Buy · Offices
Offices for sale in Dubai
Offices for sale in Dubai are mostly strata units in commercial towers, along with some full floors. They are concentrated in business districts. Before buying, settle three things: whether the building is mainland or free zone, which affects who can licence a business there; whether the unit is fitted or shell-and-core; and the building's service charges. Commercial property is also taxed differently from residential.
Filter properties1 listing
Listings
Nearby options
- Where
- Business districts such as Business Bay, JLT and Barsha Heights
- Jurisdiction
- Mainland or free zone — affects licensing
- Condition
- Shell-and-core or fitted
- Tax
- Commercial property can be subject to VAT — take tax advice
- Buyers
- Owner-occupiers and investors
Where offices are concentrated
Business Bay has a large stock of strata office towers alongside residential buildings. Jumeirah Lake Towers is a free-zone business district with many office towers. Barsha Heights offers offices off Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai South have their own authorities and business parks.
DIFC has its own legal framework and property rules. Get specialist advice for anything there.
Mainland or free zone
This is the first question for an owner-occupier. A company licensed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism normally needs mainland premises. A free-zone company normally needs premises in its own free zone. Buying in the wrong jurisdiction can mean you cannot use the office for your own licence.
For an investor, jurisdiction defines who your future tenants can be. Confirm the rules with the relevant licensing authority before you commit. Our guide to buying an office in Dubai goes into more detail.
What to check in the unit and building
- Fit-out status. Shell-and-core units need a full fit-out, with landlord and authority approvals. Fitted units cost more but can be used or let sooner.
- Service charges. Check the Mollak figure. Office towers with heavy common-area cooling and security can carry high charges.
- Cooling. Find out whether chilled water is billed separately and on what basis.
- Parking and access. Look at visitor parking, allocated bays and after-hours access.
- Occupancy in the building. A largely vacant tower can mean weaker demand from tenants.
Costs and tax
The 4% DLD transfer fee applies, plus admin fees. Commercial property is treated differently from residential for VAT, and bank lending on offices is usually more conservative. Take tax and financing advice before making an offer. Budget for fit-out, service charges and periods when the office sits empty between tenants.
Who buys offices and how it works
Owner-occupiers buy to fix their premises cost and control their space. Investors buy to let to businesses on commercial leases, which are registered through commercial Ejari. The transfer process mirrors residential: MOU, developer or owners' association NOC, then transfer at a trustee office.
If you would rather lease first, see offices for rent.
Questions people ask
Can a foreigner buy an office in Dubai?
Yes, in designated freehold areas and in free zones that allow strata ownership. Using the office for your own business still depends on licensing rules in that jurisdiction.
Can I use an office I buy in a free zone for a mainland company?
Generally not without specific arrangements, because licensing authorities require premises in their own jurisdiction. Confirm with the licensing authority before you buy.
Is VAT charged on buying an office in Dubai?
Commercial property is treated differently from residential for VAT. Ask a UAE tax adviser how it applies to your purchase and to any rent you collect.
What is a shell-and-core office?
It is a unit handed over without internal walls, ceilings, flooring or final services. The owner or tenant must fit it out, which takes time and needs approvals from building management and the authorities.
Talk to someone who will give you a straight answer
Tell us what you are trying to do. We reply on WhatsApp, usually the same day, and we will tell you if something is not right for you.
Enquire
Tell us what you are looking for
Two minutes is enough. A consultant will reply on WhatsApp or by phone. We only use your details to answer this enquiry.
- No obligation, no pressure
- Straight answers, including when the answer is “not this one”
- Your details are never sold or shared for marketing