A mortgage lets you buy in Dubai with as little as 20% down. This is the step-by-step guide to financing a Dubai property in 2026 — who qualifies, how much you can borrow, the rates and fees, and how to get approved — for both residents and non-residents.
The step-by-step process
- Check your eligibilityLenders assess income stability, employment and credit history (via the Al Etihad Credit Bureau). Your total debt repayments cannot exceed 50% of gross monthly income (the DBR), and borrowing is generally capped at about 7 times annual income.
- Get pre-approvedApply to a bank or mortgage broker with ID, residency or visa, a salary certificate and bank statements. Pre-approval is a formal letter, valid for a set window (commonly around 60 days), that confirms your budget.
- Choose your rate and productDubai mortgages price off EIBOR plus a bank margin — usually a fixed introductory period, then a variable EIBOR-linked rate. Compare the fixed period, margin and fees, not just the headline rate.
- Find the property and agree termsWith pre-approval in hand, secure the property and sign the MOU. How much you can borrow depends on the property: 80% for a first home under AED 5M, 70% above AED 5M, 60% for investment and 50% for off-plan.
- Bank valuationThe bank instructs an independent valuation (AED 2,500–3,500) to confirm the property’s market value, which caps the loan amount.
- Final offer and signingThe bank issues a final offer letter and you sign the loan agreement. Arrangement fees are commonly up to 1% of the loan.
- Mortgage registration and transferAt the DLD trustee office the mortgage is registered (0.25% of the loan + ~AED 290) alongside the 4% transfer, and the bank releases funds to complete the purchase.
Mortgage costs (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Down payment (first home ≤ AED 5M) | from 20% |
| Bank arrangement fee | up to 1% of loan + VAT |
| Mortgage registration (DLD) | 0.25% of loan + ~AED 290 |
| Valuation fee | AED 2,500–3,500 |
| Trustee service fee | AED 4,000 + VAT |
| Early settlement | capped at 1% or AED 10,000 |
Non-residents can borrow too — typically up to around 60% LTV, lender-dependent. The maximum tenor is 25 years, subject to an age-at-maturity limit (often 65 for salaried and 70 for self-employed borrowers). Get pre-approved before you shop — it sets your budget and strengthens your negotiating position. Because rates are EIBOR-linked, stress-test your repayments against a higher rate.
Getting a mortgage in Dubai — FAQs
- How much deposit do I need for a mortgage in Dubai?
- At least 20% for a first home under AED 5M (80% LTV), 30% above AED 5M, 40% for a second or investment property, and 50% for off-plan.
- Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
- Yes — many banks lend to non-residents, typically up to around 60% LTV, with requirements varying by lender.
- What is the maximum mortgage term in Dubai?
- 25 years, subject to an age-at-maturity limit (commonly 65 for salaried and 70 for self-employed borrowers).
- How much can I borrow?
- Your repayments cannot exceed 50% of gross monthly income (the DBR cap), and borrowing is generally limited to about 7 times your annual income.
- What are Dubai mortgage rates based on?
- They price off EIBOR plus a bank margin — usually a fixed introductory period followed by a variable EIBOR-linked rate.
Need a mortgage for your Dubai purchase?
Cresco works with Dubai’s leading mortgage advisors to find the right rate and structure. Tell us your budget and status and we’ll connect you.
This guide is general information on Dubai property procedures as of 5 August 2026 and is not legal or financial advice. Rules, fees and figures can change and individual circumstances differ — confirm specifics with the Dubai Land Department, your bank, or a qualified professional before acting.