory and after-sale support in Arabic, English, Russian and Chinese. Reach us on WhatsApp, by phone or through the site form and you will be matched with an advisor who speaks your language.

Buying off-plan

What does buying off-plan in Dubai mean?

Buying off-plan means purchasing a unit in a development that is not yet built, directly from the developer. You pay in instalments during construction instead of the full amount up front, and you normally pay less than a completed unit in the same area would cost. The unit is registered in your name on the Dubai Land Department Oqood register from the moment you buy.

How do I buy an off-plan property in Dubai, step by step?

Six steps: (1) set your budget and target area with an Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate advisor; (2) choose the project and unit from the developer inventories we hold; (3) sign the reservation form and pay the booking fee; (4) sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer within 14-30 days; (5) register the contract on Oqood at the Dubai Land Department; (6) pay the instalments per the payment plan until handover. We coordinate with the developer at every step at no cost to you.

Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign nationals can own 100% freehold property in Dubai designated freehold areas, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Hills. You do not need to be a UAE resident to buy, and you do not need a visa beforehand.

Does buying property in Dubai give me residency?

Yes, above the qualifying values. A property worth AED 750,000 or more qualifies you for a two-year property investor visa, and AED 2 million or more qualifies you for the ten-year Golden Visa. Off-plan property also qualifies subject to Dubai Land Department conditions, and we assist with the application.

What protects my money when I buy off-plan?

Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 requires every developer to hold a project-specific escrow account at an approved bank. Your payments go into that account and the developer can only draw against verified construction milestones approved by the Dubai Land Department. Your contract is also recorded on the official Oqood register, which evidences your ownership before handover.

Payment plans and finance

What does a 1% per month payment plan mean?

A 1% monthly plan means you pay 1% of the unit price each month during construction after the down payment. On a AED 1 million unit with a 20% down payment, that is AED 10,000 a month. Several Dubai developers offer these plans on selected projects; availability varies by project and launch phase.

Are there Dubai projects with no down payment?

Yes. Some Dubai developers release no-down-payment or token-down-payment plans on limited units during particular launch phases, where monthly instalments begin immediately instead of a 20% payment up front. These allocations are small and go quickly. Contact Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate on +971 52 113 8999 for the projects currently offering one.

What payment plans are common on Dubai off-plan projects?

The most common are 60/40 (60% during construction, 40% on handover), 70/30 and 80/20, plus post-handover plans spreading payments over two to five years after you receive the unit. Down payments typically start at 10-20%. The plan is set by the developer and differs from project to project.

Can I get a mortgage on an off-plan property?

Yes. UAE banks finance off-plan purchases up to about 50% of the unit value for non-residents and up to 80% for nationals and residents, once the project reaches a required construction stage. Many buyers use the developer payment plan instead, since it carries no interest during construction.

Fees and costs

What are the Dubai Land Department fees when buying?

Dubai Land Department registration is 4% of the property value plus a fixed administrative fee. On many off-plan projects the developer covers this fully or partly as part of the launch offer. Oqood registration and certificate issuance fees also apply; we set out the full cost in writing before you commit to anything.

Is there an annual property tax in Dubai?

No. Dubai has no annual property tax, no personal income tax and no capital gains tax when you sell. The only recurring cost is the annual service charge, calculated per square foot, which pays for building maintenance and shared facilities.

What rental yield can I expect in Dubai?

Net rental yields in Dubai typically run between 5% and 8% a year depending on area and unit type, among the highest of any major global city. Higher-yield areas include Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay and Dubai South, while Dubai Marina and Downtown deliver lower yields with stronger capital growth.

Al Zaeem Al Ainawi Real Estate
Sheikh Zayed Road — Majlis Al Zaeem, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 52 113 8999 · info@trustainawy.com
Licensed real estate broker, Dubai Land Department — No. 96129
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM