How much down payment do I need to buy property in Dubai as an expat?

As an expat (UAE resident), you need a minimum 25% down payment on properties priced under AED 5M, and 35% on properties priced at AED 5M or more. For example, on a AED 2M apartment, the minimum down payment is AED 500,000 (25%). These rules are set by the UAE Central Bank.

What is the minimum down payment for UAE nationals?

UAE nationals (Emirati citizens) can purchase with a minimum 20% down payment on properties under AED 5M (80% LTV). On properties above AED 5M, the minimum down payment is 30% (70% LTV). UAE nationals also qualify for preferential mortgage rates from some banks.

How much down payment do non-residents need to buy property in the UAE?

Non-residents (overseas buyers) need a minimum 35% down payment, regardless of property value, as UAE banks cap mortgage LTV at 65% for non-residents. Some banks may require 40–50% for higher-value properties or certain nationalities. Non-residents also typically face more restrictive income documentation requirements.

Can I use a personal loan for the down payment on a UAE property?

No. UAE banks require that the down payment comes from your own savings — personal loans or borrowed funds cannot be used as a down payment source. Banks will check your bank statements for 3–6 months to verify the source of funds. Using a personal loan for the down payment will result in the mortgage application being declined.

Does the DLD fee count as part of my down payment?

No. The DLD transfer fee (4%), mortgage registration fee (0.25% of loan), and other buying costs are in addition to the minimum down payment. Your total upfront cash requirement is the down payment (minimum 25%) plus buying costs (typically 6–7% of property price), totalling approximately 31–32% for an expat buying an AED 2M property.

UAE Down Payment Calculator 2026 | Expat LTV

UAE Property Down Payment Calculator

How much cash do you need upfront to buy property in the UAE? The answer depends on your residency status, property value, and whether you are buying off-plan or a ready unit. Mortigo's free down payment calculator applies the latest UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) LTV rules to give you an instant, accurate answer.

CBUAE LTV Rules — Minimum Down Payments in the UAE

Buyer Type	Property Value	Min Down Payment	Max Mortgage (LTV)
UAE National	Under AED 5M	20%	80%
UAE National	AED 5M+	30%	70%
Expat Resident	Under AED 5M	25%	75%
Expat Resident	AED 5M+	35%	65%
Non-Resident	Any value	35%	65%

Total Cash Required to Buy — Beyond the Down Payment

The down payment is only part of your upfront cash requirement. You also need to cover:

DLD transfer fee — 4% of property price
Mortgage registration fee — 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290
Agent commission — typically 2% of price
Property valuation fee — AED 2,500–3,500
Title deed issuance — AED 520
Mortgage arrangement / processing fee — 0.5–1% of loan amount

For an expat buying a AED 2M property, total upfront cash required is typically AED 700,000–720,000 (25% down = AED 500K, plus ~AED 180–220K in fees).

Off-Plan Mortgages — Different LTV Rules

For off-plan properties (under construction), UAE Central Bank rules cap the maximum LTV at 50% for all buyer types — meaning a minimum 50% down payment is required. This applies whether you are a UAE national, expat resident, or non-resident. Some developers offer payment plans (e.g. 30/70 or 50/50) that spread construction-stage payments, reducing your immediate cash requirement. Use the Off-Plan Payment Plan Calculator to model your developer payment schedule.

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UAE Down Payment Calculator

Calculate your minimum down payment and total cash required based on CBUAE LTV rules.

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