When Dreams Are Delayed, Not Denied
In 2022, Maya and her husband Rajiv, Indian expats living in Dubai for over a decade, finally decided to take the plunge—they were ready to buy their first home in Dubai.
It was not just about real estate. It was about creating stability, planting roots, and building a future in a city they had grown to love. But things didn’t go as planned.
Their excitement soon turned into frustration as their mortgage applications were rejected not once, but three times by different banks. From credit score mismatches to inconsistent income documentation, every time they thought they had it right—another rejection arrived.
But they didn’t give up.
The Roadblocks to Home Ownership
Here’s what stood in their way:
Multiple freelance income streams, making income verification tough
A few delayed credit card payments that impacted their credit score
Confusion around eligibility criteria from different banks
High down payment requirements they couldn’t meet upfront
Despite earning well and having long-term residency, the banking system’s rigidity seemed to punish their non-traditional income structure.
Many would have stopped there. But Rajiv and Maya saw these hurdles as temporary setbacks, not the end of their journey.
How They Overcame the Obstacles
Instead of giving up, they did three things that changed everything:
1. Got a Financial Consultant
They connected with a real estate advisor at CityNest Realty, who introduced them to a mortgage consultant specializing in expat cases. He analyzed their financial history and suggested key improvements:
Consolidated their income statements
Helped them clear smaller debts
Recommended waiting 3 months to improve credit score metrics
2. Explored Non-Conventional Loan Options
They learned about non-resident-friendly lenders and private banks who had more flexible loan conditions for freelancers and dual-income households. They also explored developer-backed financing options, some of which had zero-interest for the first year.
3. Reassessed Their Property Budget
Rather than waiting to afford a large apartment, they downsized their expectations to a 1-bedroom apartment in JVC, focusing on long-term value rather than size. This allowed them to meet the bank’s down payment requirement easily.
The Breakthrough Moment
Six months after their third rejection, they finally got a call: Approved.
The bank had accepted their revised documentation and sanctioned a loan with a favorable interest rate. Maya cried tears of joy—it wasn’t just about a home; it was a hard-fought victory.
Today, they live in a modern apartment with a view of the Dubai skyline.
What You Can Learn From Their Journey
If you’re someone who’s faced repeated loan rejections while trying to buy a home in Dubai, know this:
Rejections are not the end, they’re just redirections
Your financial profile can improve with the right guidance
Flexible financing options do exist—you just need the right advisor
Working with experts like CityNest Realty can be the game changer
Why Dubai Is Still Worth It
Despite the obstacles, Maya and Rajiv never once doubted their decision to invest in Dubai. With no property tax, strong ROI, and an investor-friendly environment, owning property in Dubai remains one of the most strategic choices for long-term residents and expats alike.
Final Words
Buying a home in Dubai may not be easy for everyone—but with resilience, the right advice, and strategic planning, it’s absolutely achievable. Just like Maya and Rajiv, you too can overcome loan rejections to buy your dream home in Dubai.
Let their story be your inspiration.
