Many Dubai buyers never visit before they commit, and the process can be completed from abroad. Dubai Land Department (DLD) data for 29 October 2026 shows 496 deals worth AED 2.04 billion, with 54% off-plan. This guide covers the three points overseas buyers ask about most: power of attorney, payments and remote signing.
Market context, 29 October 2026
These figures are context only. They are not a forecast or a recommendation.
| Measure (DLD data) | 29 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deals | 496 |
| Total value | AED 2.04 billion |
| Median deal | AED 1.72 million |
| Off-plan share | 54% |
With more than half of deals off-plan, many overseas buyers will deal with a developer's sales process rather than a private seller. You can browse all Dubai off-plan projects or filter by area.
Power of attorney (POA)
A POA lets a trusted person sign for you in Dubai. It is optional. If you can sign electronically or travel, you may not need one. If you use one, these points are generally important:
- Scope: keep it specific to one purchase, with a named property and a limited period, rather than a general authority.
- Where it is signed: before a notary in Dubai, or abroad before a notary or a UAE embassy or consulate.
- Legalisation and translation: a document signed abroad usually needs legalisation or apostille and an Arabic translation by an approved translator. Requirements depend on the country, so confirm them before you sign.
- Who you appoint: choose someone you trust fully, such as a lawyer. Check the DLD or a lawyer before choosing anyone else.
Paying safely
- Off-plan: pay only into the project's official escrow account, as stated in the sales agreement. Check the account details with the developer directly. Do not rely on emailed details alone.
- Ready property: payment is normally settled at the DLD trustee office. This is usually by manager's cheque, or by another method agreed in advance.
- Costs beyond the price: the DLD transfer fee is generally 4% of the price. Agent commission and trustee office fees are usually extra. Ask for the exact current amounts in writing.
- Source of funds: expect compliance checks. Have your passport and proof of funds ready, because international transfers can take time.
Signing remotely
Developers often run reservation, booking forms and sales agreements through digital channels. Resale transfers are more formal and may need you, or your attorney, at the trustee office. Whether a step can be done remotely depends on the developer, the property and current DLD procedures, so confirm each step before you send money.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the property is in an area open to foreign freehold ownership.
- Check the developer's registration and the project's escrow account.
- Read the payment plan, including any developer-specific terms.
- If a mortgage is planned, ask the bank about non-resident terms before reserving.
- If a visa is a goal, read the Golden Visa through property rules. The median deal above sits below the AED 2 million threshold discussed there.
More answers are in the investor FAQ.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a power of attorney to buy Dubai property from abroad?
Not always. A POA is optional and is mainly useful if you cannot sign or attend a step yourself. If you use one, keep it specific to the purchase and check the notarisation and translation rules first.
How should overseas buyers pay for off-plan property?
Pay only into the project's official escrow account named in the sales agreement, and verify the details directly with the developer. Do not rely on emailed details alone.
What were the latest Dubai market numbers?
Dubai Land Department (DLD) data for 29 October 2026 shows 496 deals worth AED 2.04 billion. The median deal was AED 1.72 million and 54% of deals were off-plan.
This article is general information about the Dubai property market, not financial advice. Prices and regulations change; ask for up-to-date details before you buy.
