CBD revises LTV framework — what residents, expats, and non-residents need to know

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) has overhauled its LTV framework, effective 13 April 2026. UAE national LTVs are unchanged, but expats and non-residents see new ceilings — and land financing is off the menu entirely.

What changed

The revision splits across three borrower categories:

• UAE Nationals: LTVs unchanged for both completed and off-plan properties.
• Expat residents: Revised LTVs for completed properties. Off-plan financing now aligned strictly to handover-stage payments under the applicable LTV.
• Non-residents: New maximum LTVs for completed Dubai properties. Abu Dhabi non-resident LTVs unchanged.
• Land financing: Suspended across all segments.
• Segment-specific caps: Where a lower LTV already applied for a particular segment or sourcing channel, that lower cap continues.

Who this affects

The biggest impact is on non-resident buyers in Dubai. CBD has historically been one of the more accessible lenders for overseas buyers, so a tightening here narrows an already small pool of options. Expat residents see a moderate adjustment — most will still find competitive financing, but the negotiation room shrinks.

Land financing being suspended is the sleeper headline. It removes one route plot-buyers used for villa-construction projects.

What to do next

If you have a CBD application in progress, get clarity on whether your sanctioned LTV is locked in. If you are still bank-shopping as a non-resident, two or three other UAE banks remain very competitive on Dubai completed properties. We can introduce you directly.

See the full picture: Compare current 2-year fixed and variable rates across all 13+ UAE banks in our live mortgage rates guide.