Understanding Joint Property Ownership in Dubai: A 2025 Guide

Did you know that property prices in Dubai have risen by 75% since 2021? Now, the average price is AED 1,750 per square foot! With prices increasing so fast, many people are looking into joint ownership as a smart way to buy property without spending too much money. You can team up with a business partner, share a home with family, or pool funds with friends. Joint property ownership offers a practical solution for entering Dubai’s competitive market.

But while the idea of shared ownership sounds appealing, it comes with its own set of legal considerations. What if one person wants to sell? Who will take care of the property? What rights and responsibilities do co-owners have? Dubai's Law No. (6) of 2019 helps clear up these questions and makes managing shared properties easier.

Understanding joint ownership is very important to make the best choices. Knowing how to register your shared property, what to do if there’s a disagreement, and other details can protect your investment. Whether you’re buying your first home or expanding your real estate investments, knowing the laws about joint ownership in Dubai can help you have a successful experience.

Thinking about buying property with someone else? Let’s break down everything you need to know to make your investment journey in Dubai smooth and secure!

What is Joint Ownership of Property?

Owning a property in Dubai is a dream for many people, but the rising prices can make it feel out of reach. What if you could share the cost with others? Imagine being able to invest together and still enjoy all the benefits of owning your own place!

Joint ownership is a great way to make your property dreams come true. It means that you and your partner - whether they are family, friends, or business partners - can buy a property together. This way, you can split the financial responsibilities, making it much more manageable, especially in a market like Dubai.

There are two main types of joint ownership:

• 1. Joint Tenancy: Here, all co-owners have equal shares of the property. This kind of ownership is limited to four people. If one owner passes away, their share is automatically divided among the remaining owners.
• 2. Tenancy in Common: This arrangement allows co-owners to have different shares of the property. If one owner passes away, their share is transferred according to their will, not just given to the other co-owners.

The choice between these two types of ownership depends on what works best for you and your partners. Plus, there have been some recent changes in the laws concerning joint property ownership in Dubai that we are going to discuss below.

Jointly Owned Property Laws in Dubai

Did you know that Dubai has a specific law governing jointly owned real estate? If you want to purchase a jointly owned property, understanding this law can help you avoid potential legal complications in the future.

Dubai updated its real estate laws to simplify the process of joint ownership. The new Law No. (6) of 2019 replaces the Law No. (27) of 2007, introducing a more organized framework for managing jointly owned properties. This update aims to clarify procedures for both buyers and property developers. Here’s what you need to know about the changes in the new law:

Feature	Old Law (27 of 2007)	New Law (6 of 2019)
Who Manages Joint Properties?	Owners Association	RERA-approved Management Company + Owners Committee
Key Governing Documents	Jointly Owned Property Declaration	Bylaws, Building Management System
Who Approves Service Charges?	Set by developers	Must be approved by RERA(Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
Developer Responsibilities	No clear liability for defects	Developers must fix defects for 10 years
Where Are Disputes Resolved?	Various courts	Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC)

Key Provisions of Law No. (6) of 2019

Law No. (6) of 2019 handles the jointly owned property in Dubai, specifying the fundamental guidelines to govern the rights and responsibilities of co-owners. Here are some of the key provisions:

1. Scope of Application (Article 3)

The law is applicable to all Master Projects and Jointly Owned Real Property in Dubai, including those situated in Special Development Zones and Free Zones.

2. Jointly Owned Real Property Register (Article 4)

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) keeps a special register recording:

• - Land plots for jointly owned properties.
• - Units sold to individual owners.
• - Details of Owners Committees, Building Management Regulations, and Management Entities.
• - Contracts for the management of jointly owned properties.

3. Ownership Rules & Title Deeds (Articles 5-6)

Ownership rules follow the provisions of Law No. (7) of 2006 regarding Real Property Registration. Title deeds for jointly owned properties must include:

• - Master Plans
• - Community Declarations
• - Building Management Regulations

4. Classification of Jointly Owned Properties (Article 18)

Jointly Owned Properties are divided into three categories:

• 1. Major Projects- The developer manages these with an Owners Committee that oversees the operations.
• 2. Hotel Projects- These are managed by a hotel project management company, with limited involvement from an owners' committee.
• 3. Other Real Estate Projects- These are managed by a property management company approved by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).

5. Rights & Responsibilities of Owners (Articles 11-16)

• - Owners hold a share of the common areas that is proportional to the size of their units.
• - They have the right to sell, mortgage, or lease their units, but they must stick to community regulations.
• - Pre-emption rights allow co-owners the opportunity to purchase another co-owner’s share before it is offered for sale to a third party.

6. Service Charges & Usage Fees (Articles 25-31)

• - Owners are required to pay service charges for maintenance and operations.
• - Usage charges apply to common facilities managed by the Master Developer.
• - Fees must be approved by RERA and deposited into a separate bank account.

7. Dispute Resolution & Compliance (Articles 42-46)

• - The Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC) addresses conflicts related to jointly owned properties.
• - Developers, management entities, and owners must adhere to the law within six months of its enactment.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance (Article 44)

• - Violations may result in fines of up to AED 2,000,000 for developers or property managers.
• - If violations are repeated within one year, the fines will be doubled.

Why Understanding This Law is a Must?

Understanding the joint ownership law in Dubai is important for anyone looking to buy property. You will learn to:

• 1. Avoid Hidden Costs: Knowing the ins and outs of Law No. (6) of 2019 can help you dodge unexpected fees and service charges.
• 2. Know Your Rights: If your co-owner decides to sell, it’s important to understand your rights and options.
• 3. Manage Ownership Together: Get a clear idea of how joint ownership works to make sure your partnership runs smoothly.
• 4. Resolve Conflicts Easily: Familiarity with the law can help you settle disputes without the need for costly legal battles.
• 5. Stay Financially Secure: Learn about your legal options if a co-owner struggles to meet their financial commitments.

How to Get Registered for Jointly Owned Property in Dubai?

Now, if you're wondering how to register a jointly owned property, you're in the right place! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process with ease and clarity. Let's get started!

Step 1: Understand Your Ownership Structure

First, decide what type of joint ownership works best for you and your partner. You can choose from two key options, so it’s important to think about your goals and how you plan to manage the property together.

Step 2: Choose the Right Property

There are many fantastic properties available for joint investment in Dubai. If you’re not a UAE citizen, make sure to familiarize yourself with Dubai’s inheritance laws to safeguard your investment.

Step 3: Draft a Joint Ownership Agreement

Create an agreement that clearly outlines important details. Include ownership percentages, responsibilities, and how you will resolve any disputes that may arise in the future. This will help prevent misunderstandings later on.

Step 4: Gather All Necessary Documents

Make sure you have all the required documents ready. This includes your identification, property details, and the joint ownership agreement you drafted. Having everything prepared will make the process smoother.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to the Dubai Land Department

Head to the Dubai Land Department and submit your documents. Be aware of any fees you may need to pay and ask about the expected timeline for processing your application. It’s always good to be prepared!

Step 6: Obtain Your Title Deed

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the title deed. This document proves your ownership rights and outlines what you can do with the property. Following these steps will help you to register a jointly owned property in Dubai with ease.

Wrapping Up!

So, if you’re interested in investing in joint property ownership in Dubai, it’s important to keep up with the latest legal updates and consult a professional to protect your interests. With property prices in Dubai increasing a lot over the past few years, this is a good time to explore your options. Contact us for expert advice and make smart choices about your investment!