Glossary · AE
Residency by Investment
A programme granting residence rights in return for a qualifying property or capital investment — such as the UAE Golden Visa or European residence schemes.
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Around this term
Related terms.
Foreign Buyer
An individual or entity purchasing property in a country where they are not ordinarily resident or are not a national, subject to the ownership rules of that jurisdiction.
UAE Golden Visa
A long-term UAE residence visa available to qualifying individuals under applicable eligibility criteria, including certain property investors.
Chiller-Free
A UAE listing term meaning the cost of district cooling (air-conditioning) is included in the price or rent rather than billed separately to the occupier.
DEWA
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; buyers and tenants register a DEWA account and pay a connection deposit to activate utilities on handover.
Designated Area
An area in Dubai where property ownership rights are available to non-UAE nationals under the applicable property ownership framework.
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The Dubai government authority responsible for property registration, real estate regulation, land transactions and a range of property-related services in Dubai.
Go deeper
Related reading.
- Guide · Off-PlanThe Best Areas to Buy Property in Dubai in 2026, RankedDubai's property market has entered a more selective phase in 2026 after several years of exceptional growth. We rank the best areas to buy property in Dubai, from established prime districts such as Dubai Hills Estate and Palm Jumeirah to high-yield locations including Jumeirah Village Circle and emerging growth markets such as Dubai South.
- Guide · Off-PlanBuying Off-Plan Property in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Buyers and InvestorsBuying off-plan property in Dubai can provide access to new developments, staged payment plans and potential capital appreciation before completion. But the headline price is only part of the investment case. Buyers need to assess the developer, project location, construction progress, escrow arrangements, Sales and Purchase Agreement, payment schedule, service charges, financing requirements and exit liquidity. This guide explains how the Dubai off-plan market works, the costs involved, the protections available through Dubai’s regulatory framework, and the key due diligence investors and owner-occupiers should complete before committing capital.
- Guide · BuyingBuying Property in Prime Central London: A Complete Guide for Buyers and InvestorsPrime Central London remains one of the world's most established residential property markets, attracting international buyers, investors, families and high-net-worth individuals seeking a combination of location, scarcity, liquidity and long-term capital preservation. From Mayfair and Belgravia to Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kensington and Marylebone, each neighbourhood has its own characteristics and investment profile. This guide explains how the Prime Central London market works, where to buy, what to consider when assessing property, the taxes and transaction costs involved, how the buying process works, and the key factors investors should evaluate before committing capital in 2026.
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