Buying property in Dubai is a big investment, and many buyers ask: Can I buy a house in Dubai with zero down payment? The simple answer is: very rarely and only under special conditions.
This guide provides a factual breakdown: what’s legally allowed, financially viable and practically achievable when it comes to zero down payment property in Dubai.
- Understanding Property Down Payments in the UAE
- Standard Down Payment Requirements
- Process to Buy Property in Dubai With Zero Down Payment
- Zero Down Payment Through Developer Offers
- Bank Financing and Low Down Payment Mortgages
- Eligibility Criteria for Zero Down Payment Offers
- Alternatives to Zero Down Payment
- FAQs
Understanding Property Down Payments in the UAE
A down payment is the first part of the property price that buyers must pay upfront. In the UAE, it is mandatory for almost every real estate transaction. According to UAE Central Bank regulations, the minimum down payment requirements are:
- 20% for expats buying a property under AED 5 million
- 30% for expats for properties over AED 5 million
- 15% for UAE nationals (if under AED 5 million)
These rules apply to both ready properties and off-plan homes financed by banks. Importantly, this amount is required before any additional fees, taxes or service charges are factored in.
Standard Down Payment Requirements
When you buy a property with a mortgage, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Expense Type | Paid By | Approximate Cost |
| Down Payment (expats) | Buyer | 20% to 30% of the property price |
| DLD Transfer Fee | Buyer | 4% of the property price |
| Agent Commission | Buyer | 2% of the property price + VAT |
| Mortgage Registration Fee | Buyer | 0.25% of the loan amount |
| Valuation Fee | Buyer | AED 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Mortgage Processing Fee | Buyer | 0.5%–1% of the loan amount |
So, for a property worth AED 1 million, your upfront costs will likely exceed AED 250,000.
Process to Buy Property in Dubai With Zero Down Payment
There is no legal framework or mortgage product in the UAE that allows you to purchase a resale (secondary market) property with zero down payment through a bank. However, some alternative options may apply in specific scenarios:
- Off-plan properties with post-handover payment plans
- Rent-to-own schemes
- Cash buyers using third-party funding or joint investment
- Special government employee programmes
If your goal is to buy property with no down payment, your best bet is with off-plan property projects or creative finance setups, not traditional bank mortgages.
Zero Down Payment Through Developer Offers
Some developers promote zero down payment properties in Dubai, particularly for off-plan units. However, this usually means:
- No initial upfront payments, but instalments begin immediately after booking
- The total cost is often higher than other offers
- You may still need to pay DLD fees (4%) upfront
- Some developers include DLD fees in the sale price, inflating the total cost
Only budget developers or new market entrants promote zero down payment schemes and these projects may:
- Be located in outer communities (like Dubai South or Al Furjan)
- Have delayed handovers
- Lack of resale demand
Well-known developers in Dubai like Emaar, Sobha, DAMAC and Nakheel usually require 10%–20% as booking amounts.
Bank Financing and Low Down Payment Mortgages
Banks do not offer zero-down-payment mortgages. Here’s why:
- Central Bank of UAE mandates risk control
- Minimum equity (buyer stake) must be present
Some banks allow low down payment mortgages (e.g. 15%–20%) for:
- UAE nationals
- Developers with bank tie-ups (limited)
- High net worth individuals with large collateral
Using personal loans to cover a down payment is not allowed. Banks assess credit reports and debt-to-income ratios. They may reject your mortgage if you’ve borrowed elsewhere to fund the down payment.
Eligibility Criteria for Zero Down Payment Offers
Only a few people may qualify to buy property in Dubai with zero down payment. These include:
- Government employees with exclusive mortgage deals
- Buyers in developer-specific campaigns
- Rent-to-own applicants with stable income and long-term commitment
- Cash investors using alternative financing (like private equity or joint ventures)
Everyone else needs:
- Minimum monthly income of over AED 15,000
- High credit score
- At least six months of employment history
Alternatives to Zero Down Payment
If you can’t pay 20% upfront, here are safer options:
1. Rent-to-Own
- Live in the rental property while part of your rent goes toward ownership
- Examples: Dubai Silicon Oasis, JVC units from specific developers
- Down payment: Often 5%–10%
2. Post-Handover Payment Plans
- Pay a small initial deposit, around 10%, with the remaining balance spread over 3 to 5 years after the property handover
- Popular developers offering these flexible plans include Danube, Samana, and Binghatti
3. Joint Ownership
- Partner with a friend/family
- Share down payment, fees and title deed
4. Government Schemes (UAE Nationals only)
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Scheme
- Abu Dhabi Housing Authority – 100% finance on select villas
FAQs
Not with traditional bank financing or for ready properties. It’s only possible in select off-plan projects with post-handover payment structures.
Yes, you can, but only through certain developers offering special schemes or if you qualify for a government programme. Most buyers, especially expats, are still required to pay at least 10%–20% upfront.
Look for post-handover payment plans, rent-to-own offers, or partner with another investor to share the costs. Standard mortgages always require a down payment, as per UAE Central Bank regulations.
The idea of buying property with zero down payment in Dubai is rare and limited to very specific cases. Still, you do have options. Rent-to-own, post-handover plans or joint investments can reduce your upfront burden.
For popular areas to buy a property in Dubai or other Emirates, keep visiting the Property Finder Blog.
