Dubai Mortgage Guide for Expats: Down Payments, Limits and Steps 

Expats and non-residents can borrow to buy in Dubai, but the rules limit how much a bank can lend against a property. Understanding them before you start viewing avoids disappointment later.

Loan-to-value limits in brief

The UAE Central Bank sets the maximum loan-to-value (LTV), which is the share of the property price a bank may lend. The limit differs by buyer type, property value, whether the home is completed or off-plan, and whether it is your first purchase. For an expatriate resident buying a first home worth less than AED 5 million, the Central Bank rulebook sets the limit at 80%. For anything else, ask your bank for the exact figure that applies to you.

In practice, the deposit you need is the price minus the loan, plus fees, so a first-home buyer should plan for at least 20% plus costs. See our buyer's guide for the fee breakdown.

What banks check

• Income and employment. Salary certificates, bank statements and, for the self-employed, business documents.
• Existing debt. Banks look at how much of your monthly income already goes on repayments. There is a limit on how much of your income repayments can take up, and each bank applies its own policy within it.
• Age and loan term. Terms are capped and linked to your age, so ask your bank what applies to you.
• The property. The bank will value it, and lends against its valuation rather than the agreed price.
• Credit history. UAE and, for newcomers, sometimes overseas records.

The steps, in order

1. Get a pre-approval so you know your budget before you search.
2. Choose the property and sign the sale agreement with your deposit.
3. Submit the full application with your documents.
4. Bank valuation and final approval. The offer letter sets out the rate, term and fees.
5. Pay the mortgage fees and arrange insurance, which lenders usually require.
6. Transfer at the trustee office, where the bank's manager's cheque clears the loan balance and the mortgage is registered.

Fixed or variable rate?

Many UAE mortgages offer a fixed rate for an initial period, then move to a variable rate linked to a benchmark. A fixed period gives certainty on early payments, but check what the rate becomes afterwards, and the cost of paying off early. Compare the total cost, not just the headline rate.

How to strengthen your application

• Pay down credit cards and small loans before you apply.
• Keep clear records of your income and savings.
• Avoid taking new credit during the process.
• Ask more than one bank, as criteria and fees differ.

How House Of Trust can help

We introduce you to banks and mortgage specialists, help you compare offers, and plan your purchase around your approved budget. Speak to an advisor before you start viewing. If you are buying from overseas, read our guide to buying Dubai property from abroad.