Q: I am a US citizen and would like to buy a property in Dubai, where do I start?

Q: I am planning to buy an apartment, not sure what all things I need to check or get checked in legal aspects. How much will a lawyer's advice cost and how compulsory is it to have a piece of legal advice?

Q: Hi, I am planning to buy a ready apartment in a 2-year-old building. How can I check for any dues on that apartment, would NOC suffice that the mortgage or any dues are cleared? How can I check that the seller does not have court cases against him in relation to property? How do the Service Charges get decided every year, as I understand that it is decided by Dubai Land Department who has defined the Service Index? Should I hire a lawyer to look out all legal aspects and help me till I get the property transferred to me? If yes, then what is the average cost for this service? Regards, Gufran

The UAE has taken a bold step toward legislating the mortgage of movable assets after it was completely regulated by the Civil Code. The Federal Law No. 20 of 2016 Concerning the Mortgage of Moveable Assets, which came into effect 90 days after it was published in the Official Gazette on December 15, 2016, was a welcomed change by lenders after it gave them the ability to secure their debts with movable assets.

This Regulation determines areas where non-UAE nationals may acquire freehold ownership rights over real property without time restriction, usufruct rights, or leasehold rights for up to ninety-nine in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Law sets the rules and procedures for registration of real property in Dubai. The right to own real property in Dubai is restricted to UAE and GCC nationals, to companies fully owned by these and to public joint stock companies. Freehold ownership by non-UAE nationals may be approved by the Ruler in certain areas.

This Resolution sets the fees for registration of real property dispositions in the real property register, including those related to completed, under-construction, or offplan real property, as well as the fees for services provided by Dubai Land Department.