Adil Raza Khan | November 11, 2025
To buy property in Abu Dhabi in 2025–26, select a freehold area, select an off-plan or ready-to-move property, obtain funding, sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement, and receive registration at the DMT. This process can be done safely by residents and foreigners to make investments or to invest their lifestyles.
The property market in Abu Dhabi is very enticing to investors and homeowners and there is a high demand in the major areas. Off-plan projects are becoming increasingly popular, accounting for nearly half of all transactions in 2025, and offer rather flexible payment schemes. On the contrary - ready-to-move units are attractive to those buyers who want to occupy their position immediately.
Find the best areas, costs, and step-by-step guidance on how to buy property in Abu Dhabi safely and profitably in 2025-26 with this professional guide by APIL Properties.
Buying property in Abu Dhabi means selecting a freehold or approved location, off-plan or ready-to-move property, purchase financing, signing a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), and registering at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
To buy a property in Abu Dhabi, follow these key steps:
No matter whether you are buying a ready property or off-plan unit, or a villa as an investment, you will have to prepare the following documents to make a hassle-free purchase:
To buy property in Abu Dhabi, prepare these documents for registration and ownership transfer:
1. Documents to Buy Property in Abu Dhabi As Individuals:
2. Documents to Buy Off-Plan Properties in Abu Dhabi:
3. Documents Companies Need to Buy Property in Abu Dhabi:
Tip: Verify all documents via DARI or Abu Dhabi Municipality to ensure your property in Abu Dhabi is legally secure.
Abu Dhabi property is available to both UAE citizens and foreigners. The non-residents are free to buy in special freehold zones where they can enjoy the 100 percent ownership rights and UAE and GCC nationals can buy anywhere. There are leasehold and Musataha rights, which are used in some areas, usually in 50-99 years.
The property buyers must set aside registration charges, real estate agent commission, NOC charges, mortgage valuation and annual service charges. Being aware of all these costs will save a lot of surprise and also a hassle-free buy.
The purchase of a property entails a number of critical expenditures:
Knowing the property registration fees and other expenses of Abu Dhabi will help in accurate budgeting and eliminate the unexpected.
Abu Dhabi does not levy any property taxes annually, and this is one of the reasons why it is one of the most investor-friendly markets in the region. Buyer registration fee is 2% once and annual community service fee. The rental income is also tax-free and the ownership is very lucrative.
Property prices vary by area, which impacts investment decisions and rental returns.
The UAE banks may offer mortgages to expats and residents under the Central Bank LTV regulations. Normally, the residents may borrow up to 80 percent of the property value whereas the non-residents can borrow up to 60 percent.
The transfer of ownership occurs once the SPA is signed, then the documents are presented to DMT and registration fees paid. Required documents include a passport, Emirates ID (if a resident), evidence of funds, a SPA, and a developer-provided NOC. The knowledge of property ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi will make the purchase safe and legitimate.
In licensed freehold zones, such as Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem, Al Raha Beach, Masdar City, and Al Maryah Island, foreigners are allowed to buy real estate. The investments of more than AED 2 million can be subject to a 10-year Golden Visa, which can attract long-term residents and high-value investors. The 2025 new regulations enhance off plan buyer rights and legal transparency, thus it is now safer to purchase property in Abu Dhabi by non-residents.
Choosing the right neighborhood impacts lifestyle, rental yield, and long-term growth:
This guides buyers on where to buy property in Abu Dhabi for both comfort and investment.
Off-plan buildings can have staged payments and is a possible source of capital growth, whereas ready-to-move units can be occupied immediately. Off-plan purchasers have to deal with licensed developers and confirm escrow accounts. To answer one of the frequently asked questions about how to buy property in Abu Dhabi, the answer varies depending on your size, schedule, and recovery.
The Abu Dhabi real estate market is projected to expand continuously, and the demand is strong in luxury, off-plan, and sustainable real estate:
Abu Dhabi continues to attract investors due to its stable economy and infrastructure development. As Saadiyat Island is the top seller of luxury, and Masdar City expands as an eco-friendly city, experts estimate that sales will grow 4-6 percent annually between 2025 and 26.
Abu Dhabi offers more family-friendly, peaceful communities, environmentally friendly developments and reduced property taxes. Dubai offers higher rental returns and faster ROI. The choice to purchase a property in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will depend on the lifestyle, investment objectives, and average cost of homes in Abu Dhabi or Dubai market.
First-time buyers often:
The process of acquiring property in Abu Dhabi in 2025-26 is simple when done in advance. Research on approved freehold-zones, check developers, estimate expenditure, and research on best places to buy property in Abu Dhabi. APIL Properties offers professional advice to make sure that it invests and lives profitably and safely. ct delivery records.
Yes, some UAE banks offer mortgages to non-residents.
They usually range between AED 10–35 per sq ft annually.
Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island lead in capital growth.
Yes, once ownership is registered under tenancy laws.
Yes, depending on the project and developer terms.
Musataha grants 50–99 year land rights to investors/developers.
No, but agents simplify paperwork and ensure compliance.
Yes, only in approved freehold or off-plan zones.
Check DMT/municipality portals and past project records.
Yes, due to stable policies and growing demand.
Villas suit capital growth; apartments offer higher rental yield.
WRITTEN BY
Adil Khan is a Dubai luxury real estate expert with over 13 years of experience in the UAE property market. He is the Chairman of APIL Properties.
To buy property in Abu Dhabi in 2025–26, select a freehold area, select an off-plan or ready-to-move property, obtain funding, sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement, and receive registration at the DMT. This process can be done safely by residents and foreigners to make investments or to invest their lifestyles.
The property market in Abu Dhabi is very enticing to investors and homeowners and there is a high demand in the major areas. Off-plan projects are becoming increasingly popular, accounting for nearly half of all transactions in 2025, and offer rather flexible payment schemes. On the contrary - ready-to-move units are attractive to those buyers who want to occupy their position immediately.
Find the best areas, costs, and step-by-step guidance on how to buy property in Abu Dhabi safely and profitably in 2025-26 with this professional guide by APIL Properties.
Abu Dhabi property registration fees in 2025 are compulsory costs that buyers have to pay to legally transfer property ownership. The normal registration fee is 2 percent of the purchase price, with additional fees for registering mortgages and NOCs. These charges are a guarantee that your purchase is safe, legal and in accordance with the Abu Dhabi property legislation.
When planning any property investment, buyers in approved freehold zones will have to consider these fees, including possible service fees, in both cases —residential and non-residential— for residents and foreigners. Good budgeting and knowledge of property fees in Abu Dhabi can help avoid surprises during the transfer of ownership.
Read APIL Properties’ expert guide to understand how to compute the Abu Dhabi property registration fees, understand the registration procedure, and make good investment choices in 2025-26.
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Yes, foreigners can buy property in Abu Dhabi, subject to laws that permit full freehold, leasehold, usufruct, and musataha ownership. International ownership has steadily increased by more than 25 per cent since 2022, driven by liberal property regulations and investor confidence in the UAE. It is currently providing full freehold ownership in key investment areas.
As the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) reported last year – 32% of all property transactions in Abu Dhabi were carried out by foreign investors, indicating the city's popularity worldwide. Buying property in Abu Dhabi as a foreign national is no longer just affordable—it can also be an investment with good returns.
If you’re wondering “Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?” — the answer is an absolute yes. Let’s explore all the information you should know about ownership laws, cost, visa, investment zones, and the process of purchasing property in Abu Dhabi.
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