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Freehold Property in UAE

"Freehold" in a Dubai context specifically means property within a government-designated freehold area, where foreign nationals can hold full title under Regulation No. 3 of 2006 — the same ownership rights as a UAE national buyer, including the right to sell, lease or pass the property on. Outside these designated zones, foreign freehold ownership generally isn't available, which makes freehold status the single most important filter for any international buyer to apply before falling for a listing. This page lists every verified freehold property currently live on DubaiRealty.

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AED 216,000Average Price

Legal basis: Regulation No. 3 of 2006, registered through the Dubai Land Department.

Covers established freehold areas (Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour) and newer ones (Dubai Islands, Jebel Ali).

Freehold purchases worth AED 250,000+ can support long-term residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a freehold area?

An designated freehold area is a government-approved zone where foreign nationals can own property outright, with a full title deed registered through the Dubai Land Department. See our full freehold guide for the complete list of areas and how each differs.

Is freehold property in UAE the same as freehold in Dubai or elsewhere in the Gulf?

The underlying idea — full outright foreign ownership — is similar, but the legal basis, designated areas and residency thresholds are specific to UAE and shouldn't be assumed to match another country's rules.

Does buying freehold property guarantee residency?

Not automatically — but a qualifying purchase within a freehold area above certain value thresholds can support an application for long-term residency, up to the ten-year Golden Visa for higher-value purchases. See our Golden Visa guide for current thresholds.

Freehold Property in UAE

Freehold 1BR Apartment – Open to Foreign Ownership

Freehold Retail Unit – Foreign Investor Ready

Off-Plan Freehold Land Plot – Foreign Ownership