Commercial property
We source commercial property in Dubai for two goals: premises for your own company — an office, shop, showroom or warehouse — or an investment asset let to a tenant. We work with ready units, off-plan and premises with an existing lease.
A commercial deal is more involved than a residential one: sales and rents carry 5% VAT, service charges are higher, and the premises must suit the business licence. We check the documents, the permitted use, the tenant’s lease and payment history, calculate the full costs and handle the deal through to registration with the Dubai Land Department.
How it works
- 1We define the brief: own premises or investment, size, location, budget and timing.
- 2We shortlist units and check their designation, permitted use and fit with your business licence.
- 3For tenanted units — we review the lease, term, rent and payment history.
- 4We calculate the full cost: price, 4% DLD fee, 5% VAT, service charges and fit-out.
- 5We agree terms, review the contract and register the deal with DLD; for leases — the contract in Ejari.
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy commercial property in Dubai?
Yes. In freehold areas — such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Downtown Dubai — a foreigner can own an office or retail unit outright. The purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
What costs are there on top of the price?
The 4% DLD fee and registration admin fees — as with residential. Commercial property also carries 5% VAT; a VAT-registered company can usually recover it, which is worth confirming with a tax adviser.
How is a commercial lease different from a residential one?
Commercial rent carries 5% VAT. On the Dubai mainland the lease is registered in Ejari — without it a company cannot obtain or renew its trade licence. In free zones the lease follows the free zone’s own rules.
Can I buy a unit that already has a tenant?
Yes, it is a common investment format: the lease passes to the new owner. Before buying we review the lease — term, rent, break clauses — and the tenant’s payment history.
What are service charges like for commercial units?
Usually higher than for residential: they cover common areas, lifts, security and building systems. Approved rates for each building are published by the Dubai Land Department — we check them before the deal and include them in the numbers.