Mortgages & Home Financing
How property finance works in Dubai for residents and non-residents - deposits, rates and the paperwork.
Most buyers in Dubai use a mortgage. The rules are straightforward once you know them - here is what you can borrow, what it costs upfront, and how the process runs.
What you can borrow
- Residents: up to 80% of the price on a first property under AED 5M (75% above that), so a 20-25% deposit
- Non-residents: typically 50-65%, depending on the bank and your profile
- Off-plan: usually up to 50%, released in stages against construction
Rates and terms
Rates are usually fixed for one to five years, then move to a variable rate (EIBOR plus a bank margin). Terms run up to 25 years, with the loan needing to be repaid by around age 65 for salaried applicants or 70 for self-employed.
The upfront costs
On a ready property, budget for roughly:
- Deposit - 20-25% of the price
- DLD transfer fee - 4% of the price
- Agency fee - 2% plus VAT
- Mortgage registration - 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290
- Bank arrangement fee - around 1% of the loan
- Valuation - AED 2,500-3,500
The process
- Pre-approval - the bank confirms what it will lend based on your income and liabilities (valid ~60 days)
- Find the property and agree terms; the bank instructs a valuation
- Final offer letter - issued once the valuation is in
- Transfer - the bank settles any existing mortgage, funds are exchanged and the title transfers at the DLD
Estimate your monthly payment
How we help
We work with independent mortgage brokers who compare the whole market rather than one bank. Tell us your situation and we will make an introduction - pre-approval before you start viewing puts you in a much stronger position to negotiate.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes, from several banks, typically at 50-65% loan-to-value with a larger deposit than residents need.
How much deposit do I need?
Residents budget 20-25% of the price for a first home, non-residents usually 35-50%, plus fees on top.
What is pre-approval?
A bank's written confirmation of how much it will lend you, valid for around 60 days. Get it before you view.
How long does a mortgage take?
About three to six weeks from application to transfer, assuming documents are in order.
Can I get a mortgage on off-plan property?
Yes, usually up to 50%, with the loan drawn down in stages as construction milestones are met.
Fixed or variable rate?
Most buyers take a 1-5 year fixed period for certainty, then review or refinance when it reverts to variable.