FAQs
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAIN REALTY
We’re here to provide you with clear and helpful answers to your most common questions. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or interested in our free consultancy services, our goal is to make your experience seamless and informed. We highly prioritize and value our clients above all else. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us directly. We’re always happy to assist!
We’re always happy to assist!
What is MAIN Realty?
What is the tagline of MAIN Realty?
Where does MAIN Realty operate?
Where does MAIN Realty operate?
When was MAIN Realty established?
What types of properties does MAIN Realty develop?
Where are MAIN Realty's properties located?
Why should I invest in MAIN Realty's properties?
How can I buy a property from MAIN Realty?
Does MAIN Realty offer property management services?
How can I join MAIN Realty's team?
We regularly post job openings on our website and LinkedIn page. You can also send your resume and cover letter to our HR department at hr@mainrealty.com.
What is the process of buying a property in Dubai?
What protects me when I buy off‑plan (under construction)?
Dubai’s off‑plan system has two key legal safeguards:
Escrow accounts (Law No. 8 of 2007): each project must have a dedicated, RERA‑supervised escrow account; buyer funds are released to the developer only in stages against construction progress. Dubai Land Department
Interim registration (Law No. 13 of 2008): your off‑plan sale is recorded on the Interim Property Register (“Oqood”) with DLD—proof of your legal interest before handover. Dubai Land Department
What is Oqood and how does it work?
Oqood is DLD’s system for interim (off‑plan) registration. Developers complete provisional procedures online; upon completion/hand‑over and payment of any outstanding registration fees, DLD issues your E‑Title Deed. Dubai Land Department
What does the purchase process for a ready property look like?
A typical sequence: agree terms → sign Form F/MoU → pay deposit → obtain developer NOC and service‑charge clearance → attend DLD Trustee Office for transfer → pay DLD/Trustee fees → receive Title Deed. Market timelines are commonly 2–3 weeks, subject to bank/NOC. Shuraa Business Setup+1
Can non‑residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. Major banks lend to non‑residents, usually with lower LTVs and additional documentation. See HSBC’s non‑resident mortgage page and Mashreq NEO’s product (advertised up to ~60% LTV for non‑residents). HSBC UAE+1
How much can I borrow (typical LTV caps)?
Residents (first home): banks widely reflect minimum 20% down payment for expatriates (i.e., up to 80% LTV), consistent with Central Bank’s 2020 easing (additional 5 p.p. for first‑time buyers). Emirates NBD+1
Off‑plan mortgages: commonly capped around 50% LTV by banks. Property Finder
Non‑residents: banks often cap LTVs near 60% (product dependent). Mashreq Ban
Are there annual property taxes in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax and no local capital gains tax in Dubai. However, most residents pay a Dubai Municipality Housing Fee equal to 5% of annual rent, billed via DEWA (applies to occupied units). Bayut+1
Does VAT apply to real estate?
How does corporate tax affect rental income?
Companies/SPVs: UAE Corporate Tax (standard 9% headline rate above the threshold) can apply to real‑estate profits of juridical persons. UAE Ministry of Finance
Individuals (natural persons): passive real‑estate investment income (e.g., personal letting, not requiring a trade licence) is outside the scope of Corporate Tax per the FTA guide
What are service charges and how do I check them?
Legal framework: Jointly Owned Properties are regulated under Law No. 6 of 2019. Dubai Land
Does MAIN Realty have any partnerships with other companies?
How do I get started with investing in real estate with MAIN Realty?
Can I invest in MAIN Realty's real estate projects even if I don't live in Dubai?
Yes, you can invest in our projects regardless of your location. Our team will provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to make the investment process easy and accessible for you.
What types of properties does MAIN Realty offer?
How does MAIN Realty ensure the quality of its properties?
What kind of support does MAIN Realty offer its real estate agents and brokers?
Does MAIN Realty offer property management services?
What is the process for purchasing a property with MAIN Realty?
How does MAIN Realty stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the real estate industry?
What are the mandatory government fees when buying?
DLD transfer (registration) fee: generally 4% of the purchase price (market norm reflected across major consultancies and portals). Dubai Land Department
Title Deed issuance: typically AED 250 (plus small knowledge/innovation fees), shown on DLD’s service page. Dubai Land Department
Trustee office service fee: AED 4,000 (≤ AED 500,000 price) or AED 8,000 (> AED 500,000), per standard market practice at trustee offices. The Design Tourist
Mortgage registration (if financed): 0.25% of the loan amount (plus AED 250 Title Deed). mymortgage.ae
Can foreigners buy freehold property in Dubai?
Yes. Non‑UAE nationals may own freehold real estate in areas specifically designated by the Government of Dubai. Freehold ownership allows you to sell, lease, or mortgage the property. UAE Government Portal
How do I verify people and projects (to avoid fraud)?
Work only with RERA‑licensed brokers—you can search the official DLD list. Dubai Land Department
For advertising, Dubai requires a Trakheesi permit; legitimate agencies publish with valid permit numbers. Dubai Land Department
Use Dubai REST (DLD’s official app) to view properties, ownership services and project information. Dubai Land Department
What are the rules for renting long‑term?
All leases must be registered in Ejari. Dubai Land Department
Rent increases at renewal follow the RERA Rental Index and the official Rental Calculator (notice periods and caps apply under the tenancy law).
Can I Airbnb / short‑let my apartment?
Short‑term holiday homes require a permit from the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) (formerly DTCM). Owners can obtain a holiday‑home licence and must comply with classification and guest rules. Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism
Can I resell an off‑plan unit before completion?
Yes—subject to your Sale & Purchase Agreement and developer consent. Many developers set a minimum paid % before assignment; check your SPA and Oqood status.
What documents are needed to transfer ownership?
For ready units: valid IDs/passports, Title Deed, developer NOC, cleared service‑charge letter, and banker’s cheques/settlement proofs (if financed). Transfer happens at a DLD Trustee Office which issues the new Title Deed upon fee payment.
How are mortgage fees calculated?
The DLD mortgage registration fee is 0.25% of the loan amount (plus AED 250 Title Deed issuance). Banks may also charge valuation/arrangement and life‑insurance fees.
Where can I self‑check official information?
Licensed brokers (RERA): DLD eService. Dubai Land Department
Rental increase & market rent: DLD Rental Calculator. Dubai Land Department
Service charge index & OA oversight: Mollak. Mollak
Escrow & Off‑plan laws: Law 8 of 2007 (Escrow) and Law 13 of 2008 (Interim Register/Oqood). Dubai Land Department
Ejari tenancy registration: DLD Ejari. Dubai Land Department
Holiday home licensing: Dubai DET. Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism