Invest in Dubai from the UK
Buy a property in Dubai without leaving London, Manchester or Edinburgh. We explain how much it is in pounds, how to send the money and what to declare to HMRC.
Diversify beyond the pound
For a UK investor, Dubai adds more than yield: a property asset in a dollar-pegged currency, in a regulated market with fast-growing demand.
The pound against the dollar, at three moments
US dollars per pound, annual average.
2014
2020
2025
Source: World Bank, annual averages. Investing in dirhams means holding part of your wealth in dollars: if the pound strengthens, your investment is worth a little less in pounds, and vice versa. Diversifying doesn’t remove currency risk, it spreads it.
Strong currency
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Your property and your rent don’t depend only on the pound.
Rent in dirhams
Rent is paid in AED. Dubai’s median gross rental yield was 7% in 2025.
Regulated market
Official registration with the DLD, escrow accounts and regulated agencies. See safe purchase
Residency for your family
From AED 2,000,000 you can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa for you and your family.
How much is it in pounds?
Type the price in dirhams and we convert it into pounds at today’s rate. We include the 4% DLD fee so you see the real number.
In US dollars:
Indicative market rate, updated automatically. The actual rate is set by your bank or provider on the day of the transfer, with its fees.
From your UK account to the escrow account
The money never goes through us: it goes from your bank to the project’s escrow account, in the project’s name, as stated in your contract.
Reservation and contract
You choose the property and receive the reservation form and the sale contract (SPA) with the project’s escrow account details.
Your UK bank
You make an international (SWIFT) transfer in pounds, dollars or dirhams from your online banking or a regulated transfer provider.
Source of funds
Your bank may ask you to show where the money comes from and the purpose of the transfer. Keep the contract and receipts for your tax return.
Confirmation
The developer confirms and records the payment. You get your receipts and, once registered, your Oqood certificate from the DLD.
What you need to know for HMRC
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, but if you are UK tax resident you have obligations at home. These are the main ones, in general terms.
You declare your Dubai rent
UK residents are taxed on their worldwide income. Rent from your Dubai property goes on your Self Assessment as foreign property income, taxed at your income tax rates.
Capital Gains Tax
If you sell at a profit, the gain is subject to UK CGT. For residential property the rates are 18% or 24%, depending on your income.
New FIG regime
Since April 2025 the remittance basis has been replaced by a 4-year foreign income and gains regime for new arrivals. Check with your adviser whether it applies to you.
UK–UAE treaty
The UK and the UAE have a double tax treaty in force. Ask your adviser how it applies to your case.
If one day you want to see it
You don’t need to travel to buy. If you want to visit the city or your property, here’s what to know.
Visa on arrival
British citizens get a visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
About 7 hours
There are direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
We’ll show you around
If you come, we organise visits to projects and neighbourhoods. If not, we send you videos and set up video calls.
Entry requirements can change. Before travelling, check the FCDO travel advice for the UAE and confirm requirements with your airline.
What UK investors ask us most
If you have another question, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer right away.
Can I buy in Dubai as a UK citizen?
Yes. In freehold areas any nationality can buy outright, with the property registered in your name with the DLD.
Do I need to travel to buy?
No. Reservation, contract, payments and registration are all done remotely. Only residency procedures need you there in person.
Can I pay in pounds?
Yes. You can transfer in pounds and the bank converts it into dirhams, but compare the exchange rate and fees before sending.
Can I finance the purchase?
Many off-plan projects have interest-free developer payment plans. Some UAE banks also lend to non-residents, usually with a larger down payment.
How much do I need to start?
It depends on the project. Off-plan usually starts with a 10–20% deposit plus the 4% DLD fee, and the rest is paid in stages.
Who manages the rental?
We do. We manage long-term or holiday rentals and send you the rent.