UAE Property Investment Guide · Updated 2025
Mortgages in the UAE are available to both residents and non-residents, with the Central Bank of UAE setting maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. For expatriate residents, the maximum LTV is 80% for properties under AED 5M and 70% for properties above AED 5M. Non-resident investors (buying from abroad) face a maximum LTV of 75% for properties under AED 5M. First-time buyer UAE nationals can access up to 85% LTV. These ratios mean a minimum 20–25% cash deposit is required.
Interest rates in the UAE are closely tied to the US Federal Reserve benchmark via the UAE Dirham's dollar peg. As of 2025, standard variable mortgage rates range from EIBOR + 1.25% to EIBOR + 2.0%, with fixed-rate periods (1–5 years) available from major banks. ENBD, ADCB, FAB, DIB, and Mashreq are the most active mortgage lenders for expat buyers. Pre-approval typically takes 5–7 working days; full approval 2–4 weeks after property valuation.
Key costs to budget beyond the mortgage down payment: Dubai Land Department transfer fee (4% of purchase price), DLD mortgage registration (0.25% of loan + AED 10), developer NOC fee (AED 500–5,000), and conveyancer/trustee fees (AED 3,000–5,000). Total transaction costs for a mortgaged purchase typically run 5–7% of the property price. Off-plan mortgages follow different rules — many banks require 50% construction completion before releasing funds.
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