The market rewards clarity.
We built a practice around it.
UAE Real Estate Advisory · Off-Plan · Residential · Commercial · Investment
Analytical · Transparent · Independent · Dubai-Based
Tools
Run the Numbers
Tools to model your position before you commit.
Minimum 20% for expatriates (15% for UAE nationals)
Recurring annual costs paid to maintain ownership.
Typically 5–8% of annual rent if using a property manager
Above market average
Average net yields in the UAE range from 5–8% in established residential communities.
Gross monthly income, all sources combined.
Existing loans, car finance, credit-card minimums, school fees.
Cash available for the 20% down payment and fees.
Your deposit is the binding constraint — you could borrow more, but the 20% minimum down payment caps the property value. UAE Central Bank rules cap the Debt Burden Ratio at 50% of monthly income and require a minimum 20% down payment for expatriates (15% for UAE nationals). Indicative only — actual approval depends on the lender.
Figures are indicative. Consult a licensed mortgage advisor for confirmed rates.
The Firm
What is First District Properties?
First District Properties is a Dubai-licensed real estate brokerage covering the UAE property market. We provide independent, data-driven advisory across off-plan acquisition, residential sales, leasing, plot and land guidance, and investment strategy. The firm is licensed by the Dubai Land Department under RERA ORN 51440.
Our primary coverage is Dubai, where the office sits and where most UAE transaction velocity concentrates. We also advise selectively across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah where the numbers and the thesis justify it. Every recommendation is evaluated against a seven-point framework, and projects that do not pass the criteria are declined. The result is advice the client can still defend in five years.
Services
What We Do
Six disciplines. One consistent standard of rigour.
Off-Plan Focus
The UAE's off-plan market is active.
Most advice in it isn't.
Off-plan across the UAE can generate strong returns — when the developer is sound, the location has genuine demand, and the supply pipeline doesn't compress your exit. Most brokers promote every launch. We assess before we recommend.
Independent Assessment
Advice grounded in data and your objectives — not in whatever inventory we happen to be promoting that week.
Seven-Point Framework
Developer track record. Location fundamentals. Supply pipeline. Pricing. Payment plan. Exit liquidity.
Selective by Design
We decline projects that don't pass our criteria. This is how trust is built, not just claimed.
The Difference
Why First District
No Sales Pressure
We are compensated when you transact, not when you agree with us. Our advice reflects what the data supports, including when that means not proceeding.
On-Ground Daily
We tour communities, track DLD transactions, and review launches continuously. Recommendations come from direct market involvement, not portal browsing.
Data Before Opinion
Price-per-sqft benchmarks, absorption rates, supply pipelines. Analysis precedes every recommendation. Vague optimism is not a service we offer.
Long-Term Framing
We consider exit liquidity, infrastructure timelines, and demand cycles — not just today's asking price. Our clients make decisions they are still comfortable with in five years.
Market Snapshot
UAE Property Market in Numbers
Indicative ranges from public Dubai Land Department transaction records, UAE Central Bank mortgage rules, and active community benchmarks across the Emirates. Useful as a starting frame, not as advice.
Net Yield Range
5–8%
Typical net yields in established residential communities.
Min. Down Payment
20%
For expatriates on a primary residence (15% for UAE nationals).
DLD Transfer Fee
4%
Paid on registration of every Dubai property transaction.
Mortgage Terms
5–25 yrs
Fixed and variable-rate loans available across major lenders.
Sources: Dubai Land Department transaction records and the UAE Central Bank Mortgage Underwriting Standards (Notice 31/2013, as amended). Figures are indicative and can vary by emirate, tower, unit type, and timing.
The Process
How It Works
Define Objectives
We begin with your goals, budget, timeline, and risk tolerance. Before any property is discussed.
Structured Shortlist
We filter the market and present only options that genuinely fit — with clear reasoning for each inclusion.
Full Transparency
Pricing logic, comparables, risks, long-term considerations. Nothing is softened. Nothing is overstated.
Through to Transfer
We support the full transaction — negotiation, documentation, DLD coordination — clearly and steadily.
Voices
Client Feedback
FAQ
Common Questions
Direct answers to the questions we hear most often.
Is First District Properties a licensed brokerage?
Yes. First District Properties L.L.C is licensed by the Dubai Land Department under RERA ORN 51440. The office is located at Iris Bay Tower, Business Bay, Dubai. Coverage extends across the wider UAE property market.
Do you only handle Dubai or also other emirates?
Our primary on-ground coverage is Dubai, where the office sits and where most UAE transaction velocity concentrates. We also advise selectively on Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah where the numbers and the thesis justify it — assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Do you only handle off-plan property?
No. We cover off-plan acquisition, residential sales, leasing advisory, plot and land advisory, and investment strategy across the UAE. Off-plan is one discipline within a broader practice.
What is the minimum mortgage down payment in the UAE?
For expatriates, the minimum down payment for a primary residence is 20% of the property value. For UAE nationals, the minimum is 15%. Common loan terms range from 5 to 25 years.
What is the DLD transfer fee on a Dubai property purchase?
The Dubai Land Department charges a 4% transfer fee on the property purchase price, paid on registration of every transaction. It is conventionally split between buyer and seller, though in practice the buyer usually pays in full.
What net yield can I expect on UAE residential property?
Net yields in established UAE residential communities typically range from 5% to 8%, depending on the community, holding costs, and management costs. Yields vary by emirate and submarket.
How does the off-plan assessment work?
Every project is evaluated against a seven-point framework: developer track record, location fundamentals, supply pipeline, launch pricing versus secondary, payment plan, exit liquidity, and post-handover mechanics. Projects that do not pass are declined.