A Friendly Guide to Help You Buy Smart
Thinking about buying your first home in the UAE? That’s wonderful! It’s an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit scary if you don’t know what to watch out for.
At Olives Homes, we help people like you every day. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. This guide will show you the 7 biggest mistakes people make—and how you can easily avoid them.
Let’s make your home buying journey smooth and happy!
Mistake #1: Not Doing Your Homework
Many people see a nice apartment online and rush to buy it. But buying a home is not like buying a phone. You need to do some homework first.
Here’s what you should do:
- Ask yourself why you’re buying: Do you need to be close to your office? Do you have kids who need good schools nearby? Are you buying to rent it out and make money?
- Visit the area first: Don’t just look at pictures. Go to the neighborhood. Walk around. Check if there are supermarkets, parks, or hospitals nearby. Visit during the day and at night to see what it’s really like.
- Check the prices: Look at other homes in the same area. Are prices going up or down? This helps you know if you’re getting a good deal.
Remember: A few weeks of research now will save you many years of problems later.
Mistake #2: Thinking You Only Need Money for the Home Price
This is the biggest surprise for first-time buyers!
Let’s say a home costs 1 million dirhams. Most people think they only need 1 million dirhams. But that’s not true. You need more money for extra fees.
Here are the extra costs you must pay:
- Government fees (DLD fees): 4% of the home price
- Real estate agent fees: About 2% of the home price
- Bank fees (if you take a loan): About 1% of the loan amount
- Other small fees: For paperwork, property checks, etc.
- Yearly building fees (service charges): This is money you pay every year for security, cleaning, pool, gym, etc. Always ask how much this costs before buying!
Simple math: If a home costs 1 million dirhams, you actually need about 1,080,000 to 1,100,000 dirhams for everything.
Remember: Always add 8-10% extra to the home price when planning your budget.
Mistake #3: Not Checking Everything Carefully
You wouldn’t buy a used car without checking if it works properly, right? The same goes for a home—but it’s even more important!
Here’s what you must check:
- Who owns the home? Make sure the person selling it is the real owner. Check the official papers (title deed).
- Is the builder good? (For new homes that are not finished yet) Look online. Ask people. Have they built good homes before? Did they finish on time?
- Read the contract carefully: This is the most important paper. It says everything about the sale. Don’t sign it until you understand every word. If you don’t understand, ask a lawyer to explain it.
Remember: Spend time checking now. It will protect you from big problems later.
Mistake #4: Buying Because It “Feels” Nice
Sometimes you walk into a beautiful apartment. It has nice furniture, smells good, looks perfect. Your heart says “I love it!” and you want to buy it right away.
Stop! Think with your brain, not just your heart.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it really good, or just pretty? Imagine the home without the nice furniture and decorations. Do you still like it?
- Will it work for my daily life? Is there enough space for your things? Is the kitchen big enough? Are there enough bathrooms?
- What about the future? That beautiful view of the beach—can another building block it in 2 years? If you have a baby or get married, will this home still be big enough?
Remember: A home is not just for looking at. It’s for living in. Choose with your head and your heart together.
Mistake #5: Looking for a Home Before Getting Bank Approval
Many people do it this way:
- Find a home they love
- Make an offer
- Go to the bank for money
- Bank says “Sorry, we can only give you less money”
- Dream home is gone. They feel sad.
Do it the smart way instead:
Go to the bank FIRST, before you start looking at homes.
Ask the bank: “How much money can you lend me?” The bank will check your salary and give you an answer. This is called “mortgage pre-approval.”
Why is this important?
- You know exactly how much you can spend. No more guessing.
- You don’t waste time looking at homes you can’t afford.
- Sellers take you seriously. They know you have the money ready.
Remember: Bank first, home shopping second. Always in this order.
Mistake #6: Working with the First Agent You Meet
A real estate agent can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Choose carefully!
A good agent will:
- Listen to what you want
- Show you homes that fit your needs
- Explain everything in simple words
- Protect you from problems
A bad agent will:
- Just try to sell you anything quickly
- Not answer your questions properly
- Push you to decide too fast
How to find a good agent:
- Check they have a RERA license. This is the government permission to sell homes in Dubai. No license = don’t work with them.
- Meet at least 3 different agents. Talk to them. See who understands you best.
- Choose someone who knows the area well. If you want to live in Dubai Marina, find an agent who works there every day.
- Pick someone you feel comfortable with. You’ll spend weeks or months with this person. You should trust them.
Remember: A great agent makes buying easy. A bad agent makes it stressful. Choose wisely.
Mistake #7: Only Thinking About Today, Not Tomorrow
When you buy a home, think about your future life too.
Ask yourself:
- What if I need to sell this home in 5 years? Will other people want to buy it easily? Homes near the metro, schools, and malls are always easier to sell.
- What if my family grows? If you get married or have children, will this home still be big enough?
- What if I need to move? Can you rent this home to someone else and make good money?
Remember: Buy a home that works for “Future You” and “Today You.”
You’re Ready! Let’s Make This Easy
Does this sound like a lot? Don’t worry! Thousands of people buy their first home in the UAE every year. With the right information and the right help, you can do it too.
At Olives Homes, we make buying your first home simple and stress-free.
We explain everything in easy words. We answer all your questions. We help you avoid mistakes. We walk with you from the first day until you get the keys to your new home.
Ready to start? We’re here to help.
[Contact Olives Homes today. Let’s find your perfect home together—the easy way.]
