UK-Based · UAE Real Estate · Global Investors

Invest in UAE.
From Anywhere
in the World.

" Elevating Your Status, One Dubai Address at a Time "

Retina Properties is a UK-based agency helping investors worldwide access premium off-plan and ready properties in the UAE — through Sobha, Azizi, and DAMAC.

UK Landlord Test Book a Free Consultation
SOBHA
Est. 1976 · 40,000+ Homes Delivered
AZIZI
200+ Projects · Dubai & Beyond
DAMAC
44,000+ Units · Iconic Luxury Living
GLOBAL
UK-Based · Serving Investors Worldwide
Luxury UAE Villa Front View
Luxury UAE Villa Courtyard

Who We Are

UAE Property,
Made Simple for
Global Investors

UK-based, Retina Properties was founded to bridge the gap between international investors and the booming UAE real estate market — making it straightforward to invest in the UAE from anywhere in the world.

We source exclusive off-plan and ready units directly from three of the UAE's most reputable developers — Sobha Realty, Azizi Developments, and DAMAC Properties — and guide clients through every step, from first enquiry to final handover, without ever needing to be on the ground.

UK-Based, Global Reach

Serving investors across the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Trusted Developers

Direct access to Sobha, Azizi, and DAMAC's latest launches.

Remote-Friendly Process

Buy, sign, and invest entirely from your home country.

End-to-End Support

From property selection through DLD registration and handover.

The Landlord’s Ledger

Your UK Let,
Side by Side with Dubai

The same questions you ask of any buy-to-let, answered for both markets. Figures are typical ranges, not promises — every building is different.

 UK buy-to-letDubai
Gross yield Around 4%Typical gross return once purchase prices, rising costs and tax changes are factored in. Up to 8%Studios and one-beds in mid-market communities lead the city on gross rental yield.
Tax on the rent 20 / 40 / 45%, rising to 22 / 42 / 47%Separate property income rates from April 2027. No UAE personal income taxBut a UK resident still declares it to HMRC at their UK band — see below.
Mortgage interest Section 24 restrictionBuy-to-let mortgage interest relieved only as a basic-rate credit, however much you pay. Zero interestDevelopers offer flexible, interest-free payment plans — you pay in instalments with no mortgage and no interest on the property.
Getting possession Section 21 gone from 1 May 2026Periodic tenancies; possession only on Section 8 grounds. Eviction for non-paymentIf rent goes unpaid, the landlord can seek eviction 30 days after formal notice. Annual Ejari-registered contracts.
Collecting rent MonthlyRent in advance capped at one month under the Renters’ Rights Act. 6 to 12 months in advanceRent is commonly paid half-yearly or yearly up front, by post-dated cheques — not month by month. Increases follow the RERA rent index.
Rental guarantee Not availableVoids and arrears are the landlord’s risk. Guaranteed rent availableSelected developer launches come with a rental guarantee, so income is fixed from handover.
Buying costs Stamp duty + 5% surchargeOn every additional residential property. 4% DLD fee — or waivedMany developers waive or cover the Dubai Land Department fee, depending on the project. Otherwise 4%, plus modest registration fees.
Standards to meet EPC C by 1 October 2030Spending cap of £10,000 per property. Hassle-free maintenanceNew-build stock; the building is maintained through the service charge, and your unit by a management partner.

Rental Guarantee

Income from day one

Selected launches from our developers carry a guaranteed rental return, so you know your income before you buy — no voids, no chasing.

Hassle-free Maintenance

Nothing to fix yourself

New-build stock, buildings looked after through the service charge, and our management partners handle repairs, tenants and renewals. No 2am phone calls.

Eviction on Non-payment

Clear, fast recourse

If a tenant stops paying, Dubai law lets the landlord seek eviction 30 days after formal notice — with rent typically collected 6 to 12 months in advance by post-dated cheques.

What does not change: HMRC.

Dubai is tax-free for people who live there. If you are UK resident, your Dubai rent is taxed in the UK on your Self Assessment, at your band, like any other rent — and a UAE company run from the UK does not change that. We say this first because the agents who don’t are the reason UK landlords get tax bills they weren’t expecting. Buy it honestly, own it in your own or joint names, and the rest is simple.

General information only, not tax or legal advice. UK rules shown are for England; Scotland and Wales differ on tenancy law. Speak to a UK chartered tax adviser about your own position.

UK Landlords: Full Guide Take the 3-Minute Landlord Test

Premium Developers

Partnered With
UAE's Finest

We work exclusively with three of the UAE's most reputable developers, giving global investors direct access to the finest off-plan launches and ready properties — with no need to travel to Dubai.

SOBHA.

Sobha Realty

India's global luxury developer, renowned for backward-integrated construction quality and pristine master-planned communities like Sobha Hartland in MBR City.

Hartland II One Park Avenue Sobha Seahaven
AZIZI.

Azizi Developments

One of Dubai's fastest-growing private developers, delivering affordable luxury across Palm Jumeirah, Al Furjan, and the upcoming Azizi Venice on Dubai South.

Venice Riviera Palm Jumeirah
DAMAC.

DAMAC Properties

A global luxury developer crafting iconic residences in collaboration with the world's top luxury brands — Cavalli, Versace, Paramount — across Dubai and beyond.

DAMAC Hills Cavalli Tower Lagoons

Property Search

Curated shortlists tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and investment goals — saving you weeks of research.

Investment Advisory

Data-driven ROI analysis, rental yield projections, and capital appreciation insights for every listing.

End-to-End Support

From SPA signing through DLD registration, mortgage facilitation, and post-handover management.

Residency Through Investment

Your Property.
Your UAE Visa.

Buying property in the UAE can unlock long-term residency rights. We guide you through the visa pathway that best suits your investment and lifestyle goals — from the globally recognised Golden Visa to retirement and investor options.

Golden Visa

10-Year Residency

The UAE Golden Visa grants a renewable 10-year residency to property investors who purchase real estate worth AED 2 million or more. It extends to your spouse and dependants.

  • 10-year renewable UAE residency
  • Sponsor spouse & children
  • No sponsor or employer required
  • Property value: AED 2M minimum
  • Off-plan & ready properties qualify

Investor Visa

3-Year Residency

The UAE Property Investor Visa is available to those who own real estate valued at AED 750,000 or more. An accessible entry point for international property investors seeking UAE residency.

  • 3-year renewable residency
  • Property value: AED 750K minimum
  • Sponsor immediate family members
  • Available for jointly owned property
  • Valid for ready properties

Retirement Visa

5-Year Residency

The UAE Retirement Visa is designed for those aged 55 and above who wish to enjoy a premium lifestyle in one of the world's safest and most dynamic countries.

  • 5-year renewable residency
  • Age requirement: 55+
  • Property value: AED 2M minimum, or
  • Savings of AED 1M in UAE bank, or
  • Active monthly income: AED 20K+

Not sure which visa is right for you? Our advisors will map your investment to the best residency pathway.

Talk to a Visa Advisor

Get In Touch

Invest in UAE.
We Handle
the Rest.

Our UK-based advisors are available 7 days a week to answer your questions, walk you through available properties, and guide you through a smooth, fully remote purchase process — wherever you are in the world.

Email retina@retinaproperties.com
Office United Kingdom

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