A home starts
with a good plan.

Decide how much cash you can commit while keeping a reserve for everyday life and unexpected costs. Put the deposit, transaction costs, lender fees and moving expenses into the same budget. Then consider ongoing payments, service charges and maintenance.

If borrowing, discuss your income, existing commitments and documents with a mortgage adviser. Ask about the lender’s pre-approval conditions and expiry date. A preliminary indication does not confirm the property or final loan terms.

• Compare a comfortable monthly budget with your estimated payment.
• Keep a separate list of one-off and recurring costs.
• Understand what would happen if a valuation is below the agreed price.

Write down your essentials and the things you can compromise on. Think about travel, bedrooms, outdoor space, parking and the timing of your move. Visit the community and the property, where possible, rather than relying only on photographs.

For a ready home, ask about its condition, occupancy and running costs. For an off-plan home, review the specification, project information and payment timetable. Compare homes on a consistent basis and make notes after each viewing.

• Use three priorities to keep the shortlist focused.
• Ask about building management and current service charges.
• Compare similar properties and completed transactions where available.

Ask the relevant adviser to confirm ownership, the seller’s authority, outstanding obligations and the documents needed for your specific transaction. Understand the occupancy position and any arrangements that affect possession of a ready property.

For off-plan, confirm the developer, project registration, designated payment arrangements and the written contract. Dubai Land Department’s project enquiry can help you research project information. Review what is being sold, the promised specification and how the agreement addresses changes or delays.

• Match the property details across documents.
• Raise unanswered questions before paying or signing.
• Confirm the payment recipient through verified channels.

Before signing, understand the agreed price, deposit arrangements, completion dates and the responsibilities of each party. Ask what happens if financing, valuation or another condition is not satisfied. Get an explanation of any clause you do not understand.

If using a mortgage, the lender assesses the application and property. Central Bank regulations require an independent property valuation before an irrevocable commitment to lend. Keep your purchase timetable aligned with the lender’s requirements and the seller’s position.

• Record agreed conditions and deadlines in writing.
• Confirm fees and who is responsible for each payment.
• Ask about the consequences of withdrawal or a missed deadline.

Confirm the registration process, funds, documents and attendance arrangements with the professionals coordinating your purchase. Requirements differ by emirate and transaction type. Dubai Land Department publishes sale-registration services and their requirements.

Agree how keys, access cards and possession will be handed over. For a newly delivered property, organise the inspection and record any issues through the relevant handover process. For any home, plan utilities, insurance, building access and moving arrangements.

• Keep copies of the executed agreements and registration records.
• Confirm outstanding payments and agreed handover items.
• Leave time and budget for settling into the home.