Dubai Buy Readiness
Should You Buy in Dubai Now, or Wait?
The down payment is rarely the number that catches buyers off guard. It's the DLD fees, agency commission, and service charges layered on top.
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The costs that sit on top of the price
Beyond your down payment, Dubai buyers carry costs first-time buyers routinely underestimate: the 4% DLD transfer fee (nominally split with the seller, but market practice typically has the buyer covering it in full), a DLD registration fee of AED 4,000 plus 5% VAT for properties over AED 500,000, a title deed issuance fee (around AED 580 for an apartment), agency commission if you're buying through a broker (commonly around 2%), and — if financed — a 0.25% mortgage registration fee. None of these are deducted from the loan; budget them separately upfront.
LTV limits vary more than most buyers expect
As of 2026, resident expats buying their first ready property under AED 5 million can typically finance up to 80% (a 20% down payment), dropping to around 70% above AED 5 million. Non-resident buyers of ready property under AED 5 million typically see 50-60% LTV, and off-plan purchases across the board are generally capped at 50% LTV regardless of residency — a materially larger cash requirement than buying ready. A second property for any buyer typically caps around 60% LTV. Confirm current limits with your specific bank, since individual lenders can apply lower caps based on their own risk appetite.
Get a straight answer, not a sales pitch
Tell Fia your budget, residency status, and whether you're considering off-plan or ready — get a readiness read that accounts for the real costs on top of the down payment.
Check My Buy Readiness →What your budget actually gets you, by trade-off
A fixed budget in Dubai generally buys a choice between: a smaller, higher-density unit in an established, walkable community like Downtown or Marina; more space for the money further out in JVC or Dubai Hills Estate; or an off-plan unit on a developer payment plan that stretches your cash further today but caps your financing at 50% LTV and defers any rental income until handover. If AED 2 million or more is in reach, it's also worth knowing that threshold now qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa. If you're not ready yet, our rent fairness check makes sure you're not overpaying while you save.
Should You Buy in Dubai Now, or Wait?
Check My Buy Readiness →Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I need to buy property in Dubai?
It depends on residency and property type: resident expats can typically finance up to 80% of a ready property under AED 5 million (20% down payment), while off-plan purchases are generally capped at 50% LTV for all buyers, requiring a much larger upfront cash commitment.
What are the total fees on top of the property price in Dubai?
Budget for the 4% DLD transfer fee (typically buyer-paid in practice), a DLD registration fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT, a title deed issuance fee, agency commission if buying through a broker, and a 0.25% mortgage registration fee if financed.
Does buying in Dubai qualify me for a Golden Visa?
Yes, if the purchase price is AED 2 million or more per the title deed — and as of February 2026, mortgaged properties qualify too with a bank NOC, without the previously required minimum equity.
Is off-plan or ready property easier to finance in Dubai?
Ready property — off-plan purchases are generally capped at 50% LTV for all buyers regardless of residency, while ready property allows resident expats up to 80% financing on their first purchase under AED 5 million.