Dubai has rapidly become one of the world’s leading property markets, offering an ideal mix of lifestyle, opportunity, and long-term investment potential.
Whether you’re seeking a contemporary apartment with panoramic views or a spacious villa in a family-friendly community, buying your first home in Dubai is an exciting step.
At Emaar, we are committed to guiding first-time buyers through the property process and helping you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Assess your Financial Readiness
The first step in purchasing a ready property in Dubai is reviewing your financial readiness. You’ll need to calculate your savings, assess your income, and determine how much you can comfortably afford for a down payment. For ready properties, the down payment typically starts at 20% of the property value. However, if you’re considering an off-plan property, the down payment is usually 10%.
Ready vs. Off-Plan Properties
When purchasing a home in Dubai, one of the first decisions you will face is choosing between a ready property and an off-plan property. Ready properties are fully constructed and available for immediate handover, allowing you to move in or start generating rental income right after the transaction is complete. These properties are perfect for buyers seeking a home to occupy immediately or investors looking for steady rental returns.
Off-plan properties, on the other hand, are sold while still under development. These properties offer the advantage of lower initial prices and flexible payment plans, with handover taking place once construction is complete. Off-plan properties are perfect for buyers who want to maximise long-term appreciation and customise their home during the building process.
Buying an Off-Plan Property
Off-plan properties are an excellent option for buyers looking for flexible payment plans, attractive pricing, and the potential for high capital appreciation. When buying off-plan, you can reserve a unit in a new development and make payments in instalments throughout the construction period.
Emaar offers a range of off-plan payment plans designed to fit different financial goals. Popular plans include the 80/20 structure, where 80 percent of the total cost is paid during the construction phase, and the final 20 percent is paid upon handover.
Foreign investors who do not hold UAE residency can purchase off-plan property as well as ready properties in Dubai within designated freehold areas without needing a residency visa or Emirates ID at the time of purchase. However, if you are a UAE resident, you will typically need a valid passport and, if applicable, your residency visa and Emirates ID.
The process of buying an off-plan property in Dubai begins with selecting your unit, paying the booking fee, and signing the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA); the Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee of 4% is typically payable shortly after signing the SPA. Payments are made according to the construction milestones, and once the property is complete, you take possession and receive your Title Deed.
Buying a Ready Property
To proceed with the purchase of a ready property, you must prepare the required documentation, including a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a UAE residency visa and Emirates ID if applicable, and proof of income through recent salary slips or bank statements — though proof of income is only required when financing a ready property with a mortgage, not for cash purchases, for which proof of funds may be requested for compliance.
The purchase process for a ready property begins by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, commonly known as the MOU, and paying a 10 percent deposit to secure the property. Once the terms are agreed upon, you must apply for a No Objection Certificate from the property’s developer.
After the NOC is issued, the ownership transfer is finalised at the Dubai Land Department, where you receive your Title Deed, confirming your official ownership of the home. This process typically takes around four weeks to complete, depending on financing approvals and documentation.
Financing and Costs
Several costs are associated with buying a ready property in Dubai. You will pay a 4 percent transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department, along with an administrative fee of AED 5,000. Real estate agent commissions are generally 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price depending on the project/developer and No Objection Certificate fees vary by developer, typically ranging from AED 500 to AED 5,000.
If purchasing a property using a mortgage, buyers are typically required to pay a 20% down payment upfront, while the remaining 80% is financed through a mortgage loan. Additionally, a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount applies. Buyers should also factor in annual service charges, which are calculated based on the property size and amenities and are usually paid in advance on a prorated basis.
Mortgage Options for Foreign Buyers
Foreign nationals looking to buy property in Dubai can access competitive mortgage options from leading banks. For properties priced under AED 5 million, banks typically offer financing of up to 75 percent of the property value. For properties above AED 5 million, financing generally covers up to 65 percent.
However, mortgage options are generally not available for off-plan properties unless specific conditions are met, such as bank or developer agreements.
Mortgage terms can extend up to 25 years, and the total loan amount cannot exceed seven times your annual income. Lenders also assess your debt-to-income ratio, which must not surpass 50 percent, ensuring that your mortgage payments remain manageable alongside your other financial commitments.
Golden & Residence Visa
Investing in off-plan properties in the UAE can grant investors residency benefits, including the 10-year Golden Visa. Additionally, investors may be eligible for a 2-year Investor Visa upon purchasing property worth AED 750,000 or more. This visa offers residency in the UAE for a 2-year period, renewable as long as the property investment is maintained.
Most Popular Communities
Dubai offers a wide variety of communities designed to match every lifestyle. For those seeking an urban lifestyle, Downtown Dubai provides world-renowned landmarks, fine dining, and premium retail experiences, while Dubai Creek Harbour offers vibrant waterfront living with spectacular skyline views.
For families, Dubai Hills Estate offers expansive green spaces and parks, while Emaar South provides a tranquil golf course setting, aand The Valley presents a nature-inspired living experience. Arabian Ranches III is another popular option, offering a classic suburban lifestyle complemented by modern amenities.
For buyers seeking a beachfront lifestyle, Emaar Beachfront combines private beach access with resort-style living. Rashid Yachts & Marina is ideal for yacht owners seeking an exclusive community with marina access, while The Oasis offers luxury tranquil lagoons and lush landscapes in a serene setting.
Buying your first home in Dubai is not only a significant milestone but also a smart investment in your future. Whether you are looking for a home to live in, a property to generate rental income, or an asset to appreciate over time, Dubai’s real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities, particularly within Emaar’s master-planned communities.
Explore our wide range of ready and off-plan properties and let our team of experts guide you from start to finish. Your dream home is waiting. Begin your journey today with us.