UAE Mortgages for UAE Nationals
Buyer Guide
UAE nationals benefit from better mortgage terms — including higher LTV, lower down payments, and longer repayment periods.
For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE caps UAE-national LTV at 85% when the property is valued at or below AED 5M and 75% above AED 5M. For a second or subsequent home or an investment property, the cap is 65% regardless of value. The corresponding expatriate caps are 80% and 70% for a first owner-occupied home, and 60% for a second or investment property. These are regulatory ceilings, not offers; lenders may apply lower limits. The maximum age at final repayment is set by each lender's risk-management and lending policies. Eligible UAE nationals may also apply to government housing programmes, subject to each programme's own criteria and terms.
Overview
| 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 |
| Maximum age at final repayment | Set by lender policy |
| Government housing programs | Available (Sheikh Zayed, MBRHE) |
| Salary requirement | participating lenders: AED 10,000/month minimum |
Key Points
- For a first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV for UAE nationals is 85% at or below AED 5M and 75% above AED 5M; second or investment property is capped at 65%. Lenders may set lower limits.
- The CBUAE leaves maximum age at final repayment to each lender's risk-management and lending policies.
- Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme offers subsidised home loans for eligible Abu Dhabi nationals.
- Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) provides subsidised housing for Dubai nationals.
- Commercial banks offer special 'UAE National' rate packages, often 0.2-0.5% below standard rates.
- Government employees may have access to lender-specific offers; eligibility and terms vary by lender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What LTV can UAE nationals get?
For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV is 85% at or below AED 5M and 75% above AED 5M, corresponding to a minimum buyer contribution of 15% or 25% before costs. A second or investment property is capped at 65% regardless of value. These are ceilings; lenders may apply lower limits.
What are the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme rates?
The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP) in Abu Dhabi provides subsidised housing loans to eligible UAE nationals at very low or zero interest rates, subject to eligibility criteria and income thresholds. Mortigo can advise on government scheme eligibility.
Which banks offer mortgages for UAE nationals?
Lender offers, eligibility and terms for UAE nationals vary. Confirm current requirements directly with the lender.
Can UAE nationals get a mortgage for off-plan properties?
A lender may finance an eligible off-plan project, but the CBUAE caps off-plan LTV at 50% of property value regardless of purchaser category, purpose or value. A lender may require a larger contribution, and project acceptance and disbursement terms must be confirmed directly with the lender.
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- UAE Mortgages for Expats
- UAE Mortgages for First-Time Buyers
- UAE Mortgages for Self-Employed Applicants
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Overview
For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE caps UAE-national LTV at 85% when the property is valued at or below AED 5M and 75% above AED 5M. For a second or subsequent home or an investment property, the cap is 65% regardless of value. The corresponding expatriate caps are 80% and 70% for a first owner-occupied home, and 60% for a second or investment property. These are regulatory ceilings, not offers; lenders may apply lower limits. The maximum age at final repayment is set by each lender's risk-management and lending policies. Eligible UAE nationals may also apply to government housing programmes, subject to each programme's own criteria and terms.
Key Points
Frequently Asked Questions
What LTV can UAE nationals get?
For an eligible first owner-occupied home, the CBUAE maximum LTV is 85% at or below AED 5M and 75% above AED 5M, corresponding to a minimum buyer contribution of 15% or 25% before costs. A second or investment property is capped at 65% regardless of value. These are ceilings; lenders may apply lower limits.
What are the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme rates?
The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP) in Abu Dhabi provides subsidised housing loans to eligible UAE nationals at very low or zero interest rates, subject to eligibility criteria and income thresholds. Mortigo can advise on government scheme eligibility.
Which banks offer mortgages for UAE nationals?
Lender offers, eligibility and terms for UAE nationals vary. Confirm current requirements directly with the lender.
Can UAE nationals get a mortgage for off-plan properties?
A lender may finance an eligible off-plan project, but the CBUAE caps off-plan LTV at 50% of property value regardless of purchaser category, purpose or value. A lender may require a larger contribution, and project acceptance and disbursement terms must be confirmed directly with the lender.
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