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Buyer guides

Dubai mortgages for residents and non-residents

Every UAE mortgage follows limits set by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Within those limits, each bank sets its own policy, including whether it lends to non-residents.

Updated 25 October 2026 · By the Voxhala team · Sources: official UAE and Dubai government pages

Maximum loan-to-value (LTV)

Borrower and propertyUAE nationalsExpatriates
First home you'll live in, up to AED 5m85%80%
First home you'll live in, over AED 5m75%70%
Second home or investment property65%60%
Any property bought off-plan50%50%

The off-plan limit applies whatever the purpose, value or type of buyer. Each borrower can claim only one property in the first-home category.

Other CBUAE limits

  • Term: up to 25 years. Each bank sets the maximum age at the last repayment.
  • Debt burden: your total debt repayments can't exceed 50% of your income.
  • Maximum loan: up to 8 times annual income for UAE nationals and 7 times for expatriates.
  • Repayment: from salary or verifiable business or rental income. End-of-service benefits can't be used.

Residents and non-residents

The CBUAE limits distinguish UAE nationals from expatriates. They don't set a separate category for buyers who live outside the UAE. Whether a bank lends to non-residents, and on what terms and documents, is that bank's own policy within these limits. Ask each bank directly, and get its terms in writing.

Registration fees

The DLD charges 0.25% of the mortgage value to register it, plus fixed fees. See the real costs of buying, or try our mortgage calculator.

Official sources

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