Everyone is talking about UAE property, but is it right for you?
From off-plan launches to rental yield hype, Dubai and Abu Dhabi property is the region’s favourite investment headline. But what most expats do not see are the blind spots. The unexpected taxes, the real holding costs, the illiquidity, and the long-term consequences that rarely get mentioned in a showroom.
This eBook is not here to talk you out of real estate. It is here to show you the full picture. The myths, the numbers, the tax traps, and whether buying here fits your financial plan or locks you into a costly mistake.
Written by Thomas Sleep,
Founder of My Intelligent Investor
A UK qualified financial adviser with over a decade of cross-border experience, this guide is built on real expat scenarios, not theory. You’ll learn strategies used by expats to keep more of what they’ve earned, wherever life takes them next.
Because the truth is, not every property purchase is a smart investment.
Many expats buy because it feels like the next logical step, or because everyone around them is doing it. But what works for your friends or colleagues might not work for you.
Your time in the region, your future tax exposure, your liquidity needs, and your long-term goals all play a role. Property can be part of a great strategy, but only when the numbers make sense and the plan is built around you, not the crowd.
Your future self will thank you. Get the eBook and take control.
In this eBook you will learn about...
The Market Looks Great, But the Cycle Never Lies
Dubai prices rose by 75% from 2021 to 2025, but that followed seven years of stagnation and a 60% crash in 2009. Property here moves in cycles, and history shows that timing is everything. Are you prepared for what comes next?
Off-Plan Can Work, Until It Doesn’t
Flipping off-plan worked well during the boom, but resale rules have tightened and default risks are real. One in twelve buyers faced legal issues in 2023 due to missed payments. Are you investing, or just speculating?
Real Returns May Be Smaller Than They Seem
Gross yields of 6 to 8% sound impressive, but service charges, maintenance, void periods, FX risk, and future taxation can cut that down significantly. Before you invest, make sure you’re looking at what you actually keep, not just what you might earn.
Renting Isn’t Wasted Money, It’s Flexibility
Most expats move within 4.2 years, but the average break-even point for ownership is six to eight. Renting can keep your capital liquid and diversified, helping you invest smarter without being tied down.
A Tax Bill Might Follow You Home
Owning property in a tax-free country doesn’t mean the income or gains are tax-free once you leave. Many expats are shocked to learn their home country still claims tax on UAE rental income and capital gains, even years later.
You’re Not Buying a Visa, You’re Buying an Asset
The Golden Visa is a great incentive, but if the property doesn’t make sense on its own, it’s not the right reason to buy. Emotional pressure leads to mistakes. Financial clarity builds wealth.
