Buying a home in Dubai: plan the full cost
Start with the monthly repayment, then allow for the deposit, registration charges and the ongoing cost of the property.
Open the mortgage calculator · Estimate affordability
A worked Dubai purchase example
For a property priced at AED 2,000,000, a 20% deposit leaves a loan of AED 1,600,000. At an illustrative constant 4.5% annual interest rate over 25 years, the monthly repayment is about AED 8,893. This is an example, not an available bank offer.
| Budget item | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Deposit at 20% | AED 400,000 |
| Property transfer registration at 4% | AED 80,000 |
| Mortgage registration at 0.25% of loan | AED 4,000 |
| Subtotal before other fees | AED 484,000 |
Confirm who pays the transfer fee under your sale agreement. Trustee, administrative, valuation, bank, agency and insurance charges can be additional. Get itemised written quotes rather than treating this subtotal as your final cash requirement.
Match the property to the financing
For an apartment in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, request current service charges and check whether parking and any building-specific costs are included. For a villa in communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle, check title details and maintenance responsibilities. The neighbourhood alone does not confirm that a particular property is acceptable to your lender.
Before paying a deposit
- Check the seller, title, property details and any outstanding mortgage through the relevant DLD process.
- Ask the lender about valuation, approved developments and any restrictions for your residency status.
- Compare the rate after the fixed period, early settlement terms and total fees.
- Confirm your reservation and sale agreement conditions if finance is declined or valuation is lower than the price.
How much deposit will I need?
For eligible first-home owner occupiers, the CBUAE framework sets maximum financing limits that vary by nationality and value. These are ceilings, not guaranteed offers. Investment and off-plan purchases use different limits, and lenders may require more cash. A non-resident should obtain a specific written assessment.
Sources checked 24 October 2026: CBUAE mortgage regulations and Dubai Land Department registration fee schedule. For property services, use Dubai Land Department.
Also planning elsewhere? Read our Abu Dhabi buying guide.
