The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
-
The back story
Buying in Dubai: the back story
Freehold areas for foreign buyers, the Dubai Land Department’s fees and the communities people choose: what the official sources say.
8 of the best · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Property in Dubai: Agencies, Communities and the Rules for Foreign Buyers
The consultancies and brokerages with Dubai offices, the freehold communities, and what the Dubai Land Department says about fees. We never publish prices.
Our 8 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Dubai
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Dubai.
-
Register every sale
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The government department that registers property sales and regulates brokers.
The full list: Property, A–Z
Neighbourhood
International consultancies 4
Residential and research.
-
Prime homes
Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in Dubai.
-
Al Khail Plaza
Engel & Völkers Dubai
Engel & Völkers’ Dubai office in Jumeirah Village Triangle.
Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai (7th Floor, Al Khail Plaza)Explore View on map
-
Residential and commercial
Savills Middle East
Savills’ UAE office for residential and commercial property.
Dubai brokerages 2
Sales and lettings.
-
Control Tower, Motor City
Allsopp & Allsopp
A Dubai brokerage headquartered in Motor City.
Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai (30th Floor)Explore View on map
The regulator 1
Dubai Land Department.
-
Register every sale
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The government department that registers property sales and regulates brokers.
Explore more of Dubai
38 of the best Restaurants
7 of the best Cafés
8 of the best Bars
26 of the best Hotels21 of the best Sights7 of the best Art & Culture
7 of the best Parks & Beaches8 of the best Walks
10 of the best Shopping
11 of the best Health7 of the best Developments6 of the best Luxury Cars10 of the best Getting Around