The short answer You need between 14% and 107% of the price in cash on day one , depending on how you pay. For an AED 700,000 studio that is roughly AED 100,000 to AED 750,000. Off-plan, 1% a month: about AED 99,500 (~14%) Off-plan, 20/80 or 50/50: about AED 169,500 (~24%) Ready home + 80% mortgage (residents): about AED 198,200 (~28%) All cash: about AED 747,480 (~107% including fees) Non-residents can usually borrow only 50-60%, so a ready purchase needs 40-50% of the price plus about 6-8% in fees. Fees to budget for DLD fee 4%, trustee and title deed fees about AED 4,780, agency 2% plus VAT on ready units; if financed, a 1% plus VAT arrangement fee, valuation about AED 3,150 and mortgage registration 0.25% of the loan.