Meraas (part of Dubai Holding) builds lifestyle-led master communities across prime Dubai locations—think City Walk’s Central Park, Bluewaters, Port de La Mer, Jumeirah Bay’s Bvlgari Residences, and more. Expect design-forward architecture, walkable urban planning, retail and leisure at your doorstep, and strong long-term appeal. Buyers in 2025 should budget for the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4%, registration/trustee admin, and ongoing RERA-regulated service charges. Dubai HoldingMeraas+3Meraas+3Meraas+3
What Is Meraas (in 2025)?
Meraas is a Dubai-based master developer known for placemaking—integrating homes with retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Meraas became part of Dubai Holding, aligning development and operations under one umbrella for integrated growth. Dubai Holding
Hallmarks of a Meraas Community
- Iconic, design-led architecture and finishes
- Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with curated F&B and retail
- Flagship hospitality/landmarks that anchor value (e.g., Ain Dubai at Bluewaters; Bulgari on Jumeirah Bay) Meraas+1bluewatersdubai.ae
Spotlight on Key Meraas Communities (Buyer Snapshot 2025)
1) Central Park at City Walk
Urban resort vibes with a huge private park, mid-rise buildings, skyline views, and quick access to Downtown. Product mix includes 1–4 BR apartments and penthouses. Ideal for end-users seeking green space + city convenience. Meraas
Why consider: Central location, lush landscaping, lifestyle amenities, retail/dining at City Walk.
2) Bluewaters Island & Bluewaters Residences
A destination island connected to JBR, known for Ain Dubai, waterfront promenades, and upscale residential blocks (1–4/5 BR). Think sea views, leisure, and branded hospitality on your doorstep. Meraasbluewatersdubai.ae
Why consider: Trophy location, waterfront living, strong holiday-let demand fundamentals.
3) Port de La Mer
Mediterranean-inspired, low-rise, marina-front living near Jumeirah with a mix of 1–3+ BR residences across sub-communities like La Côte and La Sirène. Boutique coastal lifestyle minutes from the city core. Meraas
Why consider: Beach/marina setting, timeless aesthetic, limited supply of comparable low-rise waterfront stock.
4) Jumeirah Bay (Bvlgari Resort & Residences)
Ultra-prime island address with Bvlgari branded residences (apartments, penthouses, and mansions) adjoining the Bvlgari Resort & Marina—synonymous with exclusivity and long-term scarcity. MeraasBulgari Hotels
Why consider: Brand equity, island privacy, yacht marina lifestyle, global UHNWI appeal.
Costs & Fees When Buying a Meraas Property (2025)
| Cost Component | Typical Benchmark / Notes |
|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of purchase price (paid at transfer). homeland.ae |
| Trustee/Registration Admin | Fixed admin + trustee office fee bands apply at transfer (varies by ready vs off-plan and price). homeland.aeGrovy |
| Service Charges (Ongoing) | RERA-regulated; indexed and viewable via the official Service Charge Index tool (varies widely by community/spec). Dubai Land Department |
| Maintenance/Community Charges (Guide) | Market guides often cite broad ranges per sq ft depending on asset type and amenity level; always verify the official RERA index for the exact building/community before purchase. DrivenPropertiesDubai Land Department |
| Mortgage/Valuation | If financing, expect bank valuation and application fees as per lender schedule. (Check with your UAE lender.) |
Pro tip: Use DLD’s official portals and the RERA Service Charge Index to confirm the exact community/building fee before you sign an SPA or MOU. Dubai Land Department
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Meraas Property in 2025
- Define your brief
Budget, cash vs mortgage, occupancy vs investment, desired yield/IRR, and lifestyle (city-park vs beachfront vs island). - Shortlist communities
Compare City Walk – Central Park, Bluewaters, Port de La Mer, Jumeirah Bay/Bvlgari against your needs (schools, commute, beach access, retail, privacy). Meraas+3Meraas+3Meraas+3 - Verify fees early
Pull the RERA Service Charge Index listing for the building/community; model your net yield or carrying cost sensitivity. Dubai Land Department - Due diligence
- For ready units: check title, NOC, snag list, service charge statements.
- For off-plan: confirm developer escrow details, payment plan milestones, handover timeline, and any options to transfer registration fees if switching units with the same developer (per DLD service). Dubai Land Department
- Agree terms & sign
- Off-plan: Sign the SPA with milestone schedule.
- Ready: Sign Form F (MOU), place deposit with the trustee office, and book transfer.
- Transfer & registration
Pay the 4% DLD fee + admin/trustee charges; obtain the Title Deed (ready) or off-plan registration. homeland.ae - Move-in / Lease-out
Arrange DEWA, cooling, move-in permits, snag rectification; if investing, structure your letting strategy (annual vs holiday homes where permitted).
Off-Plan vs Ready: Which Fits You?
Off-Plan (Meraas)
- Pros: Staggered payments, first pick of layouts/views, potential capital appreciation by handover.
- Watch-outs: Delivery timelines; confirm escrow/payment milestones and contractual flexibility (e.g., unit swaps within the developer’s portfolio per DLD policy). Dubai Land Department
Ready (Meraas)
- Pros: Immediate use/income, known service charge, tangible view/finish.
- Watch-outs: Premium pricing in trophy locations; ensure comprehensive snag/NOC, and verify outstanding service-charge dues.
Community-by-Community Buyer Tips
Central Park, City Walk
- Who it suits: End-users and families wanting park living with downtown access.
- Check: Park-facing stacks vs city-facing; proximity to retail; traffic egress at peak hours. Meraas
Bluewaters
- Who it suits: Lifestyle buyers and investors eyeing short-stay potential (subject to community rules and licensing).
- Check: Tower orientation for sea/Marina skyline views, visitor parking, bridge access patterns. Meraasbluewatersdubai.ae
Port de La Mer
- Who it suits: Buyers wanting marina promenades, low-rise coastal architecture, and a calmer Jumeirah feel.
- Check: Marina frontage vs inner blocks, beach access routes, retail cluster proximity. Meraas
Jumeirah Bay (Bvlgari)
- Who it suits: Ultra-prime seekers prioritizing privacy, brand cachet, yacht berths.
- Check: Berth availability, penthouse/sky-villa specs, resale transaction history. MeraasBulgari Hotels
Financing & Holding Strategy
- Mortgages: UAE residents and non-residents can access mortgages with varying LTVs; banks may lend differently for off-plan vs ready and for non-residents.
- Leasing: Annual rentals are the norm; holiday-home licensing is area/building specific—confirm permissions first.
- Exit strategy: Trophy stock (Bluewaters, Jumeirah Bay, branded residences) often shows resilience; park-centric city product (Central Park) appeals to end-users, aiding liquidity. Meraas+1
Common Buyer Questions (2025)
1) Are Meraas properties freehold for foreigners?
Yes—within Dubai’s designated freehold zones, foreign nationals can buy and hold property. (Confirm the specific plot/community status at time of purchase.)
2) What are the mandatory government fees?
Expect the DLD transfer fee of 4%, plus registration/trustee admin at transfer. Verify current rates before you commit, as admin fee bands and trustee office charges can vary. homeland.aeGrovy
3) How do I check service charges?
Use the official RERA Service Charge Index to view approved fees for your exact building/community. Dubai Land Department
4) Is there flexibility if I need to switch units before transfer?
DLD provides a service for transferring registration fees from one unit to another within the same developer project—subject to agreement and eligibility. Dubai Land Department
5) What makes Meraas different from other developers?
Placemaking: mixed-use, walkable destinations that blend homes with curated retail, entertainment, and hospitality (e.g., Bluewaters, City Walk, Bvlgari). Meraas+2Meraas+2