Property ownership laws in the UAE are changing almost on a daily basis. The UAE property market started with a vague 99 year leasehold definition, but only on select projects. This was then extended to freehold ownership, but again only on certain projects. Land regulations and ownership was never clearly defined, and that deterred a lot of investors. Whether the property ownership laws are clear and concise today still remains a matter of opinion. If you’re up to date with ownership legislation, post your comments here and share your valuable information.

Even though the property ownership laws have never been clearly defined, investors have been snapping up properties in Dubai and Sharjah without any legal consultation. Contracts still remain very one-sided favouring the developers with no respite for the purchaser. Solicitor firms are now coming into the limelight with the market being dominated by some key players primarily due to overseas investor interest and caution. How do you think the solicitors should take this matter forward? Have you bought a property without a solicitor? What would you recommend to fellow investors? Share you valuable insight and knowledge with others.

The UAE mortgage and lending market had remained a very elite institution until recently with banks only lending to large scale developers. However, with the increasing number of developments and the slow growth of the property market, banks have been forced to open up their doors to end users and investors as well. Though interest rates are still relatively high, local demand has been strong for borrowing. More banks are offering higher lending today as opposed to a year ago, but repayments are still a burden. Which lenders offer the best rates? What developments do they finance? What criteria do they use? If you have any valuable insight, please share it with others here.

Property Insurance is still a new-age market for the UAE. Prior to the opening up of the property market, insurance was really targeted at the corporate and banking sector. Household insurance was not a known concept in the UAE. However, with the arrival of foreign investment (and eventually foreigners), household and buildings insurance has been on the minds of the government. Still, there are relatively very few providers in the market and the rates are not as competitive. What has your experience been with your purchase? Do you think insurance is necessary, or does it not matter? Will household insurance ever take off like in Europe and US? Share your thoughts and views here.

The banking sector in the UAE is far advanced than many overseas investors think. Many local and international banks have representation in the UAE, primarily in Dubai. As there are no exchange controls, international financial transactions and transfers are relatively simple. Non-residents are allowed to open bank accounts in UAE, but only on the recommendation of a resident. Requirements vary from bank to bank, but the process is fairly simple. If you have had any good or bad experiences with banks in the UAE, share them here.

UAE is really a "tax respite" for foreigners and locals alike. Having maintained a "no-tax" policy since its independence, freedom from paying any taxes has been one of the most attractive features of property investment in the UAE. From a corporate perspective, tax plays a different role. Different economic zones have been setup that are truly tax free where companies can take advantage of the legislation. However, a "tax-free" status is still limited to a set number of years after which it is reviewed. Have you got further insight into taxation, and how it affects overseas buyers? Are you an expert in the field? Share your valuable insight with others here.