Mortgages by Location — Buy Property Across the UAE

Mortgage eligibility in the UAE is governed by UAE Central Bank regulations that apply across all emirates, but several location-specific factors affect how much you can borrow and what you need to budget upfront. The key distinction is between completed (ready-to-move-in) properties and off-plan (under-construction) properties. Completed properties allow a maximum LTV of 80% for expatriate buyers on purchases under AED 5 million — meaning a minimum 20% down payment is required. Off-plan properties are restricted to a maximum LTV of 50% during the construction phase per CBUAE rules, so buyers need at least 50% of the purchase price available before the property is handed over. For all buyers, properties above AED 5 million are capped at 70% LTV regardless of completion status.

Transaction costs also vary by location. In Dubai, buyers pay a 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee on the purchase price at the time of registration, plus a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount. Abu Dhabi has a 2% registration fee capped at AED 40,000. Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have their own registration fee structures. These upfront costs are in addition to the down payment and cannot be financed through the mortgage — budgeting for them is essential before signing a sale and purchase agreement. Mortigo's advisors provide a complete cost breakdown for your specific property before you commit.

By Emirate

• Mortgages in Dubai
• Mortgages in Abu Dhabi
• Mortgages in Sharjah
• Mortgages in Ajman
• Mortgages in Ras Al Khaimah
• Mortgages in Fujairah

Dubai Communities

• Mortgages in Dubai Marina
• Mortgages in Downtown Dubai
• Mortgages on Palm Jumeirah
• Mortgages in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
• Mortgages in Business Bay
• Mortgages in Dubai Hills Estate
• Mortgages in Arabian Ranches
• Mortgages in Jumeirah
• Mortgages in DIFC
• Mortgages in Dubai South
• Mortgages in Al Barsha
• Mortgages in Mirdif
• Mortgages in Dubai Creek Harbour
• Mortgages at Emaar Beachfront
• Mortgages in DAMAC Hills
• Mortgages in Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Mortgages in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
• Mortgages in International City Dubai
• Mortgages in Dubai Islands
• Mortgages in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
• Mortgages in Motor City Dubai
• Mortgages in Sobha Hartland, MBR City
• Mortgages in Bluewaters Island Dubai
• Mortgages in City Walk Dubai
• Mortgages in The Springs Dubai
• Mortgages in Mudon Dubai
• Mortgages in Town Square Dubai
• Mortgages in Arjan, Dubailand
• Mortgages in Al Furjan Dubai
• Mortgages in Tilal Al Ghaf Dubai

Abu Dhabi Communities

• Mortgages on Saadiyat Island
• Mortgages on Yas Island
• Mortgages on Al Reem Island
• Mortgages in Khalifa City
• Mortgages on Al Maryah Island

Ras Al Khaimah Communities

• Mortgages on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
• Mortgages in Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah

Sharjah Communities

• Mortgages in Aljada, Sharjah
• Mortgages in Masaar, Sharjah

Typical Property Price Ranges by Emirate (2026)

Price ranges are indicative based on 2025–2026 market data. Down payments shown assume 20% minimum LTV for expat buyers (80% LTV, completed properties under AED 5M). Properties above AED 5M require a 30% down payment for all buyers per CBUAE regulations. Your actual loan amount depends on your salary, DBR, and chosen lender.

Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Mortgage by Location

Does the property location affect my mortgage in the UAE?

Location affects your mortgage mainly through property value and type rather than the emirate itself. UAE Central Bank LTV rules apply nationwide — 80% for expat buyers on completed properties under AED 5 million, 70% on properties above AED 5 million. Off-plan properties are typically limited to 50% LTV during construction. Some banks maintain approved developer or project lists, which can restrict lending in certain communities.

Are mortgage rates different in Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi?

No. Bank mortgage rates are set nationally and do not vary by emirate. However, transaction costs differ: Dubai charges a 4% DLD transfer fee, while Abu Dhabi charges 2% (capped at AED 40,000). Sharjah and RAK have their own fee structures. These costs must be budgeted separately from the mortgage down payment.

Can I get a mortgage on Palm Jumeirah?

Yes. Mortgages are available for Palm Jumeirah properties, though values often exceed AED 5 million, triggering the 70% maximum LTV for all buyers. Plan for at least a 30% down payment plus 4% DLD fees, mortgage registration fees (0.25% of loan amount), and any agency commission. Most major UAE banks lend on recognised developer properties on the Palm.

What is the DLD fee on a Dubai property purchase?

Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the purchase price at registration. This must come from your own savings — it cannot be added to the mortgage. Additional Dubai costs include a trustee fee (~AED 4,000), mortgage registration (0.25% of loan amount plus AED 290), and agency commission (typically 2% of purchase price).

Related Resources

Compare UAE Mortgage Banks | Mortgage Calculator | Mortgage Guides by Type