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Glossary / Property

Freehold

Freehold ownership means owning the property and the land it sits on outright and indefinitely, which in Dubai is available to non-GCC nationals only over land plots the Ruler has designated for it.

It is the strongest form of ownership: no expiry, no ground rent, and the right to sell, lease or bequeath.

Outside the designated plots, ownership for non-GCC nationals is generally leasehold or restricted. A term is worth less than a perpetuity by an amount that can be computed, which is what makes the distinction a price rather than a label.

Where people get it wrong

Assuming any Dubai property is freehold for a foreign buyer. Regulation No. (3) of 2006 designates numbered plots rather than communities, and the same article allows a lease of up to ninety-nine years over the same plot, so freehold is a term of the transaction to be verified on the title rather than a property of the address.

The framework behind it Freehold areas and foreign ownership in Dubai sets out the rule, the arithmetic and where it breaks.

Read the framework

Related terms

Leasehold Leasehold ownership is the right to occupy a property for a fixed term of years while the freehold remains with someone else, after which the property reverts to the freeholder. Title deed A title deed is the Dubai Land Department document proving ownership of a completed property, issued at transfer or at handover and naming the owner, the unit and its area.

Investments Playbook publishes educational research and general information. Nothing on this site is personal investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Property and securities can fall in value. Past performance does not predict future returns. Figures shown are indicative and may be delayed. Always take regulated professional advice before acting.