# Buying Dubai property from the UK

> How British buyers can buy Dubai property from the UK: costs in pounds, mortgages for non-residents, UK tax, remote buying and time zones, from a UK expat agent.

Source: https://gemma-green.com/buy-dubai-property-from-uk/  
Author: Gemma Green, property consultant at McCone Properties, Dubai  
Last updated: 2026-10-30

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UK buyers · Reviewed 2026-10-29

# Buying Dubai property from the UK

Costs in pounds, finance, tax and how to do it from home, from a UK expat who lives it.

UK citizens can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai without living there. Most of it can be done remotely, in pounds converted to dirhams. Plan for fees of about 6 to 7 percent on top of the price, a larger deposit if you borrow, and UK tax on any rental income.

Short answer

## Can UK citizens buy in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold in designated areas, and you do not need a UAE visa to own. Ownership can, but does not automatically, lead to a visa, see the [Golden Visa guide](/guides/golden-visa-property-dubai/).

## What it costs, in pounds

Fees and taxes on a resale come to roughly 6 to 7 percent for a cash buyer. The [buying costs calculator](/tools/dubai-property-buying-costs-calculator/) shows each line in pounds with a ±10% exchange-rate band, so you can see what a move in the pound does to your budget.

## Finance from the UK

UAE banks lend to non-residents at lower loan-to-value than to residents, typically around 50 to 60 percent. UK lenders do not generally lend against Dubai property. See [mortgages for UK and non-resident buyers](/guides/mortgages-for-uk-and-non-resident-buyers/).

## UK tax

UK residents normally pay UK tax on foreign income, including overseas rental income, usually reported through Self Assessment, and may get relief where tax is also paid abroad ([GOV.UK: tax on foreign income](https://www.gov.uk/tax-foreign-income)). UK residents also pay Capital Gains Tax when they sell overseas property ([GOV.UK: selling overseas property](https://www.gov.uk/tax-sell-property/selling-overseas-property)). Dubai has no annual property tax on residential owners. This is general information, so take advice from a UK adviser who knows the UK–UAE position.

## Buying remotely

Video viewings, electronic signatures and international transfers make remote purchase routine. Read the [step-by-step guide](/guides/how-to-buy-property-in-dubai-step-by-step/), and use the [verification checklist](/guides/how-to-verify-a-dubai-agent-and-property-advert/) before you pay anything.

## Talking across time zones

Dubai is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three in summer. I am happy to take calls and WhatsApp messages in UK evenings and at weekends by arrangement.

## Next

- [Cost of buying, fee by fee→](/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai/)
- [Is now a good time to buy?→](/guides/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-dubai-property/)
- [Moving to Dubai: a practical checklist→](/guides/moving-to-dubai-from-the-uk-checklist/)
- [Find my match→](/tools/property-match-quiz/)

On this page

1. [Can UK citizens buy?](#can)
2. [Costs in pounds](#costs)
3. [Finance](#finance)
4. [UK tax](#tax)
5. [Buying remotely](#remote)
6. [Time zones](#time)

Next step

## Buying from the UK? Message Gemma.

[Message Gemma](https://wa.me/447535840084?text=Hi%20Gemma%2C%20I%20am%20in%20the%20UK%20and%20thinking%20of%20buying%20in%20Dubai.)

**Written by [Gemma Green](/about/)**, UK expat property consultant at McCone Properties, Dubai.  
Published 2026-10-30 · Last reviewed 2026-10-30. General information, not legal or financial advice.