If you’re considering buying land in Dubai, you will come across the two main property ownership options: leasehold vs freehold, which is the most important thing to know before investing in Dubai.
Deciding between freehold and leasehold property in Dubai is like comparing two vastly different types of land. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to understand which option is most suitable.
The difference between leasehold and freehold properties is imminent. But the choice to go for these properties depends upon personal preferences. Here, explore the main differences between the two.
Difference Between Leasehold and Freehold Property
Suppose you are a beginner in the real estate business in Dubai and want to make your first investment. Aside from understanding financial status, you must understand two legal forms of property in Dubai as it is also crucial.
Can a foreigner buy a property in Dubai? What do the leasehold and freehold mean? Check out the main differences and decide accordingly.
Leasehold Property
It is a legal form of property in which you buy the right to live for a fixed period, typically 99 years in Dubai. It is like a long-term rental investment in Dubai.
Advantages of Buying Leasehold Property in Dubai
You might be wondering about the benefits of buying leasehold property in Dubai, especially since you don’t get full ownership. Well, there are several benefits that you must consider:
More Affordable Option
Leasehold Property is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking to invest in the Dubai real Estate Market because it is usually priced lower than Freehold.
Less Maintenance Hussle
You don’t have to worry about maintenance and repair after buying the Leasehold Property in Dubai because, in most cases, the developer or landlord usually takes all the responsibility and frees you from all maintenance hassles.
Renewal of Contract
In leasehold property, there is less risk of moving out because the leaseholder can renew the contract at the end of each term and continue living there.
Disadvantages of Buying Leasehold Property in Dubai
Alongside multiple advantages, leasehold properties have the following drawbacks.
Restriction on Renovation
You have limited control over what you can do with the property. For example, renovation and subletting of a property requires permission from a landlord. According to housing laws in Dubai, you cannot renovate a leasehold property without the landlord’s approval.
Fewer Location Areas
Leasehold properties are normally centralised in specific areas selected by the UAE’s government.
How Can I Find Leasehold Property in Dubai?
Suppose you are a foreigner looking for a leasehold property. In that case, there are areas in Dubai where you can purchase an apartment or villa. For instance, you can choose from the following leasehold areas:
- Deira
- Bur Dubai
- Jumeirah
- Al Barsha
- Umm Suqeim
- Mirdif
- Al Warqaa
Freehold Property
Freehold property is a proper investment in which you become the owner of the building and the land it sits on, rather than a leasehold in which you lease a property for a specified time (99 years). It is just like owning a house and its backyard home.
Freehold property provides ultimate freedom and control over the land because the Dubai Land Department registers the buyer’s name as the landlord and gives them title deeds for the property; this is according to the laws of Dubai property ownership.
Who Can Buy Freehold Properties?
At first, the government allowed foreigners to get 99-year leases on freehold land in 2001. In 2002, they made a slight change by allowing foreigners or expats to invest in the land of Dubai by introducing a freehold decree, which allows foreign nationals over 21 years of age to buy, sell, lease, and rent properties in specified areas of Dubai.
Now, expatriates and foreign nationals living abroad can buy the ownership of freehold properties in Dubai. You can purchase ready or off-plan properties in specific areas. But always remember, freehold properties must be purchased from a real estate agency and developer approved by the government.
Advantages of Buying Freehold Property in Dubai
Investing in Dubai’s Real Estate Market presents benefits and complex challenges. Therefore, buying any form of property and considering the pros and cons before making a final decision is crucial. Here is what you get by investing in freehold property.
Ownership
Purchasing a freehold property means you have the complete right to sell, rent out, or live in your property as you please. The value of freehold property increases over time, which provides you with multiple benefits like return on investment.
Generation Wealth
Freehold property is generational wealth, as it can be passed down to heirs and becomes a valuable asset for the family.
Visa Benefits
Purchasing a freehold property in Dubai makes you eligible for residency and investment visas, which allow you to live and work in this peaceful city.
Plenty of Choices in Location
When looking for freehold property in Dubai, you have a wider range of choices across the city, giving you an array of options to choose the best one.
Disadvantages of Buying Freehold Property in Dubai
While freehold property in Dubai can potentially be a great investment, it has some downsides:
- Freehold properties are generally more expensive than leasehold properties.
- When leasing or renting freehold property, the owner is responsible for all maintenance of the land.
- If the property prices go down, it can cause a loss to the owner. So, hte risk of property depreciation is always imminent.
- Reselling of property can be a hassle at times.
How Can I Find Freehold Property in Dubai?
You can find several freehold apartments for sale in Dubai, but investing in the renowned area for freehold property is always better. These areas include Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Capital, Dubai Marina, Spring, and others.
The most interesting fact about Dubai is that it keeps developing, which can be seen by the recent development of freehold properties in non-freehold areas like City Walk and La Mer.
Which Form of Property Should Be Chosen?
Financial status plays an important role in Dubai’s purchasing of property. If you want to live and work in Dubai for a long period, a freehold form of property would be a better option because it provides long-term ownership, control, and potential assets for your family.
But if you’re on a budget and prefer a more affordable option, choosing a leasehold property is better. Although it has limitations on control, it allows you to save a significant amount of money for future investments.
If you are looking to invest in a business, explore Dubai’s Economic Zones.
