Mortgages in the UAE for Expats and Non-Residents

Home loans in the UAE are regulated by the Central Bank, which sets limits on how much banks may lend. The rules below apply across lenders; the interest rate and fees are where banks compete.

How much can you borrow?

• Expat residents, first property up to AED 5 million: up to 80% of the value — a minimum 20% down payment.
• Above AED 5 million: up to 70%.
• Second or investment property: up to 60%.
• Off-plan: generally up to 50%.
• Non-residents: typically 50–60%, depending on the bank.

UAE nationals can borrow slightly more in each case. The maximum term is 25 years, and your total monthly debt repayments — including the new mortgage, car loans and credit cards — may not exceed half of your income.

The cash you really need

Add the buying costs to the down payment. On a first home that usually means about 26–27% of the price in cash: 20% down payment plus the DLD fee, commission and bank charges, which can no longer be added to the loan. See the full cost of buying.

Fixed or variable?

• Fixed-rate loans hold the rate for an initial period, commonly one to five years, then move to a variable rate.
• Variable-rate loans track EIBOR, the interbank rate, plus the bank’s margin, so payments rise and fall with interest rates.

Ask every bank for the rate after the fixed period ends, the early-settlement fee (capped by regulation at 1% of the outstanding balance, up to AED 10,000) and whether partial repayments are allowed.

The process

1. Pre-approval. The bank checks your income and credit history and confirms a maximum loan, usually valid for 60–90 days.
2. Find the property and sign Form F with the seller.
3. Valuation. The bank values the property; it lends against the valuation or the price, whichever is lower.
4. Final offer letter. You sign and open the account for repayments.
5. Transfer. The bank issues manager’s cheques for the seller, and the mortgage is registered on the title deed.

Documents

• Employees: passport, visa and Emirates ID, salary certificate, six months of bank statements and payslips.
• Self-employed: trade licence, company documents, audited accounts and company and personal statements.
• Non-residents: passport, proof of income and address, bank statements and a credit report from your home country.

Estimate your payments with our mortgage calculator, then browse properties for sale within your budget.

Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), your bank or your advisor before you commit — this guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.