How to Check if a Property Is Freehold or Leasehold in Dubai

The UAE’s property market offers one of the most investor-friendly environments in the world, and Dubai stands at its center. Yet, one crucial distinction every buyer must understand before purchasing is whether a property is freehold or leasehold.

Knowing this difference determines not just how long you can own the property, but also your rights, responsibilities, and potential resale value. In this guide, we’ll give you a quick overview of freehold vs leasehold in Dubai, explain the importance of verifying property status, outline a step-by-step process to check, and list the recognised freehold areas in Dubai for your next investment.

1. Quick Overview: Freehold vs Leasehold in Dubai

Freehold Properties

A freehold property grants full ownership of both the unit and the land it stands on. The buyer’s name is registered as the owner in the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and the owner can sell, lease, or pass on the property without restriction.

Freehold ownership is the preferred option for expatriates and investors who wish to have complete control over their asset. Developers like Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, and Sobha often sell properties in designated freehold zones across Dubai.

Key features of freehold property:

• Ownership of both the land and the unit
• Unlimited tenure (permanent ownership)
• Full rights to sell, lease, or modify (subject to regulations)
• Eligible for residency visa (subject to value criteria)

Leasehold Properties

A leasehold property, on the other hand, allows ownership rights for a limited period—typically 30 to 99 years. In this case, you own the property’s structure but not the land it sits on. Once the lease term ends, ownership reverts to the landowner unless renewed.

Leasehold arrangements are common in areas like Green Community, Jumeirah, and parts of Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Key features of leasehold property:

• Ownership of the building for a fixed term (30–99 years)
• Land ownership remains with the freeholder
• Renewal may be required at the end of the lease term
• Often more affordable than freehold units

2. Importance of Verifying Property Status

Before purchasing or renting in Dubai, it’s critical to confirm whether a property is freehold or leasehold. Here’s why:

a. Legal Ownership and Tenure

The tenure directly affects how long you can retain ownership. If it’s leasehold, ownership ends once the lease expires, unless extended.

b. Investment Returns

Freehold properties generally yield higher resale value and appeal more to foreign investors, while leasehold units can be attractive for lower upfront costs.

c. Financing and Mortgages

Banks in Dubai often have different mortgage policies for freehold vs leasehold. Freehold properties are easier to finance because they carry lower risk.

d. Inheritance and Visa Eligibility

Only freehold owners can apply for long-term property visas (such as the 5-year or 10-year Property Investor Visa) and pass ownership to heirs without landlord intervention.

e. Transparency and Avoiding Disputes

Understanding your property type prevents legal or ownership conflicts in the future, especially if you plan to resell or rent your asset.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Check

Fortunately, Dubai offers multiple official channels to confirm whether a property is freehold or leasehold, ensuring complete transparency for buyers and investors.

Step 1: Check Through the Dubai REST App

The Dubai REST App, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), is the most reliable way to verify ownership details.

How to use it:

1. Download the Dubai REST App (available on Android and iOS).
2. Log in using your UAE Pass or guest mode.
3. Select “Property Details” or “Property Finder.”
4. Enter the property number, title deed, or location details.
5. The app displays property ownership type (Freehold/Leasehold), area, plot number, and registration information.

This method is quick, secure, and directly linked to the government’s property database.

Step 2: Visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

You can visit the DLD Customer Happiness Centre located at the DLD Headquarters in Deira or Al Manara Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Provide the property details or title deed, and an officer can confirm whether the property is registered as freehold or leasehold. You can also request a Property Status Certificate for official verification.

Step 3: Confirm with Your Developer or Real Estate Agent

If you’re purchasing from a developer such as Emaar, Nakheel, or DAMAC, they can confirm whether your project falls within a freehold or leasehold zone. Always cross-verify with the DLD to ensure accuracy.

Step 4: Verify via Title Deed or Oqood

If you already own the property, check your Title Deed (for completed projects) or Oqood document (for off-plan properties).

• Freehold Title Deed: Mentions the buyer as the full owner of the land and property.
• Leasehold Title Deed: States ownership duration or the lessor’s rights.

Step 5: Consult a Real Estate Legal Advisor

If you’re unsure about legal terminology or specific contract terms, consult a licensed real estate lawyer in Dubai. They can interpret the agreement, confirm the ownership type, and guide you on renewal or resale implications.

4. Recognised Freehold Areas in Dubai

Dubai designates specific zones where expatriates and foreign investors can purchase properties on a freehold basis. These areas are approved by the Dubai Government and remain among the city’s most popular investment destinations.

Major recognised freehold areas in Dubai include:

• Downtown Dubai – Prime location, Burj Khalifa views, luxury apartments
• Dubai Marina – Waterfront living, high rental yields
• Palm Jumeirah – Iconic villas and beachfront apartments
• Business Bay – Central commercial and residential hub
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – Affordable apartments and family homes
• Arabian Ranches – Premium gated villas
• Dubai Hills Estate – Golf course community by Emaar
• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – Mixed-use development with modern towers
• Dubai Creek Harbour – New waterfront district with rising investor interest
• Mirdif Hills, Al Furjan, and Meydan City – Emerging freehold zones

If your property lies outside these areas, it may fall under leasehold regulations—especially in long-established neighborhoods like Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, and Deira.

5. Pro Tips for Property Buyers and Investors

• Always verify ownership type before signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
• Cross-check with DLD records, even if your agent or developer confirms freehold status.
• Review community management fees—some leasehold properties include additional ground rent.
• Plan long-term: Freehold ownership provides stability and flexibility for resale or inheritance.
• Hire a legal consultant if your contract includes ambiguous ownership clauses.

Conclusion

Determining whether your property is freehold or leasehold in Dubai isn’t just a technicality—it’s a vital step in protecting your investment and ensuring long-term security. By understanding the quick overview of freehold vs leasehold in Dubai, recognizing the importance of verifying property status, and following the step-by-step guide, you can make informed, confident decisions in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

Whether you’re investing in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills, or Palm Jumeirah, knowing your ownership rights sets the foundation for a profitable, worry-free property journey.