Finding the home, not just the deal.
Buying a home in Dubai is a different exercise from buying an investment. Commute, schools, community, light and noise matter as much as price per square foot. Sthira applies the same rigour to a family home as to a portfolio purchase, and spares you the weekends of viewings that lead nowhere.
UAE residents, and people relocating, who want a primary residence and a single advisor who represents them rather than the seller.
The picture
What you need to know before you buy.
What changes when it is your home
As a UAE resident you can typically borrow up to 80 percent on a first completed home under AED 5 million, and 70 percent above that, subject to the Central Bank’s cap of 50 percent of gross income on total repayments. Off-plan finance is limited to 50 percent, which is why many families buy ready.
Budget 7 to 10 percent above the price for the DLD transfer fee, trustee, registration, mortgage registration and agency costs. There is no first-time buyer discount on the 4 percent transfer fee, so the number should be in the plan from the start.
The decisions that matter are rarely on the listing: school catchments, the real commute at 7.30am, service charges over ten years, the developer’s handover record, and whether the building will still feel right when the children are older. Owning a completed property also supports a 2-year residence visa for the sole owner, independent of an employer.
How Sthira helps
One advisor, start to finish.
How Sthira works with home buyers
We start with how you live, not what is for sale. Then we shortlist two or three homes we have walked ourselves, including off-market and pre-listing options, and give you an honest view on each. We negotiate on your behalf and run the mortgage pre-approval in parallel, so your offer is credible.
After the offer we manage valuation, the memorandum of understanding, transfer at the trustee office, snagging on a new build, and handover. If the right home is not on the market yet, we tell you to wait.
Questions we are asked
Straight answers.
How much deposit do I need to buy a home in Dubai?
Residents usually need at least 20 percent on a first completed home under AED 5 million, plus 7 to 10 percent for fees. Off-plan requires 50 percent equity.
Should I buy ready or off-plan for a family home?
Ready property lets you see exactly what you get, move in on your timeline and borrow up to 80 percent. Off-plan can be cheaper per square foot but carries completion risk and lower finance. We advise case by case.
What does a buyer’s advisor cost compared to an agent?
An agent is paid by the transaction and often by the seller. Sthira is engaged by you. Terms are agreed at the brief and we do not accept developer incentives that conflict with your interest.
Do I get a visa if I buy a home?
A completed, titled property of any value supports a 2-year investor residence visa for a sole owner. Property worth AED 2 million or more qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Private enquiry
Tell us what you are looking for. We will tell you honestly whether we can find it.
Every engagement begins with a private conversation. No listings, no pressure.