Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai offers zero property taxes, high rental yields (5–12%), strong capital appreciation, Golden Visa eligibility, and a strategic global location. It's one of the world's fastest-growing property markets with transparent legal frameworks protecting foreign investors.

We have active investment desks across five markets: the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), the United Kingdom (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, London), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province), Oman (Muscat ITCs), and Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands). Our team works in English, Arabic, and Kurdish across the full investment journey.

Yes! Foreigners can purchase freehold property in designated areas of Dubai with full ownership rights. No UAE citizenship or residency is required to buy property.

Yes — many of our clients hold properties across two or three markets to balance yield, currency, and residency benefits. A common structure is a Dubai off-plan unit (capital growth + AED 2M Golden Visa eligibility), a UK buy-to-let (stable GBP income), and a Greek Golden Visa property (EU residency). We coordinate cross-border tax structuring through vetted advisors.

Entry-level properties start from around AED 500,000 (£108,000). For Golden Visa eligibility, the minimum is AED 2 million (£430,000).

On most off-plan transactions in the UAE, KSA, and Oman, our commission is paid by the developer — there is no broker fee passed to you as the buyer. For UK buy-to-let, advisory fees are clearly disclosed up front. For Greek Golden Visa, we charge a transparent advisory fee covering shortlisting, legal coordination, and Golden Visa application support. We never accept undisclosed commissions or kickbacks.

No! Dubai has zero property tax, zero income tax on rental earnings, and zero capital gains tax. You only pay a one-time 4% registration fee when purchasing.

Book a free consultation through our website or contact us directly. We'll discuss your investment goals, budget, and preferences, then provide personalized property recommendations with detailed ROI analysis.

Riyadh median price per square meter is approximately SAR 5,100 in early 2026. Premium districts: Al Malqa SAR 6,800-9,000/sqm, Al Olaya SAR 6,000-8,200/sqm, An Narjis/Al Sahafah SAR 8,000-11,000/sqm. National median home price is approximately SAR 800,000 (~$213K). Riyadh prices have risen 81% since the pandemic; +5% year-on-year through early 2026.

Yes. We curate Halal-compatible property opportunities across all our markets — structured without interest-based financing, free of impermissible income streams (no alcohol-tied, gambling-tied, or otherwise non-compliant tenancies), and reviewed against established Islamic finance principles. Our advisors flag and recommend Shariah-compliant structures and will never push an investor toward a product that conflicts with their values.

Typical structure: 10–20% down payment, 30–40% during construction, 50–60% on handover. No interest charged. Payment spread over 2–4 years depending on the developer and project.

Not initially. We handle virtual viewings and remote purchases. However, we recommend visiting Dubai before final purchase to see properties in person.

From property selection to signed contract: 1–2 weeks. Property registration with Dubai Land Department: 1–3 days. The entire process is streamlined and efficient.

Passport copy, proof of address, source of funds documentation (for AML compliance). Additional documents may be required for Golden Visa applications.

Yes — there are zero nationality restrictions. Non-residents have the same purchase rights as UK citizens. The only difference is a 2% Stamp Duty surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates. Roya International introduces vetted UK conveyancing solicitors, mortgage brokers, and tax advisors specializing in non-resident buyers.

Yes — through specialist lenders. Typical requirements: 25-35% deposit, minimum income £25,000, established credit history (some lenders accept overseas credit). Rates run 1-2% above resident BTL rates. Common 5-year fixed BTL products in 2026 are 5.5-7%.

Yes — directly, since 22 January 2026 under Royal Decree M/14 (Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis). Foreign individuals and entities can own residential, commercial, mixed-use, and agricultural property within REGA-designated zones in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Vision 2030 mega-project areas. Tokenized fractional ownership is officially recognized.

Makkah and Madinah remain restricted under M/14. Muslim foreigners may own real estate under specific conditions set by REGA. CMA-licensed investment funds may hold real estate assets in these cities regardless of investor religious background — providing an indirect access route. Listed companies with more than 49% foreign ownership may own property in Makkah/Madinah only for use as corporate headquarters.

Yes — but only within designated Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) such as Al Mouj Muscat, Muscat Bay, Muscat Hills, Jebel Sifah, and Yiti Sustainable City. Within ITCs, foreigners get freehold ownership or long-term usufruct (up to 99 years). Property outside ITCs cannot be registered in a foreigner's name. Agricultural land remains entirely off-limits.

For UK buy-to-let, we introduce Shariah-compliant home finance via providers like Al Rayan Bank, Gatehouse Bank, and Strait Bank — using Murabaha (cost-plus), Ijara (lease-to-own), or Diminishing Musharaka structures rather than conventional interest-bearing mortgages. These typically require 25-35% deposit and offer rates broadly comparable to conventional BTL mortgages.

A long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) renewable indefinitely. Available to property investors who purchase AED 2M+ in real estate. Includes spouse, children, and no minimum stay requirement.

5-year visa requires completed property. 10-year visa (AED 5M+) can include off-plan properties. Most investors opt for ready properties to secure visa immediately.

Yes! Golden Visa includes spouse and children under 18 (or up to 25 if studying). 10-year visa can also include parents.

AED 2 million in freehold property qualifies for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Both ready and off-plan properties from RERA-approved developers are eligible. The down-payment requirement was removed in 2025 — mortgaged properties qualify if DLD valuation meets AED 2M.

Typically 4–8 weeks from property purchase to visa in hand. We handle the entire process and guide you through each step.

Yes. ITC property purchases qualify for renewable investor residency. Standard threshold: OMR 250,000 (~$650K) for 10-year residency, OMR 100,000-150,000 for 5-year. Residency includes spouse, dependent children, and parents. Visa remains valid as long as the property is owned. Path to Omani citizenship requires 15 years continuous residence (revised 2025) and renunciation of current passport.

Three zones since August 2024: Zone A €800,000 (entire Region of Attica including Athens, Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini, plus all islands with population over 3,100). Zone B €400,000 (other regions). Zone C €250,000 (heritage building restoration OR commercial-to-residential conversion, geography-agnostic). Zone A and B require single property of at least 120 sqm.

Initial residency permit typically issued within 60-90 days of complete application. Permit is valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is maintained. There is no minimum stay requirement — you don't need to live in Greece. Path to Greek (EU) citizenship requires 7 years of legal residency with physical presence and language requirements.

Dubai citywide gross yield averages 6.8%. Highest yields: International City (9-10%), Dubai South (8-9%), JVC (7-8%), Dubai Investment Park (8-9%), Arjan (7-8%). Premium areas like Downtown and Marina deliver 5-7%. Off-plan typically prices 10-20% below comparable completed stock.

Dubai average: 5–9% depending on location and property type. Premium areas like Downtown: 6–14%. Affordable areas like JVC: 7–10%. Significantly higher than UK (2–3%).

We connect you with property management companies who handle tenant sourcing, contracts, maintenance, and rent collection for a fee (typically 5–8% of annual rent).

Yes, but you need a holiday homes license from Dubai Tourism (DTCM). Some buildings restrict short-term rentals. We advise on the best rental strategy for your property.

Liverpool consistently leads UK gross yields at 7-9%, followed by Manchester (6-8%), Glasgow (6-7%), and Sheffield (6-7%). Birmingham and Leeds average 5-6%. London prime ranges 3-4% — strong capital growth but lower yield. Northern cities offer the best risk-adjusted returns for income-focused investors.

In September 2025, Saudi Arabia enacted a 5-year rent freeze on residential and commercial properties in Riyadh until September 2030. New leases set initial rent freely, then those rents are locked. For investors, this tilts Riyadh toward capital growth over rental escalation during the freeze period. Outside Riyadh — Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar — no rent freeze applies.

Al Mouj Muscat 2-bed apartments deliver around 9% gross yield (OMR 100K purchase → OMR 754/month rent benchmark). Muscat Hills, Jebel Sifah, and Muscat Bay typically 5-7%. Yiti and emerging ITCs 6-8%. Note: Oman has legislated personal income tax for high earners effective 2028 — current tax-free rental environment will end at threshold.

Long-term residential rental is permitted. Short-term/holiday rental (Airbnb-style) is prohibited under the 2024 reforms. Violation incurs a €50,000 fine and revocation of the residency permit. The €250K conversion route additionally cannot be used as a company headquarters. Long-term rental yields run 4-6% in major markets; Thessaloniki Center leads at 5.6%.

No. The UAE imposes zero personal income tax on individual property owners — including rental income. The 5% VAT applies to commercial rents only; residential rents are VAT-exempt. Combined with high yields and freehold ownership, this makes the UAE one of the most tax-efficient property markets globally.

Service charges: AED 5–15 per sq ft annually. No council tax, no property tax, no wealth tax. Lower overall costs than UK property ownership.

Yes! UAE banks offer mortgages to foreign buyers. Typically 50–75% loan-to-value, depending on employment status and property type. We can connect you with mortgage advisors.

Non-resident landlords pay UK income tax on rental income: 20% basic rate (up to £50,270), 40% higher (£50,270-£125,140), 45% additional (above £125,140). The £12,570 personal allowance applies via tax treaty for most foreign nationals. Mortgage interest is not fully deductible — only a 20% tax credit applies. Capital gains tax (18-28%) applies on disposal.

No. Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax on individuals — including rental income. The 15% VAT applies to commercial rents only; residential rents are VAT-exempt. There is no annual property tax. The White Land Tax (up to 10%) only applies to undeveloped urban plots.

Not automatically. Greek Golden Visa holders are not required to become Greek tax residents — there is no minimum stay. Tax residency is triggered by spending more than 183 days in Greece. Those who choose to become Greek tax residents may opt into the Non-Domicile regime — a flat €100,000/year tax on all foreign income, with €20,000 added per family member, valid for up to 15 years.