Mortgage questions, answered.

UAE nationals, residents (expats) and non-residents can all get mortgages in the UAE. The loan-to-value, rate and documents vary depending on your residency, income and the property — we match you to the bank that fits your situation best.

Yes — expat residents are the largest group of mortgage borrowers here. You can typically finance up to 80% of a home valued under AED 5 million, subject to income and the bank's criteria.

Yes. Non-residents can finance prime UAE property, usually at around 50–60% loan-to-value, and most of the process can be completed remotely without flying in.

Most banks look for a salary from around AED 15,000 a month, though some will consider applicants from AED 10,000. If you're self-employed, banks assess your business income instead via bank statements.

Banks lend based on your income and your debt-burden ratio — your total monthly commitments (including the new mortgage) are usually capped at about 50% of your income. A quick assessment tells you your exact number, and we'll do that for you free.

Yes. The loan generally has to be fully repaid by age 65 for salaried borrowers and 70 for self-employed borrowers, which can affect the maximum term available to you.

For residents, expect from 20% down on a home under AED 5 million (15% for UAE nationals), and around 30% on homes above AED 5 million. Non-residents and off-plan purchases usually require a larger deposit.

As a rough guide, budget for the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, about 0.25% mortgage registration, a trustee/transfer-office fee (around AED 4,200), a property valuation (around AED 3,000), and agency commission (usually 2%) where it applies. Our own advice is free.

LTV is the loan expressed as a percentage of the property's value. An 80% LTV means you borrow 80% and put down the remaining 20% as your deposit.

Most banks require life insurance (which covers the outstanding loan) and property insurance. Both are usually modest and paid monthly alongside your instalment.

In 2026, rates generally sit from about 3.75% to 4.25%, depending on the bank, whether you choose fixed or variable, and your profile. We compare live rates across 28 banks so you see the genuine best option.

A fixed rate gives you certainty for an initial period (typically 1–5 years); a variable rate moves with EIBOR. The right choice depends on how long you plan to keep the mortgage and your appetite for change — we'll talk it through and compare both.

EIBOR is the Emirates Interbank Offered Rate — the UAE benchmark interest rate that variable mortgage rates move up and down with.

Mortgages run up to 25 years, subject to the age limits (repaid by 65 if salaried, 70 if self-employed).

Yes. Partial overpayments of around 20% a year are often allowed, and full early settlement carries a fee capped at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000 — whichever is lower.

Often within 0–24 hours once we have your basic details. Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can borrow so you can shop with confidence.

Pre-approval is a fast, indicative offer based on a quick check. Final approval follows full document verification and a property valuation, and usually takes 2–6 weeks.

Typically 2–6 weeks from application to completion, depending on the bank, the property and how quickly documents come together.

Usually around 60 days, which gives you a comfortable window to find and secure a property.

Salaried applicants generally need passport, visa and Emirates ID, a salary certificate, and the last 6 months of payslips and bank statements. Self-employed applicants need trade licence and company documents plus 6–12 months of bank statements. We send you a tailored checklist for your exact case.

Your bank can only offer you its own product. We compare 28 banks and place your case with the lender most likely to approve you on the best terms — which is rarely the one bank you happen to use.

We're paid a fee by the lender when your loan completes — never by you. So our only job is to find you the right deal, not to sell you a particular one.

28 UAE banking partners, compared side by side on one platform.

No. Our mortgage advisory service is free to you from first call to final transfer.

Yes. Banks assess your business income through bank statements and company documents. Some lenders are far more self-employed-friendly than others — we know which ones and place you accordingly.

Yes, though financing is usually lower (often up to around 50%) and released in stages as the build progresses. Many developers also offer their own payment plans, which we can factor in.

A buyout means moving your existing mortgage to another bank for a better rate or terms. We handle the switch and make sure the savings comfortably outweigh any fees.

Equity release lets you borrow against the value of a property you already own, freeing up cash for other purposes such as investment or renovation.

Yes. Several UAE banks offer Islamic home finance (such as Ijara and Murabaha structures). We compare these alongside conventional options so you can choose what suits you.

A property worth AED 2 million or more qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa — and a mortgaged property counts, so a financed purchase can deliver the home and the residency together.

Often, yes. A previous rejection usually comes down to applying to the wrong lender or a fixable issue in the file. We review your situation and place you with a bank suited to your profile.