---
title: "Budget converter"
canonical: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/tools/currency-budget-converter
markdown: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/md/tools/currency-budget-converter.md
type: calculator
description: "Convert a budget in pounds, dollars or euros into a realistic UAE purchase price in dirhams after buying costs and a currency buffer."
updated: 2026-11-12
publisher: "UAE Property Agents (Omnia)"
language: en-GB
usage: "You may read, quote, summarise and cite this content, including in AI answers, with attribution to UAE Property Agents and a link to the canonical URL. Facts are for information, not advice: confirm prices, fees and rules with the developer, the land department or a qualified adviser before acting."
---

# Property budget converter

> Convert a budget in pounds, dollars or euros into a realistic UAE purchase price in dirhams after buying costs and a currency buffer.

Interactive version: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/tools/currency-budget-converter. Fee rules last reviewed 12 November 2026. Figures are estimates for planning, not quotations or advice.

## How it works

Property in the UAE is priced in dirhams (AED). The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, so for dollar buyers the price is effectively fixed. For sterling and euro buyers it moves with the dollar, and on an off-plan purchase the payments are spread over years.

The converter works backwards from what you have:

1. Converts your budget to dirhams at the rate you enter.
2. Holds back a **currency buffer** against the rate moving before later payments fall due.
3. Sets aside **buying costs** for the emirate and purchase type you choose.
4. Shows the highest purchase price that leaves.

**Getting the rate right.** High-street banks typically add a margin of several percent to the exchange rate on large transfers. Specialist currency providers are usually cheaper and can fix a rate today for stage payments months or years ahead. Whichever you use, UAE developers and banks will ask for evidence of where the money came from, so keep the paper trail.

## Read more

The [full guide](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/guides/buying-uae-property-from-the-uk) explains the subject in depth.

## Questions and answers

### Is the dirham pegged to the dollar?

Yes. The UAE dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725 since 1997. Against sterling and the euro it moves as the dollar does.

### How do I pay for a Dubai property from the UK?

By international transfer to the developer's escrow account (off-plan) or by manager's cheque through a UAE account on a resale. Most buyers use a specialist currency provider rather than their bank, and must show the source of the funds.

### Can I fix the exchange rate for future stage payments?

Yes. Currency providers offer forward contracts that lock a rate for a future date, usually for a deposit. It removes the risk of the rate moving against you, and the chance of it moving in your favour.


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Source page: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/tools/currency-budget-converter. Published by UAE Property Agents, Omnia Capital Group. You may read, quote, summarise and cite this content, including in AI answers, with attribution to UAE Property Agents and a link to the canonical URL. Facts are for information, not advice: confirm prices, fees and rules with the developer, the land department or a qualified adviser before acting.