The UAE’s real estate market has long been a magnet for global investors, drawn by its tax-free returns, iconic developments, and strategic location. Yet, despite its growth and transparency, misconceptions persist. With this blog, we aim to break down all the myths and provide the information so that buyers can make informed decisions.

Myth 1: Only UAE Citizens Can Own Property.

In 2002, the UAE government passed the Freehold Law, which allowed foreign nationals to buy, own, and sell property in designated areas called freehold. Properties that fall under these freehold areas can be bought and sold by foreign nationals without the need for any special regulations or permissions. Some areas that are a part of the freehold are Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Arjan, Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour, Downtown Dubai, and many more. We have a full list of all the areas that are under the freehold areas. Recent expansions into emerging zones such as Dubai South have further opened ownership opportunities. Making the market accessible to expats and international investors.

Myth 2: Dubai Property is Unaffordable

While Dubai is known for the ultra-luxury properties, it is not limited to that. Dubai also offers affordable housing, and it is also a thriving market segment. Developers like DAMAC and Samana developer, Shobha and Ellington developer, offer competitively priced apartments in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Dubai Marina. Combine this with flexible payment plans and rent-to-own schemes, and this makes it easy for middle-income people to own a home.  

Myth 3: All Properties in Dubai Appreciate Rapidly

While it is true that Dubai as a whole is experiencing high growth in its real estate market, not all properties will get equal appreciation in their value. The Dubai real estate market is highly dynamic, and there are a lot of factors that can affect the value of property or a project, such as location and type of property. It is always recommended that anyone who is looking to buy any property in Dubai do their research. Auxilium Real Estate can help you with all the tedious research work, as we have specialists who can find you the right property that fits your criteria. You can fill out this form, and our agent will get in touch with you in no time.  

Myth 4: Off-Plan Investments Are Risky

There is always some kind of risk when you invest your money in something and Dubai Off-plan property is no different. That being said, off-plan purchases are safer than ever. Strict RERA regulations mandate escrow accounts, ensuring developer accountability. Projects in high-demand areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City) promise strong ROI, with reputable developers offering completion guarantees. Here are a few things an investor should check before investing in any off-plan property. 

• Invest in RERA-approved projects with escrow accounts
• Invest in reputed developers such as Emaar, Sobha, and DAMAC
• Verify the developer’s past completion track record 

Auxilium Real Estate takes the above safety tips along with other industry insights to make sure that your risk in investing in off-plan property is as minimal as possible. You can connect with our agent to discuss your dream off-plan property.

Myth 5: Renting is Always Cheaper Than Buying 

This is one of the most common myths that people have about real estate, but this is not always true. In Dubai, potential buyers can get low-interest-rate financing options, and combined with rent-to-own schemes and attractive payment plans offered by various developers, this provides a good alternative to renting. Furthermore, owning a home can provide stability and potentially increase your net worth over time.

Conclusion

The UAE’s real estate market in 2025 is defined by accessibility, innovation, and resilience. By debunking these myths, we hope to empower informed decisions. Auxilium Real Estate is a licensed broker with industry insight and years of experience in the Dubai real estate market. For deeper insights, explore trusted guides like Top 10 upcoming areas to invest in Dubai property.