How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy Property in the UAE?

One of the first questions buyers ask is simple: how much down payment do I need to buy property in the UAE?

The answer depends on your residency status, nationality, property value, whether you are a first-time buyer, and whether you are buying as an owner-occupier, investor, or non-resident.

This guide explains the key down payment rules and the extra upfront costs buyers should consider.

Down payment for UAE resident buyers

As a general guide, UAE resident first-time buyers purchasing a completed property below AED 5 million may be eligible for up to 80% mortgage.

This means a minimum 20% down payment may be enough, subject to bank approval.

For properties above AED 5 million, UAE resident first-time buyers may be eligible for up to 70% mortgage, meaning a minimum 30% down payment.

Down payment for UAE nationals

UAE nationals may be eligible for higher loan-to-value limits than UAE resident expats.

As a guide, UAE nationals buying their first completed property below AED 5 million may be eligible for up to 85% mortgage, meaning a minimum 15% down payment.

For properties above AED 5 million, UAE nationals may be eligible for up to 75% mortgage, meaning a minimum 25% down payment.

Down payment for non-resident buyers

Non-resident buyers usually need a larger down payment than UAE residents and UAE nationals.

As a guide, non-resident finance is typically around 50–60% of the property value, regardless of purchase price.

This means non-resident buyers may need around 40–50% down payment, plus buying costs.

For a complete overview of UAE mortgage eligibility, read our UAE Mortgage Guide 2026.

What about second homes and investment properties?

If you are buying a second home or investment property, the bank may offer a lower loan-to-value than for a first home.

This means you may need a larger down payment, even if you are a UAE resident or UAE national.

Banks will also assess affordability, including your existing mortgage, loans, credit cards, and rental income if applicable.

What about off-plan properties?

Off-plan finance can work differently from ready property finance.

The available mortgage options depend on the project, developer, construction stage, bank approval, and payment plan.

Some banks may only finance off-plan properties at certain stages or with approved developers, so buyers should check finance availability before committing.

Down payment is not the only upfront cost

Your down payment is only one part of the total cash required.

You should also budget for government fees, bank fees, mortgage registration, valuation, insurance, agency commission, and transfer-related costs.

Dubai purchase fee example

For Dubai purchases, buyers should usually budget for:

• Dubai Land Department fee: 4% of the purchase price + AED 580 admin fee
• Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 admin fee
• Trustee or transfer centre fee: AED 4,200 fixed fee

Abu Dhabi purchase fee example

For Abu Dhabi purchases, buyers should usually budget for:

• Abu Dhabi Municipality land fee: 2% of the purchase price
• Mortgage registration fee: 0.1% of the loan amount + AED 1,000

Other emirates vary on a case-by-case basis.

For a more detailed breakdown of buying costs, read our UAE Mortgage Fees Explained.

Why pre-approval matters

Mortgage pre-approval helps confirm how much you can borrow and how much down payment you are likely to need.

It also helps you understand your full budget before you start viewing properties or making offers.

Without pre-approval, you may assume you can borrow more than the bank is actually willing to lend.

For more detail, read our UAE Mortgage Pre-Approval Guide.

Final thoughts

The down payment needed to buy property in the UAE depends on your profile and the type of purchase.

As a guide, UAE resident first-time buyers may need a minimum 20% down payment for properties below AED 5 million, while UAE nationals may need a minimum 15%. Non-residents usually need more, typically around 40–50% down payment.

The safest approach is to confirm your borrowing power and full upfront cost before making an offer.

Deposit is only one part of the mortgage journey. For a full breakdown of borrowing limits, documents, timelines, and buying costs, read our UAE Mortgage Guide 2026.