First-Time Home Buyer Loans UAE — Your First Step onto the Property Ladder

Buying your first home in Dubai or the UAE can feel overwhelming, but Mortigo makes it straightforward. Our expert advisors and AI-powered platform guide first-time buyers through every step of the mortgage process — from understanding your eligibility to receiving your keys.

UAE First-Time Home Buyers Program 2026

The UAE government has established programmes to help first-time buyers purchase property, including reduced registration fees and DLD support schemes. Mortigo advisors are up to date on all available government-backed initiatives and can help you take advantage of them.

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Eligibility in the UAE

  • UAE nationals: minimum 15% down payment on properties up to AED 5 million
  • Expat residents: minimum 20% down payment on first property purchase
  • Minimum monthly salary: AED 15,000 (salaried) or AED 25,000 (self-employed)
  • UAE residence visa required for expats
  • Debt Burden Ratio must not exceed 50% of monthly income
  • Both conventional and Sharia-compliant Islamic mortgage options available

Step-by-Step: Buying Your First Home in the UAE

  1. Get pre-approved first — Mortigo's AI delivers pre-approval in 48 hours, showing you exactly how much you can borrow before you start property hunting
  2. Find your property — use your pre-approval to negotiate with confidence at developer showrooms or with private sellers
  3. Full application — Mortigo submits simultaneously to multiple banks, maximising your chances of approval
  4. Compare offers — your dedicated advisor presents all offers side-by-side and recommends the best option for your situation
  5. Complete your purchase — we manage all documentation, bank communication, and DLD registration through to key handover

What First-Time Buyers Need to Know About UAE Mortgages

Down Payment

First-time buyers in the UAE must pay a minimum down payment (15% for nationals, 20% for expats on properties under AED 5 million). This is a Central Bank UAE requirement — it cannot be financed.

Additional Costs to Budget For

  • Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee: 4% of property value
  • Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of loan amount
  • Property valuation fee: AED 2,500–3,500
  • Bank processing fee: typically 1% of loan amount
  • Real estate agent commission: typically 2% (buyer pays)

Fixed vs Variable Rate — Which Should a First-Time Buyer Choose?

Most first-time buyers prefer a fixed rate for 1-3 years to have certainty on monthly payments while they settle in. After the fixed period, the rate typically moves to EIBOR-linked variable. Mortigo advisors help you choose the structure that fits your financial situation.

Contact Mortigo — First-Time Buyer Specialists

Phone & WhatsApp: +971 50 729 7196 | Email: info@mortigo.ae

We offer free initial consultations for all first-time buyers. Call or WhatsApp us to get started.