The Game Changer: UAE Removes Minimum Downpayment for Golden Visa

The UAE has made a bold move to boost its real estate market and attract more foreign investment by eliminating the minimum downpayment previously required to obtain the 10-year golden visa through property purchases.

Previously, investors had to make a downpayment of at least AED 1 million, or 50% of the property value, towards a property worth AED 2 million or more to qualify for the coveted long-term residency visa. This posed a major barrier to entry for many potential buyers, especially for off-plan purchases.

However, the UAE has now removed this requirement entirely. Investors can now secure the renewable golden visa by purchasing property worth AED 2 million or above, regardless of the amount they pay upfront.

This policy change has been hailed by real estate experts as a potential "game changer" for the market. By opening up the golden visa incentive to a wider pool of investors, it could provide a tremendous boost to demand across various segments from affordable housing to the luxury market.

The removal of the downpayment criteria also makes off-plan purchases much more attractive to investors seeking residency rights. They can now reserve new properties with a relatively small initial payment and still apply for the 10-year visa after completing the purchase later.

This could prove to be a lifeline for the off-plan market, which has seen sluggish sales in recent times. Developers could witness a surge in sales of projects set for completion in the next 2–3 years.

The UAE's flexible visa policy has been a key factor driving growth in the real estate sector over the past few years. By further easing criteria for the golden visa, the country is consolidating its image as an attractive destination for global talent and investors.

The latest decision also gives Dubai an edge over other emerging real estate markets at a time when competition is heating up within the region to attract foreign capital and skilled professionals.Analysts predict that the removal of the downpayment criteria could lead to double-digit price growth over the next 12 months.

However, some experts argue the market is still vulnerable to oversupply issues. The availability of easy financing options and access to golden visas could encourage speculators and artificially inflate prices over the short term.

Nonetheless, the UAE's bold move demonstrates its commitment to supporting the growth of the real estate industry. By boosting investor confidence and making Dubai more appealing for expatriate residence, it could be the stimulus needed to cement the emirate's position as a global city and business hub for years to come

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