Can You Buy a Home in Dubai on a Salary? Here’s the Real Answer

For a long time, Dubai seemed like a faraway dream—its skyline full of glittering towers, fast luxury cars, zero income tax, and fancy villas that looked like they were straight out of a movie. It always felt like a place meant only for rich businessmen, Bollywood stars, and billionaires.

But things are slowly changing. Today, more and more middle-class and salaried Indians are wondering: Can I also afford to buy a home in Dubai?

A New Wave of Indian Buyers
Ritu Kant Ojha, CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate in Dubai, says the interest from Indian buyers has grown a lot—and not just from the ultra-rich.

“We are seeing more salaried professionals and dual-income families from India asking about Dubai properties. Apartments are still the most popular, especially in areas with good roads, metro access, and schools,” he explains.

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Families are also showing interest in villas and townhouses, especially in gated communities that offer extra space, parks, and other lifestyle comforts.

Cost of Entry: Not Cheap, But Possible
Of course, the biggest question for most people is: Can I actually afford it?

Ojha says many decent apartments in Dubai fall in the range of AED 1 million to AED 3 million. That’s around ₹1.5 crore to ₹3 crore in Indian currency, depending on where the apartment is and who built it.

Now, buying property in Dubai usually requires a 20% down payment. Add another 4% for the Dubai Land Department’s registration fee. So, an Indian buyer would need to have around ₹35 to ₹50 lakh in liquid cash to get started.

“It’s not for everyone,” Ojha admits. “But for people with good savings, especially couples earning together and saving over time, it’s definitely possible.”

You Don’t Have to Pay All at Once
If you're thinking it’s impossible because you don’t have the full amount ready—that’s not the case.

Many banks in the UAE offer home loans to non-resident Indians (NRIs). You need to show your income proof and passport. Depending on your profile, you could get 50% to 80% of the property value as a loan.

Another option is going with developer payment plans. These allow you to pay in small parts during construction and even after the home is handed over.

But Ojha gives a word of caution here: “Some payment plans look very easy, but they have tricky terms. Always go through them with a trusted advisor who can explain everything.”

Why Dubai Gives Better Returns Than Indian Cities
Buying a home in Dubai might cost more than buying one in Lucknow or Jaipur. But the money you make from it is also much more.

Ojha explains: “In Indian Tier-2 cities, you might get 2% to 2.5% rental return each year. But in Dubai, the same kind of apartment can give 7% to 10% return—especially in areas where many expats live. Plus, the value of the property also increases by 15% to 20% every year in many places.”

Also, since there’s no personal income tax in the UAE, you get to keep all your rental income. There’s no tax on capital gains either.

But Ojha reminds buyers to plan for extra costs too. Apart from the initial down payment, you will have to pay for:

• 4% property registration fee
• 2% broker’s commission
• Utility setup charges
• Regular service charges for building maintenance
• All these costs can change depending on the location and property size.

Don’t Forget Currency Risk
There’s one more thing buyers should think about—currency exchange rates.

The UAE Dirham is fixed to the US Dollar, so it's stable. But if the Indian Rupee weakens, your total cost could go up when you send money from India. That’s why it's important to watch currency rates when planning your investment.

Dubai vs Tier-2 Cities in India
So, should you invest in Dubai or buy a home in India?

Ojha says if you’re looking purely at returns, Dubai is the winner. “It offers better infrastructure, safer laws, and higher rental returns. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also promises stable and long-term development,” he says.

But he also warns people not to jump in blindly.

“This is not a local purchase—it’s an international one. You have to follow RBI’s rules on sending money abroad, deal with currency risk, and also think about how you’ll manage the property from far away.”

A Few Tips for First-Time Buyers
For first-time Indian buyers from salaried backgrounds, Ojha gives some clear advice:

• Always work with a trusted, RERA-certified real estate advisor in Dubai.
• Don’t fall for glossy ads or promises.
• Do your own research.
• Visit Dubai in person if you can.
• Choose areas with good rental history.

Be clear about your goal—do you want rental income, price appreciation, or a home to live in someday?

Ojha says that for the right kind of Indian buyer—someone with savings, a stable job, and a long-term plan—buying in Dubai is no longer out of reach.

“In fact, many of my clients start with one small investment and then return to buy more,” he adds.