Independent mortgage advice in Dubai

Beyond your down payment, budget for the Dubai Land Department transfer fee (4% + admin), mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan + AED 290), a property valuation (typically AED 2,500–3,500), a bank arrangement fee of up to 1%, trustee fees and, if applicable, a 2% agency fee plus VAT. As a rule of thumb, set aside 7–8% of the price on top of the deposit.

UAE Central Bank rules cap the loan-to-value (LTV). For a first home under AED 5 million, expat residents can typically borrow up to 80% and UAE nationals up to 85%. Above AED 5 million the caps drop to 70% and 75%. Second homes and off-plan purchases have lower limits. Your monthly repayments across all debts also can't exceed 50% of your income.

It varies by bank. Many UAE lenders look for a minimum monthly salary of around AED 10,000–15,000 for salaried applicants, with higher thresholds for some products. Self-employed applicants are usually assessed on two years of audited accounts or bank statements.

Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents buying in Dubai, usually at lower loan-to-value ratios (often around 50–60%) and with additional documentation such as overseas income proof and credit reports.

Pre-approval usually takes 3–7 working days once documents are complete. From an agreed offer on a property to transfer typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on the bank, valuation and the seller's lender.