The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in Dubai 

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 will need to calculate your savings, assess your income, and determine how much down payment for a house you can comfortably afford, which typically starts at 10-20 percent of the property value. For a more precise estimate, you can use a down payment calculator to plan your budget effectively. 

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, offering lower initial prices and payment plans. Payment plan properties in dubai 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 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. 

The Emaar payment plan is designed to fit different financial goals. This includes a 80/20 structure, where 80% of the total cost is paid during construction and 20% upon handover. A 10% initial down payment is required, followed by 8 instalments covering the remaining 70% during construction, and a final 20% payment at handover. This phased approach reduces the immediate financial burden, eases cash flow, and makes it easier for first-time buyers to plan their investment. 

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 buy a ready property, you’ll need a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity), UAE residency visa and Emirates ID (if applicable), and proof of income through recent salary slips or bank statements. Proof of income is only required for mortgage financing, while cash purchases may require proof of funds for compliance. 

The process begins by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and paying a 10% deposit to secure the property. After agreeing on terms, you must apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer. Ownership is then transferred at the Dubai Land Department, where you receive your Title Deed. This process typically takes around four weeks, depending on financing approvals and documentation. 

Most first-time buyers use a bank mortgage, which usually requires a mortgage down payment, around 20% for UAE residents and higher for non-residents. Banks will assess your income, credit history, and existing financial commitments before approval. While this route requires a higher upfront investment, it allows you to move in immediately or start earning rental income right away. (Keywords: mortgage down payment, uae mortgage down payment, dubai mortgage down payment) 

Understanding the Upfront Costs: Down Payment and Fees 

Buying your first home in Dubai is exciting, but it also involves important financial decisions. Choosing the right payment path can make the process smoother and more manageable, ensuring you stay within your budget while getting the home you want. Generally, first-time buyers have two main financial routes to consider, each designed to suit different needs and goals. 

Traditional Bank Mortgage Route for Ready Properties: 
If you’re buying a ready property, most first-time buyers go the bank mortgage route. This route typically requires a significant upfront payment, around 20% for UAE residents, and a bit higher for non-residents with the rest covered by your mortgage. Banks will also look at your income, credit history, and any existing financial commitments before approving the loan. While it does require a bigger initial investment, the upside is you can move in right away or start earning rental income immediately, which is perfect if you want your home now and steady returns.  

Developer Payment Plan Route for Off-Plan Properties: 
Off-plan properties offer an alternative financial path through developer payment plans, which spreads the cost of the property over the construction period. You typically pay a small booking fee upfront, followed by staggered instalments tied to construction milestones, with the final payment due upon handover. This approach reduces the immediate financial burden, allows you to plan your cash flow more effectively, and can provide opportunities for long-term capital appreciation, making it particularly attractive if you prefer flexibility and a phased investment approach. 

When buying an off-plan property costs are spread over the construction period. Typically, you pay a small booking fee, followed by instalments tied to construction milestones, with the final payment due upon handover.This way, the financial pressure is much lighter, and you can plan your cash flow more effectively, and can provide opportunities for long-term capital appreciation 

For example, Emaar’s payment plan requires a 10% initial down payment, followed by 8 instalments covering the rest of the property price during construction, and a final 20% payment upon handover. This approach makes it particularly attractive for those who prefer flexibility and a phased investment approach. 

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.