Thinking of buying property in Dubai? Read this first.

We get it: Dubai real estate is exciting. The skyline, the returns, the lifestyle, the off-plan buzz.
But before you start choosing furniture or texting us your wishlist, let’s hit pause for a second.

At Demanis, we believe smart investing starts before you pick a property.
And honestly, we’d rather lose a sale than see someone rush into the market unprepared.

So here it is: your, real-talk guide to what needs to be in place before you even contact us.

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Step 1: Make sure your funds are ready to move

We say this with love: Dubai is not the market to “think about it for a few weeks.”

Properties, especially the good ones, move fast. Sometimes in hours, not days.
So before you fall in love with a unit, make sure:

• Your funds are accessible (no 2-week transfer delays)
• You know your upper limit (including fees like DLD registration)
• You're not relying on a plan to get money "next month"

You don’t want to miss out on the right deal because your bank app needed an update.

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Step 2: Please, visit Dubai first

Does it make sense to buy a house in a place you’ve never been?
It doesn’t, right?

Before you invest in any city, you should:

• Visit the neighborhoods (not just the hotel strip)
• Understand the vibe of each area
• Try the metro, parking, traffic flow
• Imagine your real life, or your tenant’s life, there

We’ve had clients thinking they wanted Marina views, and leave obsessed with Business Bay because of the easier access.
The city surprises you, but only if you see it for yourself.

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Step 3: Understand the payment plan! But, really understand it.

Here’s where it gets serious.

Someone once asked us:
"If I buy off-plan with a payment plan, when do I get the key? I want to rent it out immediately and use the rent to pay the rest."
Bless him.

So let’s be clear: You don’t get the key until it’s built.
And no, developers don’t hand out homes for free.

Here’s how off-plan usually works:

• You pay in installments during the construction period (e.g., 10%, 10%, 5%, etc.)
• You only get handover and keys once the project is complete and you've paid the required amount
• Some developers offer post-handover payment plans (e.g., 60% during construction, 40% after you receive the unit), but not all do, and it affects your cash flow planning
• These post-handover payments usually need to be covered by you, not rental income (at least not at first)

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Step 4: New mortgage options? Yes, but read this

Here’s what’s new and exciting for investors:
The government-linked developers now offer mortgage options during construction.

What does that mean?
If you pay 50% of the total property price, you may be able to finance the remaining 50% through a bank, even before the unit is handed over.

Current players in this space include:

• Emaar
• Dubai Holding (Nakheel, Meraas, Dubai properties)
• Binghatti
• Ellington
• More developers are expected to follow this trend

It’s a game changer for some buyers—but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to:

• Qualify with the bank
• Plan your cash flow accordingly
• Work with someone who understands both the developer’s side and the bank’s side (Hi)

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Step 5: Don’t let instagram be your agent

We love a good reel too, but a trending video isn’t a buying strategy.

Dubai is full of shiny brochures and pretty show units, but you need to look under the hood:

• Who’s the developer?
• What’s the track record?
• What’s the resale potential?
• How does this property fit your bigger plan?

If you don’t have a clear answer to that last question… it’s not time to buy.
(And that’s okay, we’ll help you get ready.)

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Before you buy, get clear on these 3 things:

✅ Your budget, and when it's available
✅ Your long-term plan for the property (live in it? rent it? flip it?)
✅ Your emotional readiness to make decisions quickly and confidently

Real Estate is fast in Dubai. But you don’t have to rush.

We’re not here to scare you into buying fast.
We’re here to help you prepare smart, so when the right opportunity comes, you’re ready to move with peace of mind.

And trust us, that preparation?
It makes all the difference between a stressful purchase and a powerful one.

Need help getting ready?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through the full journey: calmly, clearly, and in a way that fits your life.

Khadija & Nacira
Demanis Real Estate

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