Down Payment Calculator

See the minimum deposit UAE banks will accept for your purchase, and the total cash you need once fees are added.

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    Down payment rules in the UAE

    The UAE Central Bank limits how much of a property's value banks can lend. Whatever they cannot lend, you pay as a down payment. The limit depends on who you are, whether this is your first home, and whether the price is above AED 5 million.

    Buyer and propertyMinimum deposit
    Expat, first home under AED 5M20%
    Expat, first home AED 5M or more35%
    Expat, second home40%
    UAE national, first home under AED 5M20%
    UAE national, first home AED 5M or more30%
    UAE national, second home35%
    Off-plan (most banks)50%

    The fees on top

    The deposit is not the end of it. The 4% DLD fee, registration charges, agency commission and bank fees all need to be paid in cash too. On a ready home bought through an agent with a mortgage, that adds roughly 6% to 7% of the price. This calculator includes the government fees and commission so you see the full cash figure.

    Worked example

    An expat buying a first home for AED 2,500,000 needs a 20% deposit of AED 500,000. Fees add about AED 163,000, so the cash needed is around AED 663,000. At AED 5,000,000 the deposit jumps to 35%, so crossing that line can change your budget a lot more than the extra price suggests.

    Guide The real cost of buying property in Dubai Down payment, DLD fees, agent and bank charges, and the cash you actually need on transfer day.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the minimum down payment in Dubai?

    For expats buying a first home under AED 5 million it is 20%. Above AED 5 million it is 35%, and for a second or investment property it is 40%. UAE nationals need 20%, 30% and 35% respectively.

    Is the down payment different for off-plan?

    Yes. Most banks only lend up to 50% on off-plan property, so you need at least half the price from your own funds or the developer's payment plan.

    Do non-residents need a bigger deposit?

    Usually. Banks that lend to non-residents typically cap the loan at 50% to 60%, so plan for a deposit of 40% to 50%.

    Can I use a personal loan for the down payment?

    No. UAE banks do not allow the down payment to be borrowed, and a personal loan would also count against your 50% debt burden limit.