Buyer guide
Frequently asked questions
The questions we are asked most about buying, renting and investing in Ras Al Khaimah, answered plainly. Anything you intend to rely on, confirm with us for your specific property.
Buying property in Ras Al Khaimah
- Can foreigners buy property in Ras Al Khaimah?
- Yes. In the designated freehold areas — including Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab and Al Hamra Village — property is open to buyers of every nationality, with full ownership of both the home and the land it sits on. Prices are quoted in UAE dirhams (AED).
- Which areas of Ras Al Khaimah are freehold?
- The best-known coastal freehold communities are Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab and Al Hamra Village, and there are others across the emirate. Freehold is granted area by area, so it is a question about the specific development rather than the emirate as a whole — we confirm the status of any property you are considering.
- What does the buying process look like?
- In short: reserve the unit, sign a sale agreement, and complete the transfer at the Ras Al Khaimah registration authority. For off-plan homes, payments follow the developer's plan through construction. We guide you through each step and the paperwork.
- Are there property taxes in the UAE?
- There is no annual property tax and no capital gains tax on property in the UAE. Buyers budget for a one-off government transfer and registration fee, plus agency and (for off-plan) developer fees. We confirm the exact figures for your purchase before you commit.
- Should I buy off-plan or a ready home?
- Off-plan homes often have lower entry prices and developer payment plans, but you wait for handover. Ready homes let you move in or rent immediately. The right choice depends on your timeline and whether you are buying to live or to invest.
Residency, finance and currency
- Can I get UAE residency by buying property?
- Yes. A qualifying property purchase from AED 2 million can support a ten-year UAE Golden Visa for the owner and their family. We can walk you through the current requirements.
- Can non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?
- UAE banks do lend to non-residents, usually at a lower loan-to-value ratio than for residents, which means a larger deposit. Many overseas buyers pay cash, and many off-plan buyers use the developer's payment plan instead of a mortgage.
- What currency are property prices in?
- All prices are quoted in UAE dirhams (AED). The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, so the exchange rate against the dollar is stable.
Ras Al Khaimah vs Dubai
- Why buy in Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai?
- For the same budget, Ras Al Khaimah typically offers more space and a quieter coastline, with a home materially larger than the one the same money would buy an hour south. It is a different trade rather than a lesser one, and it is around an hour from Dubai by road.
- How far is Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai?
- Roughly an hour from Dubai by road. Ras Al Khaimah also has its own international airport, so many residents and visitors fly in directly.
- Is Ras Al Khaimah a good place to invest?
- The emirate is growing quickly, anchored by major resort projects such as the Wynn integrated resort on Al Marjan Island, and rising tourism supports both rental demand and capital growth. Returns vary by community and by property, so we are happy to talk through specific options.
The communities
- What are the main communities in Ras Al Khaimah?
- The three best-known freehold communities are Al Marjan Island (a resort archipelago known for branded residences), Mina Al Arab (a waterfront community by RAK Properties built around lagoons and beaches) and Al Hamra Village (Ras Al Khaimah's first freehold community, with a golf course and marina). We market homes across the emirate, not only in these three.
Renting and working with us
- Can I rent a property in Ras Al Khaimah?
- Yes. We handle both sale and rent, and act for landlords and tenants across the emirate. Tell us your budget and preferred area and we will shortlist suitable homes.
- What does VM Properties do?
- VM Properties is a real estate brokerage in Ras Al Khaimah specialising in luxury and waterfront homes. We act for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants, and market property across the emirate.
- How do I arrange a viewing?
- Contact us with the property or the area you are interested in and we will arrange a viewing, in person or virtually, at a time that suits you.