Buying in Sharjah, question by question

Yes. UAE and GCC nationals can own freehold. Since Sharjah Law No. 2 of 2022, other nationalities can also own property in approved development projects and zones, and long-term usufruct rights of up to 100 years remain available elsewhere. The exact right you receive depends on the project, so always confirm the title type in writing with the developer or the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) before you pay.

Budget for the SRERD registration fee, commonly quoted at around 2% of the purchase price, though the rate can vary by nationality and transaction type, plus smaller administrative and title-deed charges. Resale purchases usually carry an agency commission of about 2% plus VAT; Moskovia charges buyers no commission on off-plan projects. If you use a mortgage, add bank arrangement fees, valuation and mortgage registration. Ask us for a written cost breakdown before you commit.

You reserve a unit with a booking amount, sign a sale and purchase agreement, then pay in instalments. Sharjah plans are usually described by their split, for example 30/70 or 40/60: the first number is what you pay during construction, the second is due on handover. Most of the projects we handle start at 10% down, with some offering monthly instalments. Plans differ by project and phase and can change between launches.

Sharjah requires off-plan sales to be registered with SRERD, and the emirate has been rolling out escrow accounts so buyer payments sit in a bank-supervised account tied to the project rather than with the developer directly. Before transferring anything, ask for the project's escrow account details, pay only into that account in the buyer's name, and keep the registered contract. Never pay cash to an individual.

Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify an owner for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, and both ready and off-plan properties can count, with conditions attached to mortgaged purchases. Requirements are set federally and change periodically, so confirm current criteria with the ICP or a licensed visa consultant before buying specifically for a visa.

We currently see indicative net yields of roughly 6–8% across Sharjah's main investment communities, with no tax on rental income for individuals. Actual returns depend on the unit, community, service charges, furnishing, void periods and market conditions — treat any yield figure, including ours, as an estimate rather than a promise.

Usually yes, once you have paid a minimum percentage set by the developer, typically somewhere between 20% and 40%. You will normally need a no-objection certificate from the developer, pay a transfer fee, and register the change with SRERD. The threshold and fees differ by developer and project, so check the resale clause in your sale and purchase agreement before you buy.

Not always. Many developers accept remote bookings with signed documents, a passport copy and a bank transfer, and you can appoint someone under a power of attorney to sign on your behalf. Payments must come through banking channels in the buyer's name. We run viewings and handovers by video for overseas clients in English and Arabic.