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Can You Buy UK Property Whilst Living in Dubai?

  • Expat Property Investments Ltd
  • 11 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

The short answer? Yes, and thousands of Brits in Dubai already do.


The longer answer? Yes, but there are a few key things to know about the process, paperwork, and pitfalls to avoid if you want it to be profitable, legal, and (relatively) stress-free.


Whether you’re craving passive income, planning your long-term return to the UK, or just fancy swapping some tax-free dirhams for bricks and mortar back home, this article will walk you through what to expect and how to make it happen.


Buying property in the UK whilst based in Dubai is possible, but there are some key things to consider.

Why So Many British Expats in Dubai Buy Property in the UK


According to HM Land Registry data, over £8.5 billion of UK property was purchased by overseas buyers in 2022 alone, and Dubai-based Brits make up a notable slice of that.


Why the UK?

  • Strong rental yields in cities like Manchester, Stoke, Liverpool & Leeds

  • Familiar legal system and buyer protections

  • Option to buy through a UK limited company

  • Long-term capital growth + passive monthly income



Can I Buy Without Being Physically in the UK?

Absolutely.


Thanks to remote solicitors, digital signatures, and companies like ours who manage the whole process for you, you can buy without setting foot in the UK, even if you haven’t been back since before Brexit.


💡 You’ll need certified ID, proof of address, and source of funds documentation, but we help clients in Dubai handle all of this remotely.



Do I Need a UK Bank Account?

Technically, no but it definitely helps.


You can transfer funds directly from a UAE account and receive rent overseas, but it may cause:


  • Issues with letting agents paying rent internationally

  • Friction with mortgage lenders (some prefer UK-based payments)

  • Extra FX and conversion fees



Most of our Dubai-based clients use Wise or Revolut, which offer UK GBP accounts (with local sort codes) even if you live abroad.


You can buy UK property without a UK bank account, but it certainly makes it easier if you do have a UK bank account.

Can I Get a Mortgage from Dubai?

Yes. Many lenders in the UK offer expat buy-to-let mortgages, and there are brokers who specialise in expat lending from the UAE.


💼 Requirements typically include:

  • Proof of income (e.g. salary slips, tax return if self-employed)

  • Employment contract (if employed)

  • 3 months bank account statements

  • Proof of address

  • UAE residency documents

  • Minimum deposit of 20–30%

  • Clean credit history


You can also buy in your own name or via a UK limited company structure, which may offer better tax efficiency long-term.



And if that all sounds like a lot — don’t worry. We work with mortgage brokers who handle the whole thing for our clients in Dubai. Just book a free call with us and we’ll introduce you.



What About Taxes?

You need to be aware of the tax involved in buying, operating and selling UK property as an expat or non-UK resident

This part depends on how you buy, not just where you live.


Here’s what you should consider:

  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): You’ll pay the 3% investor surcharge plus the 2% non-resident surcharge if you’ve spent less than 183 days in the UK in the last 12 months.

  • Rental income tax: You’ll be liable to UK tax on rental profits, even while living abroad — but you can offset allowable expenses.

  • No Dubai income tax: Great news — your rental profits won’t be taxed in the UAE.

  • Capital gains tax: Payable if/when you sell for a profit, even as a non-resident, if you own in your personal name. If you buy through a Ltd company, you'll pay corporation tax when the gains are realised.



💬 Still confused about your tax position? Email us at info@expatpropertyinvestments.com — we’ll point you in the right direction.



What’s the Process Like?

Here’s a simplified version of what it looks like:

  1. Define your strategy – Buy-to-let? Flip? Long-term capital growth?

  2. Secure a mortgage in principle or prep your cash

  3. Find a property or let us do it for you

  4. Make an offer and start conveyancing

  5. Work with your solicitor remotely from Dubai

  6. Complete the purchase and get the keys

  7. Tenant the property and start earning


👉 Or use our ROI calculator to assess property deals



Can You Help Me Do All This?

Yes. We work with British expats in the UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and beyond — and we handle the entire process for you.


From finding high-ROI investment deals, negotiating offers, arranging solicitors, working with brokers, and even finding your tenant — we do the heavy lifting.

✅ Fully hands-off

✅ Profitable UK investment

✅ No need to fly home or chase agents


💬 Got questions? Reach out to at info@expatpropertyinvestments.com

📅 Or book a free 15-minute call to explore what’s possible for your budget and goals.



Final Thoughts

So — can you buy UK property from Dubai?


Absolutely. In fact, you probably should if you want to build an income stream and keep one foot firmly planted back home.


The key is working with the right team who knows what it’s like to buy from abroad, navigate expat mortgages, and help you avoid the common (and expensive) mistakes.


Whether you’re earning AED, CHF or SGD — your next property investment can still be in pounds.


We’re here to help make that happen.


 
 
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