Freehold is a form of real estate ownership in which the buyer takes full control of the property, including ownership of the land. This type of ownership is particularly popular among foreign investors in Dubai, as it allows them to own real estate without time restrictions.
Unlike Leasehold, where the purchaser receives a lease for a fixed term (usually 99 years), Freehold gives the owner full control of the property, including the ability to sell, gift or inherit it.
In this article, we will go into detail about the benefits of Freehold real estate, the available areas to buy and the process of acquisition.
What is Freehold real estate?
Freehold allows the owner to fully dispose of the property. He or she can sell, rent, inherit or use the property as he or she sees fit without time restrictions.
Distinguishing Freehold from Leasehold and other forms of ownership
| Type of ownership | Owner’s rights | Period of ownership |
| Freehold | Full ownership | Indefinitely |
| Leasehold | Leasehold with right of possession | Up to 99 years |
| Usufruct | Right of use without the right to sell | fixed term |
UAE legislation governing Freehold
Since 2002, foreigners have the right to acquire real estate in Dubai in full ownership in specially designated Freehold-zones. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulates real estate transactions, ensuring transparency and security of transactions.
Advantages of investing in real estate in Dubai’s freehold zones
Real estate in Dubai’s freehold zones offers foreign investors a number of significant advantages, providing long-term benefits and a high level of control over the assets.
- Full ownership
Foreign nationals and companies gain absolute control over the acquired real estate and land. Owners are free to sell, inherit or lease the property without restrictions. This guarantees maximum flexibility and investment protection. - Long-term investment security
Unlike rental plots, ownership in freehold zones is perpetual, which ensures stability and predictability of investments. In addition, the absence of annual land lease payments allows for a significant reduction in operating costs. - Value growth and profitability
The high demand for housing in Dubai contributes to the dynamic increase in real estate prices, which makes buying in freehold zones a promising investment. Owners can also make changes to the property, such as repairs, remodeling and improvements, increasing its market value. - Resident Visa Opportunity
The purchase of real estate worth AED 750,000 or more opens up the possibility of applying for a resident visa with subsequent extensions, making the investment even more attractive. - Privacy and Data Protection
UAE laws provide a high level of protection for property owners’ personal information, guaranteeing their privacy.
Additional benefits
Many freehold zones are located in prestigious neighborhoods with developed infrastructure:
- World-class schools and medical facilities
- Shopping centers, restaurants and recreational areas
- Modern business clusters and transportation accessibility
These factors increase not only the comfort of living, but also the rental potential of the property, making it a profitable asset for passive income.
Read also: How to buy a villa in Dubai by the sea
What areas in Dubai are available for Freehold?
What are Freehold zones?
These are areas where foreigners can purchase real estate in full ownership. They are attractive to investors due to high demand and liquidity of properties.
Top 5 Freehold zones in Dubai
- Dubai Marina – A popular neighborhood among investors, known for its developed infrastructure and high rental demand.
- Downtown Dubai – A prestigious location with luxury properties including Burj Khalifa Residences.
- Palm Jumeirah – an artificial island with luxury villas and apartments.
- Business Bay – combines residential and commercial real estate, making it an attractive investment.
- Dubailand – Affordable real estate popular with family buyers.
A table with all freehold zones in Dubai in 2025:
| № | Freehold area | № | Freehold area | № | Freehold area |
| 1 | Business Bay | 31 | Ibn Battuta Gate | 61 | Meadows |
| 2 | Discovery Gardens | 32 | Jumeirah Village (Circle) | 62 | Springs |
| 3 | Downtown Dubai | 33 | Sky Court Tower – Dubai Land | 63 |
The Villa (Dubai Land)
|
| 4 | Dubai Festival City – Badia Phase 1 & 2 | 34 | The Views | 64 | Emirates Hills |
| 5 | Dubai Festival City – Hillside | 35 | Burj Khalifa Tower | 65 | Jumeirah Park |
| 6 | Dubai Festival City – Marsa | 36 | Remraam | 66 | Al Furjan |
| 7 | Dubai Investment Park | 37 | Jumeirah Heights | 67 | Jebel Ali Village |
| 8 | Dubai Marina | 38 | Green Community Motor City | 68 |
Jumeirah Golf Estate
|
| 9 | Dubai Silicon Oasis | 39 | Arjaan | 69 |
Dubai Studio City
|
| 10 | Dubai Sports City | 40 | Masakin Al Furjan | 70 | Legends |
| 11 | Green Community DIP | 41 | Dubai Outsource Zone | 71 | Mudon Project |
| 12 | Greens | 42 | Up Town Motor City | 72 |
Arabian Ranches 2
|
| 13 | IMPZ (Int. Media Production Zone) | 43 | Warsan Fourth | 73 |
Dubai Sustainable City
|
| 14 | International City | 44 | DIFC – Limestone House | 74 | Mira Project |
| 15 | International City CBD | 45 | DIFC – Liberty House | 75 | Warsan Village |
| 16 | JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) | 46 | DIFC – Sky Gardens | 76 | Veneto Project |
| 17 | JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers) | 47 | DIFC – Index Tower | 77 | Arjan |
| 18 | Jumeirah Village | 48 | DIFC – Park Tower | 78 | Al Thanyah First |
| 19 | Jumeirah Village (Triangle) | 49 | Ritaj Project – DIP | 79 | Town Square |
| 20 | Layan Community | 50 | Queue Point (Dubai Land) | 80 | The Valley |
| 21 | Old Town | 51 |
Ewan Project – DIP
|
||
| 22 | Palm Jumeirah | 52 | Wadi Al Safa 3 | ||
| 23 | Barsha Heights (Tecom) | 53 |
Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah
|
||
| 24 | The Lakes | 54 |
Dubai Residence Complex – Dubai Land
|
||
| 25 | City Walk | 55 |
Dubai Festival City – Badia Phase 3
|
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| 26 | Dubai Culture Village | 56 | Badrah Project | ||
| 27 | Al Waha Project | 57 | Al Barari | ||
| 28 | Damac Hills | 58 |
Arabian Ranches 1
|
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| 29 | The Polo Residence (Meydan) | 59 | Falcon City | ||
| 30 | Palazzo Versace & D1 Tower | 60 |
Jumeirah Islands
|
How do you choose an area to shop?
The choice depends on your budget, investment objectives and expected rental yield. Tourist areas are better suited for short-term rentals, while promising developing areas are better suited for long-term investments.
Read also: Debunking myths about life in Dubai: what do Estonian investors and expats need to know?
How to buy Freehold real estate in Dubai?
The main stages of the purchase:
- Site Selection.
- Verification of documentation through DLD.
- Signing of the sale and purchase agreement (SPA).
- Registration of title with the DLD.
Required Documents:
- Passport.
- Income Statement.
Recommendations for choosing a builder:
- Check licenses through RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
- Research the reputation of leading real estate developers: Emaar, Damac, Sobha.
Investing in Freehold real estate: what do you need to know?
Why is Freehold profitable?
- High rental yield (6-8%).
- Tax advantages – No tax on rental income.
Pitfalls in investing
- Service fees and commissions – it is important to consider additional costs.
- Market volatility – real estate prices can fluctuate.
Tips for investors
- Diversify your portfolio (residential and commercial properties).
- Decide on a strategy (long term or short term rental).
Conclusion
Freehold is not only convenient and safe, but also a reliable investment tool. With its help, you can get high rental yields and even obtain a resident visa in the UAE.
Experienced real estate professionals in Dubai Dubaikv.ee help you find apartments for relocation or investment. You can familiarize yourself with the offers in real time. Leave a request through the feedback form and we will answer all your questions in detail, select a quality object, fully take care of the transaction and provide post-sale service. With us buying real estate in Dubai will be easy, fast and safe.
FAQ
What are Freehold zones?
These are territories where foreigners can buy real estate in full ownership.
Can a Freehold property be rented out?
Yes, the owner has the right to rent the property without restriction.
What documents do I need for the purchase?
Passport, contract of sale, documents from the developer.
What are the best neighborhoods to invest in?
Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah.
What to do if the developer delays the delivery of the object?
Contact DLD or RERA to file a complaint.
