2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for first-time homebuyers in the UAE. The Dubai real estate market is stabilising after years of rapid growth. Simultaneously, soaring rental costs are pushing many expats, young professionals, and long-term residents to consider ownership rather than continuing to rent.

Dubai has introduced new incentives to make that step easier. In July 2025 the Dubai Land Department launched the First-Time Home Buyer Programme. This initiative offers priority access to new launches, flexible payment plans, and special pricing for eligible buyers purchasing residential properties under AED 5 million. 

If you’re exploring buying property in the UAE in 2025, this guide walks you through the key steps from financing and choosing a property to legal requirements and closing the sale.

Step 1: Define Your Budget & Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

The first step for the mortgage process in the UAE is to establish a clear budget. Knowing how much you can borrow, and how much you must contribute upfront, will shape your entire property search.

Down Payment Rules

• Expats: Minimum down payment of 20–25% of the property price.
• UAE Nationals: Minimum down payment of 15–20%.
• For homes priced above AED 5 million, the down payment requirement is typically higher.

Income & Affordability

Banks assess eligibility based on your income level, debt obligations, and overall financial stability. As a general guideline, your monthly mortgage repayment should not surpass 50% of your monthly income.

Why Pre-Approval Matters

Securing mortgage pre-approval in the UAE gives you the bank’s written confirmation on how much you can borrow. This usually requires:

• Passport, Emirates ID, and residency visa copies
• Salary certificate or proof of income
• Recent payslips or bank statements (last 3–6 months)
• Credit history check

Most banks issue pre-approvals within 3–5 working days, valid for 60–90 days. 

Step 2: Choose Between Off-Plan and Ready Properties

As a first-time buyer in Dubai, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase an off-plan or ready home. Each option has advantages and trade-offs.

Off-Plan Properties

• Pros: Lower entry prices, flexible payment plans, chance to buy in new communities, and some scope for customisation.
• Cons: Waiting period until handover, risk of project delays, and reliance on the developer’s reputation.

Ready Properties

• Pros: Immediate handover, ability to inspect before purchase, and potential rental income right away.
  
• Cons: Higher upfront costs, larger down payment, and less flexibility on layout or finishes.

When weighing off-plan vs ready property investment in the UAE, you should always take the time to consider your budget, timeline, and risk appetite. Off-plan works well if you are a long-term planner, while ready homes suit those looking for immediate use or returns.

Step 3: Research Communities and Property Types

Choosing the right property goes beyond price. For many buyers, especially those exploring UAE real estate for expats, lifestyle and long-term plans matter just as much as the home itself.

• Apartments: Ideal for young professionals and couples. Often located in central areas like Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, with easy access to offices, dining, and entertainment.
• Townhouses: A middle ground for small families who want more space than an apartment but lower maintenance than a villa. Popular in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) or Arabian Ranches.
• Villas: Best suited for larger families or those seeking privacy and outdoor space. Communities such as Dubai Hills Estate, MBR City, and Palm Jumeirah are favoured for their luxury appeal.

When buying property in UAE 2025, also consider practical factors:

• Commute time to work or schools
• Proximity to healthcare and amenities
• Community rules and service charges
• Long-term rental demand if you plan to lease in future

Step 4: Work with a RERA-Registered Real Estate Agent

Partnering with the right property agent in Dubai can make the homebuying process far smoother. All agents must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), ensuring they meet professional and legal standards.

Why It Matters

• Protects you from unlicensed or fraudulent brokers
• Ensures contracts and transactions comply with Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulations
• Provides access to accurate market data and listings

How to Verify Credentials

Ask your agent for their RERA card, which includes their licence number. You can cross-check this through the official DLD or Dubai REST app.

Step 5: Legal Due Diligence and Sales Agreement

Before committing to a purchase, it’s essential to carry out proper checks to protect your investment. For any homebuyer checklist in the UAE, legal due diligence is a non-negotiable step.

Title Deed & Ownership Verification

For ready properties, confirm the seller holds a valid title deed issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). For off-plan purchases, verify that the project is registered with RERA and that payments go into an escrow account.

Developer or Seller Reputation

Review the developer’s track record, especially for off-plan projects. Established developers are less likely to face delays or compliance issues. For secondary market purchases, confirm that the seller has no outstanding mortgages or service charge arrears.

Sales Agreement & Contracts

The key contract is the Form F (Memorandum of Understanding), registered with the DLD. This outlines price, payment terms, and responsibilities of both parties. Always ensure the details match what was agreed verbally or in writing.

Independent Legal Review

Although not mandatory, hiring a lawyer to review documents can provide extra reassurance, particularly for expats unfamiliar with the process of legal property transfer in the UAE.

Step 6: Property Valuation and NOC

A crucial part of the buying process is ensuring the property is accurately valued and cleared for transfer. For first-time buyers, these checks provide confidence that you are paying the right price and that ownership can be legally transferred.

Property Valuation

Banks typically require a property valuation in the UAE before approving a mortgage. An independent surveyor assesses the home’s market value based on location, size, condition, and comparable sales. This protects both the buyer and the lender from inflated prices.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

For secondary market purchases, the seller must obtain an NOC from the developer. This confirms that all service charges and maintenance fees are paid, and that the property has no outstanding liabilities. Without the NOC, the sale cannot be completed.

Step 7: Finalising the Purchase & Registration

Once contracts are signed and financing is in place, the final step is to register the property under your name. This is one of the most important steps to buying a home in Dubai, as it legally confirms you as the new owner.

Dubai Land Department (DLD) Process

• For ready properties, ownership transfer is completed at a DLD trustee office.
• For off-plan homes, the property is registered under your name in the Oqood system until handover.

Registration Costs

Expect to pay a 4% DLD transfer fee, along with administrative and trustee fees. Mortgage buyers also pay a small mortgage registration fee.

Ownership Timeline

The registration process is usually completed within a few days once all documents, payments, and NOCs are in place. Buyers then receive their title deed, which officially confirms ownership.

Understanding these requirements ensures you know exactly how to buy property in the UAE without unexpected surprises at the last stage.

Step 9: Optional Step – Golden Visa Eligibility

For buyers investing at least AED 2 million in Dubai real estate, the purchase may qualify for the UAE Golden Visa. This residency programme grants long-term stay rights, making it especially attractive for those considering an expat property purchase in the UAE.

Key Benefits

• 10-year renewable residency for investors and their immediate family
• Ability to sponsor domestic staff
• No requirement for a local sponsor
• Enhanced security for long-term planning and wealth protection

For many expats, tying property ownership to Golden Visa eligibility makes the decision to buy in Dubai even more compelling. The Golden Visa offers not just a home, but also long-term residency benefits.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a first time home buyer in the UAE may feel daunting, but with the right preparation, it is an achievable and rewarding milestone. 

At Key One Realty Group, we help first time buyers navigate the real estate process with utmost confidence and ease. Whether it’s connecting you with trusted banks, finding the right community, or ensuring your paperwork is in order, our team is here to simplify every step.

Are you ready to take the first step toward owning your Dubai home? Let us guide you through the journey to ownership.