Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Better Homes’ role?
A: Better Homes’ role is consultative. We assess your requirements to narrow down your choices and make recommendations.

Q: I want to buy property – what is the first thing I should do?
A: Decide on a budget, secure financing, and then choose a property. Explore the property pages of The Gulf News to get an idea of what is available in the market.

Q: What finance options are available?
A: Various options are available from several financial institutions. Interest rates vary from between 6% and 11.5%.

Q: How do I secure financing?
A: Better Homes recommends Tamweel, a Dubai based home financing firm. We have a member of Tamweel Staff permanently based at Better Homes’ offices in The Village who are able to assist you with all home financing queries. Visit Better Homes to speak to Tamweel directly or alternatively see www.tamweel.ae for further details.

Q: Can I buy a property to rent?
A: If you mean, can you buy a property and then rent it out, the answer is yes. Better Homes can help you with these arrangements. We also have a leasing and property management division. Our interiors division can assist you with furnishing the home.

Q: Can I buy anywhere in Dubai?
A: Non-UAE nationals can only buy in areas designated specifically for expatriate freehold and leasehold sales.

Q: Is a residence visa necessary for all purchases?
A: No, you do not need to be a UAE resident to purchase property in UAE. You become eligible to apply for a residence visa upon the purchase of a freehold property. (Please note that the usual immigration laws apply to all residency applications; the purchase of a property does not guarantee a residence visa).

Q: Can Better Homes supply me with a visit visa?
A: Better Homes does not supply visas. However, hotels and the national airline carrier (Emirates) often arrange (visit) visas. Enquire at your hotel and/or the national airline carrier (Emirates) for more details.

Q: What premium can I expect on a resale?
A: Re-sale values are difficult to predict, as the market is immature. However, properties currently available for resale are achieving premiums of between 10 and 25%.

Q: How has the yearly appreciation of property values been over the last five years?
A: There are two segments of the market - the segment open to all buyers and the segment that is open to UAE nationals only. The “open-to-all nationalities” segment is still in its infancy stage, therefore, no definitive data is available.

Q: What are the projected appreciation values over the next two to five years?
A: It is difficult to project the appreciation values, as the market is so new. However, we are confident that when the market stabilises property in Dubai will represent a good investment in the long term.

Q: What properties does Better Homes deal in specifically?
A: Better Homes sells, leases and manages both residential and commercial property. This includes leasehold, freehold properties, land, hotels, towers and communities. However, only those properties specifically located in freehold areas are available to non-UAE nationals to purchase.

Q: Does Better Homes charge fees?
A: For property purchased as resale, Better Homes charges an agency fee (1% of property value to seller and 1% of property value to buyer).

Q: What does “base price,” mean?
A: The base price is the price at which the developer released the property for sale initially.

Q: What does “selling price,” mean?
A: The selling price is the price at which the property is currently on the market.

Q: What does “premium,” mean?
A: The premium is the difference between the base price and the selling price. In other words, the initial investor’s profit. For example, the developer originally sold the property at AED 1,000,000 to Mr Smith. After a period, Mr Smith now wishes to sell it at AED 1,200,000. The premium is AED 200,000/-

Q: What is the fee to the Lands Department and who is responsible for this payment?
A: The registration fee to the Lands Department is applicable to all property types. The buyer pays this.

Q: Does the Land Registration tax of 1.5% apply to all property types?
A: The registration fee to the Lands Department is applicable to all property types. The buyer pays this.

Q: What other costs are applicable?
A: Other purchasing costs may include a transfer fee to the developer of resale properties. This is usually between 1% and 7% (depending on the development) of the base price of the property.

Q: Does Better Homes manage apartment /office leasing for overseas investors?
A: Better Homes offers property management at a fee of between 4% and 5% of the annual rental income. See for more details on this service

Q: Does Better Homes furnish apartments?
A: Better Homes will furnish apartments. Better Homes has an Interiors Division who will be delighted to help you. Contact Better Homes Interiors Division by telephone 04 3444862, fax 04 3443263 or email

Q: I need to find reputable contractors for my property, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters etc. – how do I know who to contact?
A: Over the years, we have developed strong relationships with many suppliers. Better Homes produce a booklet called Better Services containing information from personally recommended reliable suppliers for almost everything you need for your home. Ask a Better Homes member of staff for your complimentary copy.

Q: I want to know more about buying and selling property in UAE. Who should I contact?
A: Better Homes is happy to help you with any further queries you may have.