Off-plan2028-12-31
Apartments in Dubai
6–9% yields. Deepest resale market in MENA. Visa eligible from AED 2M. Dubai apartments are the city's most liquid investor segment.
- 6–9%
- Gross rental yield
- From AED 350K
- Entry price
- 70%
- Of all DLD transactions
- AED 750K+
- Investor visa eligible
Best off-plan apartments in Dubai
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Best apartments for rent in Dubai
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Where to buy apartments in Dubai
Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa-adjacent towers — Dubai's most prestigious central postcode, with iconic views and tourist-rental potential.
Browse apartments →Dubai Marina
Waterfront skyscrapers, JBR beach, tram + metro — Dubai's most iconic apartment destination.
Browse apartments →Business Bay
DIFC and Downtown adjacent — strong rental demand from finance, consulting, and tech professionals.
Browse apartments →Jumeirah Village Circle
Dubai's highest-yielding apartment community — entry-level pricing with consistent 8–10% gross yields.
Browse apartments →Dubai Creek Harbour
Emaar's next-gen waterfront masterplan — replacing Downtown as the city's eastern landmark district.
Browse apartments →Jumeirah Beach Residence
JBR's beachfront towers with direct sand access — short-let licensed and a tourist-rental favourite.
Browse apartments →
Inside the Dubai apartments market
Apartments are Dubai's most liquid residential category — the easiest entry point into UAE property, the deepest secondary market, and the workhorses of the city's rental ecosystem. Whether the goal is a city-pad in Downtown Dubai, a beachfront unit in Dubai Marina or JBR, an investment yielder in Jumeirah Village Circle, or a branded residence on Palm Jumeirah, apartments cover every price point from sub-AED 500K studios to AED 100M sky-villa penthouses.
Foreign buyers can purchase apartments freehold across all of Dubai's designated freehold zones with no UAE residency required. The minimum down payment under UAE Central Bank rules is 20% for expats on units under AED 5M (30% above), and 15%/20% for UAE nationals. Off-plan apartments typically launch on developer-backed payment plans of 50/50 or 60/40 with a 10–20% booking deposit and a 24–36-month handover window.
Apartments in Dubai consistently deliver the city's highest rental yields — 6–9% gross is common in established towers, with newer handover units in growing communities (JVC, Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour) often pushing 9–11% during early lease-up phases. The combination of zero property tax, zero capital gains tax, and visa eligibility from AED 750K makes Dubai apartments one of the strongest yield-plus-residency plays in the global property market.
Why Dubai apartments stand apart
Lowest entry point
Studios in JVC or Dubai South start under AED 500K — the fastest route into Dubai property ownership.
Highest yields in Dubai
Apartments deliver 6–9% gross yields on average, with newer launches briefly pushing into double digits.
Liquid resale market
Apartments are Dubai's most-traded segment — DLD records over 70% of transactions are apartments.
Branded residences available
Bvlgari, Armani, Trump, and Six Senses-branded apartments command 20–40% premiums and rank among the world's most desirable units.
Visa eligible from AED 750K
Even entry-level units qualify owners for a 2-year investor visa; AED 2M+ unlocks the 10-year Golden Visa.
Off-plan payment plans
Developer plans (10/90, 20/80, 50/50) make off-plan apartments accessible to buyers without immediate liquidity.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest apartment in Dubai?
Entry-level studios in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, or International City start from AED 350–500K. These typically run 350–550 sqft with one bathroom, no balcony, and basic finishing. Rental yield is the strongest at this end — often 8–10% gross.
What's a typical 1-bedroom apartment price in Dubai?
AED 700K–1.5M in JVC, Dubai South, Business Bay (older towers), and Dubai Marina (older towers). AED 1.5–2.5M in Downtown Dubai and newer Dubai Marina. AED 3M+ in branded or beachfront residences (Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters, Dubai Harbour).
How are apartments rented in Dubai?
Annual contracts are standard — typically paid in 1, 2, 4, or 12 cheques (fewer cheques = lower asking price). Tenant pays a 5% real estate commission, AED 110 Ejari registration, and a refundable deposit of 5% (unfurnished) or 10% (furnished). Service charges are landlord's responsibility.
What rental yields can I expect?
6–9% gross is typical on established apartment towers. JVC and Dubai South run 8–10%. Branded residences (Armani, Bvlgari) drop to 4–5% but appreciate faster on capital. Always check service charges before computing net — they can shave 15–25% off the headline yield.
Can foreigners buy apartments freehold?
Yes — across all 30+ Dubai freehold zones, with no residency requirement. Freehold means perpetual ownership of both the unit and a proportional share of the underlying land.
Off-plan apartments — should I buy?
Off-plan offers 10–25% discount to ready comparables, developer-backed payment plans (typically 50/50 or 60/40), and 24–36 months handover. Risk is completion delay or developer underdelivering finish quality. Stick to RERA-registered projects from Tier-1 developers (Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha, Nakheel, Ellington) and confirm the escrow account number.
What service charges should I budget?
AED 12–20 per sqft per year on most apartments — covering chiller, pool, gym, security, valet, and common-area maintenance. Iconic towers (Burj Khalifa Residences, Address) can run AED 30–50/sqft. Service charges are paid by the owner (not the tenant) and can shave 15–25% off net rental yield.
Can I get a mortgage on an apartment?
Yes. UAE residents can borrow up to 80% LTV on units under AED 5M (75% above). Non-residents typically max at 50–60% LTV. Tenors up to 25 years; rates 3.5–5% band currently. Mortgage registration costs 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 admin.
What's the difference between Tower View, Sea View, and Burj View?
Pricing premium runs roughly: full Burj Khalifa view (+15–25%), full sea view (+10–20%), partial sea / partial Burj (+5–10%), community/courtyard view (baseline), low-floor or wall-facing view (-5–10%). Always confirm 'view' on a floor plan before signing — agents often label partial views as full.
Do apartment buildings allow pets?
Most Dubai apartment buildings allow small pets (cats, dogs under 15kg) with landlord/management approval. Some buildings (notably older JLT and Marina towers) restrict dogs entirely. Always check the OA (owners' association) rules before signing.