Dubai is among the top cities in the world with a robust real estate market. With world-class infrastructure and modern-day amenities, Dubai is a popular choice among investors, both locals and foreigners. However, one must understand the pros and cons of investing in different properties before making a final decision.
Here is a detailed walkthrough of free zone vs freehold property areas in Dubai. From the eligibility criteria to the areas designated for these types of properties, we have covered all the vital points.
Free Zone Vs Freehold Property Areas in Dubai
It is no secret that there are several benefits of buying a property in Dubai. Higher return on investments and taxation of benefits are some of the pros, to begin with. Different types of properties come with many benefits and certain cons. That said, it is crucial to understand the different sides of free zone vs freehold areas in Dubai if you are planning to invest in either of those.
Here are the details and differences between freezone and freehold property areas.
All about Freehold Property Areas in Dubai
Freehold areas of Dubai refer to designated areas where the buyer completely owns the property and the land it is built on. Besides, non-GCC nationals can own property in these designated areas. As per the Dubai property ownership law, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) register’s the buyer’s name as “property owner” which grants the title deed for the property.
We have penned down the pros and cons of freehold property areas in Dubai. Let’s go through them.
PROS OF FREEHOLD PROPERTY AREAS IN DUBAI
There are several advantages of freehold property areas in Dubai. Some of them are as follows:
FULL OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY
A person buying a property in the freehold will be granted complete ownership of the unit and the land. With full ownership, you can renovate the property to a great extent, adhering to the regulations set by the authorities. Also, the owner has full control over the leasing, renting or selling property in Dubai.
UAE RESIDENCE VISA
If you own a freehold property in Dubai, you and your family are eligible for the renewal of UAE residency, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled. The freehold property owners are eligible for 5 to 10 years of visa due to the issuance of long-term residency visas in the Emirates. Also, the expats can invest in freehold property areas and attain an investor visa in Dubai.
WIDE RANGE OF PROPERTY OPTIONS
UAE residents who live abroad can also buy property in the freehold areas. Moreover, with the different types of properties in the UAE, Dubai is no exception. That said, there are several options available in freehold areas that fit various budgets and preferences.
INHERITANCE OF PROPERTY
Another advantage of owning a property in the freehold areas of Dubai is that it always remains within the family. The property is passed on to the heir on the demise of the owner.
CONS OF FREEHOLD PROPERTY AREAS IN DUBAI
One must also consider a different side when buying a property. There is only one drawback to buying a property in the freehold areas of Dubai. It is as follows:
MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY
An owner of a freehold property is responsible for its regular maintenance. Also, if you are renting out your property, the tenant will not be responsible for its upkeep. For such scenarios, go through these common home maintenance mistakes to avoid additional costs.
Freehold Areas to Buy Property in Dubai
Following are some of the freehold areas in Dubai. You can opt for them when buying a house in Dubai. These include:
- Falcon City
- The Villa
- Al Barari
- Dubai Sports City
- Motor City
- Green Community
- Business Bay
- Jumeirah Village
- Jumeirah Islands
- Palm Jumeirah
- Emirates Hills
- The Meadows
- The Lakes
- Jumeirah Lake Towers
- The Springs
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
All about Free Zone Property Areas in Dubai
Free zones in Dubai are economic areas designated for expatriates and foreign investors. Also known as free trade zones, these areas offer a perfect opportunity for investors to grow their businesses. Whether it is a real estate developer in Dubai or a foreign venture, both can benefit from them. Besides, instead of residential units in free zones, there are mostly franchises and headquarters.
To promote the culture of foreign investment in Dubai, free zones are exempted from tax for companies that operate in them. Also, free zone operating authorities have set rules and regulations to govern these economic areas in Dubai.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of free zone property areas in Dubai to know what they offer.
PROS OF FREE ZONE PROPERTY AREAS IN DUBAI
As an ideal business location, the free zones in Dubai offer several advantages. Moreover, they are also a feasible option for buying property in Dubai as a foreigner. The following are the pros of free zone property areas in Dubai:
COMPLETE OWNERSHIP
One of the most significant advantages of free zones in Dubai is that they allow 100% foreign ownership of businesses. This means that foreign investors have complete control and ownership of their ventures.
TAX EXEMPTION
Companies operating in free zones are exempted from corporate taxes, personal income taxes, import and export taxes, and customs duties. This favourable tax environment allows businesses to increase profits and reinvest in growth.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Free Zones in Dubai house a modern and sophisticated infrastructure in the Emirate. These areas are home to several office spaces, logistics services, IT infrastructure, advanced communication networks and warehouses in Dubai. These amenities help businesses operate efficiently and enhance productivity.
FREEDOM FROM PARTNERSHIP
Another advantage of free zone property in Dubai is that there is no requirement for a partner to run a business. You can avail full ownership of the property without including a local partner. You can also freely practice multiple business activities while adhering to the rules set by the authorities.
SIMPLIFIED COMPANY SETUP
The process for setting up a real estate agency or any franchise in the free zones of Dubai is quite simple. The registration process is efficient, and the free zone authorities provide assistance and support at every step.
CONS OF FREE ZONE PROPERTY AREAS IN DUBAI
Here are the cons of free zone property areas in Dubai:
LIMITED OPERATION
Companies that operate in the free zones face a drawback. They can only operate within the free zones or their particular operating location. This means that these companies can not work with others within Dubai.
Areas Listed as Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai is home to several free zones. If you want to avail the above-said advantages, you can opt for these areas to buy a property in Dubai. Some of them are as follows:
- Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCA)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone
- Meydan
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Knowledge Village
- International Media Production Zone
- Dubai South
- Dubai World Central
- Dubai International Financial Centre
This is all on the different aspects of free zone vs freehold property areas in Dubai. The above-mentioned advantages and drawbacks must be considered before you make a final decision.
You can also sift through the difference between freehold vs leasehold property areas in Dubai to get extensive knowledge about the two types of properties.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s real estate blog for more on different types of properties and their buying and selling aspects.
