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UAE Mortgage Guides

Getting a mortgage in the UAE involves understanding four main product types, each suited to different circumstances. A home purchase loan finances the acquisition of a completed, ready-to-move-in property — the most common type, with maximum LTV of 80% for expats and 85% for UAE nationals on properties under AED 5 million. Refinancing allows borrowers to transfer an existing mortgage to a better rate, often saving hundreds of dirhams per month. Off-plan mortgages finance properties still under construction, with a maximum LTV of 50% during the build phase per UAE Central Bank regulations. Islamic mortgages use Sharia-compliant profit-rate structures (Murabaha or Diminishing Musharaka) that avoid interest entirely and are available from ADIB, DIB, Emirates Islamic, and Al Hilal Bank.

The right mortgage also depends on who you are. UAE nationals benefit from higher LTV limits and may access government housing schemes. Expatriates must provide a valid UAE residence visa and typically need a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month. Self-employed borrowers require 2 years of audited accounts. First-time buyers face different down-payment requirements and may qualify for developer payment plan arrangements. Use the guides below to find the advice most relevant to your location and buyer profile.

UAE Mortgage Types at a Glance

Mortgage TypePurposeMax LTVKey Feature
Home Purchase LoanBuy a completed, ready property80% (expat) / 85% (national) under AED 5MMost common; immediate occupation on completion
RefinancingSwitch existing loan to a better rateUp to 80% of current property valueCan reduce monthly payment or shorten loan term
Off-Plan MortgageFinance a property under construction50% during construction phasePayments aligned to construction milestones
Islamic MortgageSharia-compliant home financeUp to 80% (similar to conventional)Profit-rate structure; no interest charged

Mortgage Guides by Location

Mortgage Guides by Buyer Type

These buyer-type guides include nationality-specific guidance where lending criteria commonly differ.

Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Mortgage Types

What types of mortgages are available in the UAE?

The four main categories are: Home Purchase Loans (for completed properties), Refinancing (switching to a better rate), Off-Plan Mortgages (for properties under construction), and Islamic Mortgages (Sharia-compliant profit-rate structures). Each has different LTV limits, eligibility criteria, and fee structures.

What is an off-plan mortgage in the UAE?

An off-plan mortgage finances the purchase of a property still under construction. The UAE Central Bank caps LTV at 50% during the construction phase. Payments are typically structured in milestones aligned to build progress. Once the property is completed and registered, standard LTV limits apply.

How does a Murabaha Islamic mortgage work?

In a Murabaha structure, the bank purchases the property on your behalf and sells it to you at a higher price that includes an agreed profit margin. You repay this total in instalments — no interest is charged at any point. ADIB, Emirates Islamic, and DIB all offer this structure for UAE home finance.

Can I refinance my existing UAE mortgage?

Yes. Refinancing lets you switch to a lower rate or restructure your existing loan. You must factor in the early settlement fee (capped at 1% of outstanding balance or 3 months' interest, whichever is lower) and new mortgage registration fees before calculating whether refinancing saves you money overall.

What is the maximum UAE mortgage term?

UAE banks typically offer up to 25 years for salaried employees and 20 years for self-employed borrowers. The term is also limited by age — most banks require the loan to be fully repaid before age 65 (salaried) or 70 (self-employed).

Related Resources

Also explore: UAE Mortgage Banks | Bank Comparisons | Mortgage Calculator | Rent vs Buy Calculator | Early Settlement Calculator | UAE Mortgage FAQ

UAE Mortgage Guides — By Location and Buyer Type

Find the right mortgage for your location and situation. Whether you're buying in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, or as an expat first-time buyer — Mortigo has a tailored guide for you.

Mortgages by Location

Tailored mortgage guides for UAE's most popular property areas — with local prices, yields, bank recommendations, and buying tips.

Mortgages for Dubai Marina Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Dubai Marina. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Downtown Dubai Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Downtown Dubai. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Palm Jumeirah Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Palm Jumeirah. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Business Bay Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Business Bay. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Dubai Hills Estate Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Dubai Hills Estate. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Arabian Ranches Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Arabian Ranches. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Saadiyat Island Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Saadiyat Island. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Yas Island Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Yas Island. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages for Al Marjan Island Properties

Review mortgage considerations for property in Al Marjan Island. LTV, ownership eligibility, lender pricing and transaction costs depend on the specific applicant and property.

CBUAE maximum LTVFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Property eligibilityConfirm the specific title, project, buyer and intended use with the lender.
View guide

Mortgages by Buyer Type

Tailored advice for your specific situation — whether you're an expat, UAE national, first-time buyer, or self-employed.

UAE Mortgages for Expats

Everything you need to know about getting a mortgage as an expatriate in the UAE — eligibility, rates, and the application process.

CBUAE maximum LTV (expat first owner-occupier)80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above AED 5M; 60% for second or investment property
Minimum buyer contribution (expat; before costs)At least 20% at or below AED 5M / 30% above AED 5M for a first home; at least 40% for second or investment property
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for First-Time Buyers

Your complete guide to buying your first property in the UAE — from eligibility and down payment to choosing the right bank.

Minimum buyer contribution (first owner-occupied home; before costs)At or below AED 5M: 15% UAE nationals / 20% expat residents; above AED 5M: 25% / 30%, respectively. Second or investment property: at least 35% UAE nationals / 40% expat residents.
competitive qualifying salaryAED 8,000/month (RAKBANK)
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for UAE Nationals

UAE nationals benefit from better mortgage terms — including higher LTV, lower down payments, and longer repayment periods.

CBUAE maximum LTV (first owner-occupier)85% at or below AED 5M / 75% above AED 5M; 65% for second or investment property
Minimum buyer contribution (before costs)15% at or below AED 5M / 25% above AED 5M for a first home; at least 35% for second or investment property
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Self-Employed Applicants

Business owners and freelancers can get UAE mortgages — here's how to qualify, what documents you need, and which banks are most flexible.

Minimum trading history2 years (participating lenders) / 1 year (some)
Minimum income (self-employed)AED 25,000/month net profit
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for UK Expats

Expert mortgage guidance for British nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Indian Expats (NRIs)

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for the largest expat community in the UAE.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Pakistani Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Pakistani nationals buying in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for American Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for US nationals — with FATCA considerations addressed.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Canadian Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Canadian nationals buying property in the UAE.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Australian Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Australian nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for German Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for German nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for French Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for French nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Egyptian Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Egyptian nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Lebanese Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Lebanese nationals — a highly active buyer community in Dubai.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Filipino Expats (OFWs)

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Filipino nationals and OFWs buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for South African Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for South African nationals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Chinese Nationals

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Chinese nationals investing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi property.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for Jordanian Expats

Expert UAE mortgage guidance for Jordanian professionals buying property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE maximum LTV (eligible UAE-resident expatriate)First owner-occupier: 80% at or below AED 5M / 70% above; second or investment: 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories. Lenders may offer less.
Minimum salary requirementAED 15,000/month
View full guide

UAE Mortgages for GCC Nationals

GCC nationals may apply for UAE property finance, but eligibility and LTV classification are lender-specific; confirm the applicable terms before applying.

GCC applicant LTV classificationThe CBUAE schedule has no separate GCC-national category; confirm lender classification in writing.
CBUAE LTV caps by categoryFirst home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
View full guide

Off-Plan Property Mortgages in the UAE

Finance under-construction properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the UAE's most experienced mortgage broker.

Maximum LTV (off-plan; all purchaser categories)50% of property value under the CBUAE cap; lender terms may be stricter
Minimum buyer contributionAt least 50% of property value before transaction costs under the CBUAE LTV cap
View full guide

Villa Mortgages in the UAE

Expert financing for standalone villas, townhouses, and compound villas across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE LTV caps (buyer, value and property use)First home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Typical villa loan sizeAED 1.5M – 8M
View full guide

Townhouse Mortgages in the UAE

Expert financing for townhouses and semi-detached properties across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

CBUAE LTV caps (buyer, value and property use)First home ≤ AED 5M: 85% nationals / 80% expats; above AED 5M: 75% / 70%. Second or investment: 65% / 60%; off-plan: 50% for all categories.
Typical townhouse price rangeAED 1.2M – 4.5M
View full guide

Buy-to-Let Mortgages in the UAE

Finance Dubai's highest-yielding investment properties with UAE's most competitive buy-to-let mortgage rates.

CBUAE LTV cap for investment property65% UAE nationals / 60% expatriates, regardless of value; off-plan is 50% for all categories. Lenders may set lower limits.
Key buy-to-let areasJVC, International City, Arjan, JLT, Business Bay
View full guide

Islamic Mortgages in the UAE

Sharia-compliant home finance for Muslim buyers and interest-free mortgage seekers.

Structures availableMurabaha, Ijara, Diminishing Musharaka
Islamic home-finance LTVIslamic home-finance LTV depends on the CBUAE borrower and property category and the provider's approved product terms; confirm the applicable cap and buyer contribution in writing.
View full guide

Handover Mortgages for Dubai Off-Plan Properties

Discuss finance for a balance due at handover, compare suitable written options and coordinate the mortgage application with your expected completion.

Service focusMortgage for a balance due at handover
EligibilityBorrower, property and lender specific
View full guide

Non-Resident Mortgages in the UAE

Explore lender-specific finance options for UAE property from abroad; availability, LTV and terms vary by applicant and property.

Non-resident LTVLender-, borrower- and property-specific; confirm a written offer
Minimum property valueAED 1,000,000
View full guide

Second Property Mortgages in the UAE

Finance your second home or investment property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi — competitive rates from available participating lenders.

Maximum LTV (second, subsequent or investment property; expatriates)60% of property value under the CBUAE cap; lender terms may be stricter
Maximum LTV (second, subsequent or investment property; UAE nationals)65% of property value under the CBUAE cap; lender terms may be stricter
View full guide

Equity Release & Cash-Out Refinancing in the UAE

Release the equity locked in your UAE property — access cash for investment, renovation, or other purposes at competitive rates.

Equity-release LTVLender-, valuation-, applicant- and transaction-specific; confirm in writing
Minimum property valueAED 750,000
View full guide

Mortgage Refinancing in Dubai

Switch your Dubai mortgage to a better rate and save thousands — Mortigo compares available participating lenders and handles everything for free.

Average annual savingAED 10,000–30,000+
New lender processing feeTypically 1% (sometimes waived)
View full guide

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