Mortgage calculator & Dubai home-finance guide
Estimate your monthly repayment and the cash you need upfront, then read how mortgages work in Dubai before you speak to a bank.
What will my mortgage cost?
Minimum for a first home at this price: 20% (AED 300,000).
- Loan amount
- AED 1,200,000
- Total interest
- AED 750,257
- Total repaid
- AED 1,950,257
- Suggested min. monthly income
- AED 13,002
Cash needed upfront
AED 415,320- Down payment (20%)
- AED 300,000
- DLD transfer fee (4%)
- AED 60,580
- Mortgage registration (0.25% of loan)
- AED 3,290
- Bank arrangement fee (up to 1% + VAT)
- AED 12,600
- Property valuation
- AED 3,150
- Trustee office fee
- AED 4,200
- Agency fee (2% + VAT)
- AED 31,500
Fees are typical for a ready property in Dubai and vary by bank, developer and property. Off-plan purchases from a developer usually have no agency fee and different DLD terms.
How much can I borrow?
The UAE Central Bank sets a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) for every home loan. It depends on whether you are a UAE national or an expatriate, the price, whether it is your first home and whether the property is finished.
| Buyer | Property | Max. loan | Min. deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expat / resident | First home ≤ AED 5M | 80% | 20% |
| Expat / resident | First home > AED 5M | 70% | 30% |
| UAE national | First home ≤ AED 5M | 85% | 15% |
| UAE national | First home > AED 5M | 75% | 25% |
| Expat / resident | Second & further homes | 60% | 40% |
| UAE national | Second & further homes | 65% | 35% |
| Anyone | Off-plan (under construction) | 50% | 50% |
Up to 25 years
The maximum mortgage term in the UAE is 25 years. The loan usually has to be repaid by age 65 for salaried expats and 70 for UAE nationals and self-employed applicants.
50% debt burden limit
All monthly debt repayments — mortgage, car loan, credit-card minimums — may not exceed 50% of your monthly income. Banks check this through your AECB credit report.
Pre-approval first
A pre-approval (approval in principle) confirms your budget before you make an offer. It is usually valid for 60–90 days and shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
Minimum income
Most banks look for a monthly salary of AED 15,000 or more, although some lenders accept AED 10,000. Self-employed applicants normally need two years of trading history.
Buying a home with a mortgage
- 1
Check your budget
Use the calculator above, then add about 7–8% of the price for fees on top of your down payment.
- 2
Get pre-approved
Apply to one or more banks (or through a mortgage adviser) with your documents to receive an approval in principle.
- 3
Choose the property
Agree the price with the seller and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (Form F), usually with a 10% security cheque.
- 4
Valuation & final offer
The bank values the property and issues the final offer letter. You accept it and arrange life and property insurance.
- 5
Transfer & registration
At the Dubai Land Department trustee office the bank pays the seller, the title deed is issued and the mortgage is registered.
- 6
Get the keys
For ready homes you receive the keys on transfer day. Your first monthly repayment is usually due about a month later.
Documents you will need
Salaried
- check_circlePassport, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- check_circleSalary certificate (and salary transfer letter if required)
- check_circleLast 3–6 months of payslips
- check_circleLast 6 months of personal bank statements
- check_circleCredit-card statements and details of existing loans
Self-employed
- check_circlePassport, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- check_circleTrade licence and memorandum of association
- check_circle2 years of audited company financial statements
- check_circle6–12 months of personal and company bank statements
- check_circleProof of other income (rent, dividends) if declared
Tips before you apply
Know your credit score
Your AECB score (300–900) drives approval and pricing. Pay cards and loans on time, keep card balances low and check your report before applying.
Compare the full cost
Look beyond the headline rate: arrangement fees, valuation, life-insurance cost, the rate after the fixed period ends, and early-settlement terms.
Fixed vs variable
Fixed rates (typically 1–5 years) give predictable payments; variable rates follow EIBOR plus a bank margin. Ask what the rate reverts to when the fixed period ends.
Keep a cash buffer
Hold savings for at least 3–6 months of repayments, service charges and maintenance, on top of the deposit and fees.
Avoid new credit
Do not take new loans or credit cards while your application is in progress — every new limit counts against your debt burden ratio.
Islamic home finance
Sharia-compliant options such as Ijara (lease-to-own) and Murabaha (cost-plus) are widely available and follow the same loan-to-value rules.
Common questions
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?add
Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, typically up to 50–60% of the property value and with stricter income and documentation checks.
Can I get a mortgage on an off-plan property?add
Usually only up to 50% of the value, and many banks lend only once construction is well advanced. Most off-plan buyers pay the developer’s payment plan in cash first.
Can I repay my mortgage early?add
Yes. UAE Central Bank rules cap the early-settlement fee at 1% of the outstanding loan, up to AED 10,000. Many banks also allow yearly partial prepayments free of charge.
Do I need insurance?add
Banks require life insurance covering the loan and property (building) insurance. These can be arranged through the bank or an approved insurer.
This calculator and guide are for general information only and are not financial advice. Figures are estimates based on UAE Central Bank mortgage regulations and typical Dubai fees; actual rates, limits and costs depend on the lender, your profile and the property. Always confirm the terms with your bank.