How Much Does It Really Cost to Buy Your First Home in Dubai in 2026?
The real estate sector in Dubai is still attractive for first-time buyers, but entering the sector is no longer based solely on property prices. Recent research reveals that first-time buyers in Dubai require at least AED 300,000 in initial cash capital and a monthly income of around AED 30,000 to 40,000 to confidently start the buying process. Applicants tend to concentrate only on the property price at the start of the process. However, towards the end of the process, they are faced with other costs, bank charges, and cash flow issues that sometimes result in halting the process altogether. 20% Down Payment on Property in Dubai For foreign buyers who plan to acquire a property that is worth less than AED 5 million, the bank will require a down payment of at least 20%. Real example: Apartment price: AED 1.5 million 20% down payment: AED 300,000 However, this does not mark the end of the initial expenses. Additional Expenses for Buying Property in Dubai Apart from the down payment, the following expenses are to be paid in cash: 4% property transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) 0.25% mortgage registration fee Property valuation fee Trustee Office fee Bank administrative
