The right finance can make a Dubai purchase easier to carry and protect your cash for other plans. Our Dubai mortgage advisory service helps residents and overseas buyers understand what they can borrow, compare products and arrive at the bank prepared.
MgtWell Property L.L.C. holds real estate mortgage brokerage as a licensed activity on its Dubai trade licence (no. 1656273) and is registered with RERA (registration no. 65085). We do not lend, and the final decision always belongs to the bank.
The Central Bank framework
Every UAE mortgage sits inside rules set by the Central Bank of the UAE. As of 2026, the key limits are:
| Purchase | Max LTV, expatriates | Max LTV, UAE nationals |
|---|---|---|
| First home, AED 5 million or less | 80% | 85% |
| First home, above AED 5 million | 70% | 75% |
| Second and further homes | 60% | 65% |
| Off-plan property | 50% | 50% |
The first-home limits were raised by 5 percentage points in April 2020. The 2013 regulations also cap the term at 25 years and limit monthly debt repayments to 50% of income. Banks can be stricter than these caps, and often are.
Dubai mortgage advice for residents vs non-residents
UAE residents have the widest choice of lenders and can borrow up to the caps above if their income and credit support it.
Non-residents can borrow too, but on tighter terms. There is no separate published Central Bank cap for them, so each bank sets its own. A 2026 industry guide puts typical non-resident lending at 50% to 65% of the property value, with common requirements including:
- Minimum income, often quoted around AED 15,000 a month or the equivalent.
- Age limits, commonly 21 to 65 at the end of the loan.
- Minimum property values set by each bank.
- Six months of bank statements, proof of income, a home-country credit report and, for some banks, tax returns.
Your loan is in dirhams. If you earn in another currency, exchange rates affect what each payment costs you. Our guide to Dubai mortgages for non-residents goes deeper.
Islamic home finance
Sharia-compliant finance is widely available in Dubai. The main structures are:
- Ijara: the bank buys the home and leases it to you, with ownership passing to you at the end.
- Diminishing Musharakah: you and the bank co-own the home and you buy out the bank's share over time.
- Murabaha: the bank buys and resells to you at a disclosed profit, paid in instalments.
The same Central Bank LTV caps apply. Each Islamic bank has its own Sharia supervisory board. Read more in our guide to Islamic home finance in Dubai.
Pre-approval
A pre-approval tells you what a bank is likely to lend before you sign a Form F or reservation. Industry guides say it usually takes two to four weeks and stays valid for around 60 to 90 days. The final offer still depends on the bank's valuation of the specific property. If the valuation comes in below the price, you fund the gap.
For off-plan purchases, many banks lend only near or after completion, and the cap is 50%. A developer payment plan often carries you through construction. Our off-plan advisory team plans both together.
The cost of borrowing
| Cost | Typical amount (as of 2026, confirm with your bank) |
|---|---|
| DLD mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan plus an admin fee of about AED 290 |
| Bank arrangement fee | Often up to about 1% of the loan, plus VAT |
| Valuation fee | Commonly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 |
| Life insurance | Required by most banks, priced on age and loan size |
| Property insurance | Annual premium, required by most banks |
These sit on top of the 4% DLD transfer fee and other purchase costs. Use our calculators to see the full picture.
General information, not tax/legal advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your country.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow for a Dubai property?
UAE Central Bank rules cap an expatriate's first home at 80% loan-to-value up to AED 5 million and 70% above that, with lower caps for second homes and 50% for off-plan. Non-residents usually get less, commonly around 50% to 65%, depending on the bank.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes. A number of UAE banks lend to non-residents, but with larger deposits, minimum income levels and more documents from your home country. Lender choice can also depend on nationality.
Is Islamic home finance more expensive?
Not necessarily. Islamic products use structures such as Ijara or diminishing Musharakah instead of interest, and the same Central Bank LTV caps apply. Compare the total cost, including fees, over the full term.
Can I include the DLD fee in my mortgage?
Generally no. Plan to pay the 4% DLD transfer fee, agency fees and mortgage costs from your own funds, on top of your deposit.
- Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook: Amendments to Circular No. 31/2013 on mortgage loans
- Arabian Business: UAE confirms new mortgage cap rules
- Real Estate Club Dubai: How to get a Dubai mortgage as a non-resident (2026)
- Real Estate Club Dubai: Islamic home finance in Dubai (2026)
- Mortgage Finder: Mortgage upfront fees in the UAE
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not financial, tax or legal advice.