But the thing is that not everyone can pay the full price of this extraordinary lifestyle. The upfront costs are way too heavy for many. But Dubai has a solution even for that. You can now pay in installments and own the lifestyle you have always dreamed of. So how and what’s the process of all that? Stay tuned to know how to buy a house in Dubai through flexible installment plans. In this guide we will explain how these purchases can even help you get a UAE golden visa or a two-year residency. And by the end you will be perfectly aware of how to invest smartly.
Can You Really Buy Property in Dubai on Instalments?
Yes, it is actually possible. Buying property in installments is now in fact getting popular and trending. These installment plans basically let you pay for your property over several years. And in that period of time you can still enjoy the ownership benefits and live in your property. This approach is ideal for non-residents and investors who want to manage their cash flow properly. Some buyers even combine these plans with mortgage loans to cover part of the property price. So it gets quite easy to buy a luxury villa in Dubai or buy a luxury apartment in Dubai. There is no need to pay everything at once
The Four Main Types of Instalment Plans in Dubai
| Instalment Plan Type | Down Payment | Remaining Payment Schedule | Duration (Years) | Best For |
| Post-Handover Payment Plan | 20–50% | Remaining balance after handover | 3–10 | Investors & end-users |
| 10/90 Plan | 10% | 90?ter delivery | 2–5 | Off-plan buyers & investors |
| Construction-Linked Plan | 30–70% | Linked to construction milestones | 1–4 | Off-plan buyers, luxury buyers |
| Rent-to-Own | 10–30% | Rent contributes to purchase | 2–5 | 2–5 |
Dubai developers now offer a variety of flexible plans. These plans can easily suit different needs and investment goals. So if you understand these then you can easily pick one that suits you best.
1. Post-Handover Payment Plans (Pay After You Move In)
This is the plan where buyers make a down payment before taking possession of their property. It would be like a booking price. Then after that buyers can pay the rest of the money over three to ten years. The investors can start earning rental income as well, immediately. And the end-users can easily move into their home and enjoy the lifestyle when they have not paid the whole amount at all.
2. The 10/90 Plan
This is the one where buyers will have to pay a 10% amount upfront. Then the remaining amount can be paid after handover which would be 90%. The handover time is very long and that time easily allows anyone to manage their finances.
3. Construction-Linked Instalment Plans
In this plan the payments are tied to construction milestones. They are often in ratios like 50-50, 60-40, or 70-30. So this is perfect for those who are looking to buy a luxury penthouse in Dubai or other premium properties. It does not require you to pay the whole cost at once. Bank financing can cover the rest once construction is complete.
4. Rent-to-Own Plans
This one is actually very easy. In the rent-to-own schemes you will be paying rent. A part of your rent would contribute towards ownership. But the monthly payments will be slightly higher than the standard rent you would pay. The long-term residents or expats who want to gradually transition from renting to owning find this option best suitable for them.
Instalment Plans for Different Property Types
The installment schemes in Dubai are suitable for all types of properties. So if you want to buy a luxury villa in Dubai, buy a luxury apartment in Dubai, or buy a luxury penthouse in Dubai, it is quite accessible now. The apartments are often the easiest to buy on these off-plan installments. And the villas and penthouses usually come with more flexible construction-linked or post-handover plans.
You just have to choose the right property type and it usually depends on your investment goals. Apartments and the smaller units usually provide higher rental yields to the investors. While the villas and penthouses are liked by families and high-net-worth buyers who appreciate exclusivity.
First start by selecting the appropriate instalment plan for your property type. Then you can manage payments comfortably. You can also start generating rental income or move into your dream home without the upfront financial stress
Best Instalment Plans for Different Property Types in Dubai
| Property Type | Recommended
Instalment Plan(s) | Why It Works |
| Luxury Villas | Post-Handover, Construction-Linked | High-value properties benefit from flexible payments; can start earning rental income or move in early |
| Luxury Apartments | 10/90, Construction-Linked, Rent-to-Own | Off-plan apartments fit 10/90; rent-to-own attracts long-term residents |
| Luxury Penthouses | Construction-Linked, Post-Handover | Premium units often under construction; staged payments reduce upfront burden |
| Townhouses / Mid-Range Properties | 10/90, Rent-to-Own | Affordable plans allow manageable payments while gaining ownership gradually |
How to Qualify for Residency Through Property Purchase
Minimum Investment Requirements for UAE Residency & Golden Visa
| Visa Type | Minimum Property Value | Residency Duration | Notes |
| Two-Year UAE Residency | AED 750,000 | 2 years | Can use instalment payments |
| UAE Golden Visa (Real Estate Route) | AED 2,000,000 | 5 years renewable | Must meet full investment threshold |
One of the biggest advantages you can get from buying property in Dubai isthat you can obtain residency. Read below to know how you can get it:
Two-Year UAE Residency
You can be eligible for a two-year UAE residency program if the property you are purchasing is worth at least AED 750,000. The non-residents find it easy to pay through the installment method and gain a 2-year residency. They can pay 50% upfront and complete the rest over time. So you just have to meet the minimum investment threshold. It works for both off-plan and ready properties.
UAE Golden Visa
Dubai also offers the UAE golden visa for property investors. The recent regulations show that buyers can be qualified for the golden visa if they invest at least AED 2 million in real estate. This visa will offer long-term residency and some additional benefits as well. This makes Dubai even more attractive, especially for international investors. The installment-based purchases are also counted towards eligibility. provided the total property value meets the minimum threshold.
Benefits of UAE Golden Visa
Obtaining a golden visa comes with a range of advantages. And that is why everyone loves it. Once you get it you can live and work freely in the UAE without restrictions. You can also enjoy zero personal income tax and open your bank accounts in multiple currencies.
The visa provides security and educational access for children. This is the favourite part for families. This residency can even lead you to citizenship opportunities over time. The Healthcare access, business-friendly policies are also included in the benefits.
But do you know what’s even better? You can access the ability to travel visa-free to 176 countries. These are the reasons a golden visa is highly valuable for long-term planning and why everyone is after it.
Golden Visa Eligibility Paths
There are three main paths to qualify for a golden visa through investment. Read below:
Investment Fund Route: 10-Year Visa
Investors can deposit AED 2 million in a recognized UAE investment fund and then provide certification of their deposit. This route is ideal for those who prefer a financial rather than property-based investment. It is direct and fast.
Senior Employee Route: 10-Year Visa
Senior employees or executives can obtain a ten-year visa through their employment with qualifying firms. This option also allows the family members to join the residency program.
Real Estate Route: 5-Year Renewable Visa
The property investors who have spent at least AED 2 million on real estate can secure a five-year renewable visa. The purchases made through installments are also included in the amount if they total up to the required threshold. This is a popular option for international buyers who want to combine investment with residency benefits.
Step-by-Step Process to Buy Property in Instalments
Buying property in Dubai may seem complicated to you at first. We will break down the process to you in steps so everything gets simple.
- First you will have to set a budget and then decide which type of installment plan you would go for. You can select the one that suits you best.
- Then choose the project you want to own or invest in and make sure to inquire carefully about the developer. It is better to consider location, amenities and the payment structure before you decide to settle with any.
- Then you can review the payment schedule and confirm that it aligns with your financial plan.
- You will then sign the sales agreement and pay the initial down payment.
- The next step would be to register the property with the Dubai Land Department because all off-plan properties require Oqood registration.
- You can continue making your instalments according to the plan you have chosen until the handover.
- This step would be where you can finally take possession of the property and enjoy your investment.
- You should also apply for residency if you seem eligible. You can use your property as part of the requirement for a two-year UAE residency or UAE golden visa.
Costs to Consider Beyond Instalments
So there are some additional costs to keep in mind. Although buying property in installments in Dubai makes ownership easily accessible but many people are not aware of these costs that can surprise them later. These include Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fees, Oqood fees for off-plan properties, trustee fees, annual service charges, maintenance costs, and insurance. And if you are planning to use a mortgage then you will also need to consider the interest payments and processing fees. Knowing about these costs beforehand would help you plan everything.
Living in Dubai: Real Cost Breakdown (2025 Snapshot)
Dubai offers a high standard of living but this is also true that it might feel expensive. It would be wise to budget out everything. So this is how everything goes:
| Expense Category | Average Cost (AED) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 7,200/month |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 12,800/month |
| Utilities (Water + Electricity) | 700/month |
| Monthly Transport Card | 340 |
| Grocery (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Chicken, Vegetables) | 200–350/week approx. |
| Dining (Mid-range, 2 people) | 300/meal |
The costs for dining can range from around 40 dirhams for a single meal at an inexpensive restaurant to 300 dirhams for a mid-range dinner for two. Now if we talk about the groceries such as milk, bread, rice, and chicken, they have moderate prices. The fruits and vegetables are reasonably priced.
The utilities in which the electricity and water come, for an average apartment it can cost around 700 dirhams per month. Transportation costs also vary and they depend mostly on how frequently you travel. But the taxis, metro and monthly passes are available at reasonable rates.
Furthermore, the Rental prices range from approximately 4,000 dirhams for a one-bedroom outside the city center and can reach over 12,000 dirhams for a three-bedroom in the city center.
And if you want to buy? The cost of purchasing an apartment in central areas is roughly 14,500 dirhams per square meter. The ones outside the city center are closer to 8,800 dirhams per square meter.
Average Property Prices per Square Meter
| Location | Apartment Price (AED/m²) | Villa Price (AED/m²) |
| City Center | 14,500 | 22,000 |
| Outside City Center | 8,800 | 15,000 |
What is The Best Location in Dubai for Instalment Purchases
The location matters a lot when you are planning to buy a property in installments. The areas that usually have high rental demand are ideal for investment. Strong infrastructure and nearby key landmarks are the reasons for some locations to be highly sought-after.
The popular residential areas would provide you with a mix of apartments, villas and townhouses. You will also have easy access to the schools and healthcare facilities in them. And it is good if the shopping centers and parks are there and the area provides easy transport links. These are the things you should always look out for when you are choosing a location.
As an investor these things would get you higher rental yields. And if you are an end-user then these things will offer a premium lifestyle with the best of amenities. Choosing the right installment plan is essential but choosing where to invest is also a part of the game.
Pros and Cons of Buying Property in Instalments in Dubai
| Instalment Plan Type | Pros | Cons |
| Post-Handover Payment Plan | Move in immediately; start earning rental income; lower upfront cost | Total payments spread over many years; may include higher interest or fees |
| 10/90 Plan | Low initial payment; good for off-plan investment; cash flow friendly | Large payment due after handover; risk if project delayed |
| Construction-Linked Plan | Pay in stages; flexible for off-plan projects; can use mortgage | Requires careful planning; potential construction delays |
| Rent-to-Own | Transition from renting to owning; portion of rent counts toward purchase | Higher monthly payments; total cost may exceed market rates |
Advantages: Installment plans reduce the financial burden of paying huge upfront costs. Through this buyers can secure premium properties early and it also provides them a path to gain residency. The first-time investors or expats get really good benefits. Paying in installments allows them to gradually build their investment portfolio while they also enjoy immediate occupancy or rental income.
Drawbacks: Not everyone is meant to notice this thing but installment-based purchases can actually be more expensive over time than paying the upfront amount at once. There can also be risks if the construction gets delayed for off-plan properties. Buyers will also need to manage their ongoing payments regularly and carefully if they want to avoid financial strain.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
There are many buyers like that who would just rush into property purchases without fully understanding payment schedules. They skip inquiring about the reputation of the developer or the residency eligibility part. A lot of people underestimate the service charges and ignore handover timelines. They do not plan accurately for their future installments. So it is better that you do not end up being one of these people. If you read the contracts carefully and seek expert advice before buying or investing it can save you a ton of time and money.
Final Thoughts: Is Buying Property in Instalments in Dubai Worth It?
Buying property in installments in Dubai is a practical and now increasingly popular way to enter the real estate market. The flexible installment plans offer an accessible path to own property as well as to gain a two-year UAE residency or UAE golden visa.
You just need to understand the different types of plans and also focus on choosing the right property. Moreover, if you also manage your finances carefully you can make your next investment in the most smart way.
This is actually the perfect time to own the trend and explore the best developments in Dubai for buying real estate. There are too many options out there waiting for you so choose the best flexible plan for you and start living your dream reality!
