Aug 28, 2025
Everyone has an opinion about Dubai. Some say it’s expensive. Others say it’s manageable if you plan it right.
The truth is somewhere in between. The cost of living in Dubai depends on how you live, where you live, and what you’re willing to spend on comfort.
This guide won’t give you one perfect number, but it will provide you with a real picture. What it costs to get by. What it takes to live well. And how does the cost of living in Dubai per month change if you’re coming here on your own or with a family?
If you’re living alone in Dubai, you can expect to spend somewhere between AED 7,000 and 12,000 a month. That covers rent, food, transport, and basic bills, nothing fancy, but nothing too tight either.
If you’re more frugal, it can go lower. If you eat out often or live alone in a bigger place, it’ll go higher. This is the typical Dubai living cost per month for one person.
For families, it’s a different scale. A couple with two children will typically spend AED 20,000 to 35,000 per month, depending on their location, the children's school, and the level of assistance required at home.
The Dubai living cost for a family comes with more layers but also more stability. There’s no single answer, but if you’re trying to plan for living expenses in Dubai for a single person or a household, this is the range most people fall into.
Most people don’t realize how fast the basics add up until they get here.
Rent is usually the biggest piece that can take anywhere from a third to half of your monthly income, depending on where you live. A studio in an outer area might cost AED 3,000 to 5,000, while a two-bedroom in a central spot can easily hit AED 10,000 or more.
Then there’s utilities, electricity, water, and cooling, usually between AED 500 and 1,200, depending on the season. Internet costs around AED 300 a month.
Living expenses in Dubai, like groceries, can vary too: AED 800 to 1,200 for one person, and closer to AED 3,000 to 4,000 for a family.
Transport depends on your setup you’re using the metro, it’s affordable. If you’re driving, expect fuel, parking, and maintenance.
The cost of living in Dubai isn’t always dramatic, but it adds up quietly. Not painfully steadily.
If you’re on your own, you can keep things simple. A small flat. Groceries for one. A MetroCard. You make the choices, and you live with them. Some months cost more, some less, but it’s manageable.
That’s why the average cost of living in Dubai for a single person often stays within reach. With a family, it’s different. You don’t just spend more, you have fewer shortcuts. Rent gets higher. School fees come in. Groceries double, sometimes triple. And even if you’re careful, the living expenses in Dubai for a family add up fast.
That doesn’t mean it’s not doable. It just means the numbers shift because life does, too.
It depends on what “comfortable” means to you.
Some people feel fine spending AED 8,000 a month in a studio, cooking at home, taking the metro, and living simply. Others won’t feel settled without a spare room, a car, a school nearby, and a bit of help at home.
If you're alone, AED 15,000 gives you room to breathe. If you're a couple, AED 25,000 covers most things without stress. For a family, AED 35,000 is where comfort starts to feel real.
The average cost of living in Dubai shifts based on what you expect from life and what you’re willing to give up. You can spend less. Many people do. But if you want a life that isn’t tight every month, that’s the range most people aim for. Because the cost of living in Dubai isn’t just a number. It’s a decision.
Dubai looks smooth on the surface, but living here comes with pressures that don’t always show up in a budget. Rents go up. Groceries creep higher. And salaries don’t always keep pace.
If you’re in a midlevel job, you might feel squeezed in ways that don’t make sense on paper. Then there’s the lifestyle part. Everyone seems to be spending more on nicer cars, nicer restaurants, and weekend getaways. You don’t have to join in, but it’s hard not to feel it. That’s what makes the cost of living in Dubai tricky.
It’s not just what you pay, it’s what you feel you need to keep up with. And that’s where the average cost of living in Dubai can be misleading. It doesn’t always reflect the pressure people actually feel.
Mada Properties isn’t flashy. We’re not the loudest name in the market and we’re not trying to be.
What we do is simple: we help people figure out where they belong. Whether you’re new to Dubai or just trying to find something that feels right, we take the time to listen, really listen, and walk you through it without pushing. From rent to schools to the cost of living in Dubai, we help you see the full picture before making a move.
We’re the kind of company where you don’t feel like a lead. You feel like someone we actually want to help.
Whether you are looking for a cozy studio, a stylish apartment, or a profitable investment property, Mada Properties offers a wide range of options to match your needs and budget. Explore the best rental and investment opportunities in Dubai with diverse properties designed to suit every lifestyle.
Living in Dubai can be expensive. It can also be manageable.
It all depends on how you live, what you need, and what you’re willing to let go of. No one number fits everyone. But once you understand the cost of living in Dubai, where the money goes, and what kind of life you want, it gets easier to plan for it.
The city moves fast. Prices shift. And living expenses in Dubai can surprise you if you’re not ready. But with the right expectations and the right support, you can make it work on your terms.
In real estate, knowledge is everything.Our blog offers timely insights on real estate investment in Dubai, market analysis, legal updates, and tips to guide your property journey.
27 Aug, 2025
Before you fall in love with a villa view or bookmark a property in Dubai Marina, there’s one number that deserves your full attention: your salary.
More specifically, whether it meets the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai. Because no matter how ready you feel to buy, the first thing banks will look at is your monthly income.
Whether you're a resident or an expat, knowing the minimum salary for a home loan helps set realistic expectations from the start.
There’s no universal figure that applies to everyone, but understanding the minimum income for a home loan and how it shifts depending on your background saves you time, stress, and costly surprises.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what banks typically require, how the rules change for expats, and what kind of property you can afford based on your income, even if you're just wondering about the minimum salary to buy a house in the UAE.
A mortgage in Dubai doesn’t begin with the property. It begins with your payslip.
Before any talk of approvals or loan terms, banks want to see one thing: a stable, reliable income. That’s what determines how much they’ll lend and whether they’ll lend at all.
The minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai plays a central role in that decision. While the minimum salary for a home loan can vary between banks, the logic behind it stays the same. Lenders want to know you can handle monthly payments without stretching yourself too thin.
That’s where your minimum income for a home loan becomes more than a number; it’s a reflection of financial trustworthiness, not in theory, but in practice.
Most banks in Dubai don’t publish one clear rule for who qualifies and who doesn’t. But over time, a pattern starts to show.
If you're earning AED 15,000 a month, you're generally in the range where banks start to take you seriously, especially when it comes to the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai.
Some might consider a little less, particularly for UAE nationals, while others could ask for more depending on your job, history, or the property you're eyeing.
That makes the minimum salary for home loan approval less of a fixed number and more of a comfort zone. And if your minimum income for home loan eligibility falls below that range, the process becomes harder, even if it’s not entirely out of reach.
There’s no single rule that applies everywhere, but here’s the honest version: most banks in Dubai want to see at least AED 15,000 coming in every month before they’ll consider a mortgage application.
That figure has come to represent the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai, especially for expats applying alone.
Some banks might accept a bit less if you’re a UAE national. Others may stretch the rules if you’ve been with the same employer for years or have a strong credit score.
Still, AED 15K is generally the minimum salary for home loan eligibility across the board. Below that, the door doesn’t always shut, but it does get harder to walk through.
Not all banks play by the same rules, but most follow the same logic. Here’s a quick look at what some of the major lenders typically expect regarding the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai, especially for expats:
These figures aren’t carved in stone; they shift depending on the property, your job title, and whether you're applying solo or jointly.
But if your minimum salary to buy a house falls short of AED 15K, most of these doors will stay closed or only open halfway.
If you're an expat, the bar is a little higher. Not impossible, just stricter. Most banks will want to see at least AED 15,000 coming in every month.
That’s where the process usually starts. It’s what many consider the minimum salary for home loan in UAE for expats, and it lines up with the broader minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai.
Below that, you might still qualify-but only with a bigger down payment, tighter terms, or fewer banks willing to play ball.
And if you’re not living in the UAE at all, just investing from abroad-you’ll need even more. A higher minimum income for home loan, a larger upfront payment, and fewer financing options. The offers exist. They’re just harder to reach.
If you’re earning AED 15,000 a month, you’re not priced out of the market, but you won’t have your pick of the city either.
That number is often the minimum salary to buy a house through financing in Dubai. At that level, you’re mostly looking at studios and small one-bedroom apartments, in places like JVC, Liwan, or parts of Dubailand.
If your income climbs to AED 30,000 or more, you can start considering townhouses in newer communities. Villas? That usually takes something closer to AED 40,000 to 50,000 a month-sometimes more, depending on the location.
It’s not just about the property price. It’s about what the bank thinks you can handle, month to month. And that’s the part most people overlook when they start browsing listings.
Even if your salary checks out, there are a few things that can still stop the process.
If you’re already paying off loans or credit cards, the bank will look at how much of your income is left over, and if the math doesn’t work, they’ll say no. It’s not just about hitting the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai-it’s about the full picture.
Some banks won’t consider you unless you’ve been with your employer for at least six months. Others want a year.
If you’re self-employed, expect more questions, more paperwork, and sometimes a higher minimum income for home loan approval. It’s not about making it harder. It’s about making sure you can actually afford the loan once it’s yours.
If you ask around, you’ll hear the same thing over and over: AED 15,000 a month is the bare minimum to even be considered. Some people earning less have tried, but most end up turned away or offered deals that don’t make much sense.
A few manage it with help from a co-applicant, or by putting down a huge deposit, but that’s not the norm. The system isn’t built to flex much. And while the ads make it all sound easy, the truth is, most people need to earn a steady, decent income before a mortgage becomes realistic.
Mada Properties helps people make smarter real estate decisions without the pressure and without the noise.
Whether you’re buying your first home or investing from abroad, our team brings real insight to the table, not just listings. They guide you through every step from understanding the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai to comparing neighborhoods to navigating bank approvals. They work across ready and off-plan properties in Dubai and stay involved long after the papers are signed.
It’s not just about finding a place to live. It’s about finding the right move for now, and for what’s next.
Contact us today to schedule your free real estate consultation and take the first step toward finding your perfect property.
There’s no official rule carved in stone, but in practice, most people need to earn at least AED 15,000 a month to qualify for financing.
That figure is often seen as the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai. Some get approved with less. Others don’t, even when they meet the number. It depends on the bank, the paperwork, and everything else you’ve got on your plate.
That’s why it helps to understand your position early, whether you’re checking your minimum income for home loan eligibility or just wondering if you’ve reached the minimum salary to buy a house. The goal isn’t just to get approved. The goal is to take on something you can actually afford-and feel good about for years to come.
26 Aug, 2025
If you’re thinking about buying a home in the UAE, the first number you need isn’t the property price-it’s your monthly payment. And that’s where a good UAE mortgage calculator comes in.
Whether you're a resident exploring new options, a non-resident looking at Dubai from abroad, or simply comparing interest rates and loan terms, using a tool like a mortgage calculator Dubai can help you figure out what you can afford before you even talk to a bank.
More than just a rough estimate, today’s home loan calculators in the UAE take into account things like your income, loan tenure, down payment, and even your residency status. And for non-residents especially, a Dubai mortgage calculator for non-residents can offer clarity on how much upfront cash you’ll need-and how the rules differ from locals.
It’s not about getting the exact number. It’s about understanding what’s realistic for you, based on the way things work here.
There’s a difference between wanting a property and being ready to finance one. A UAE mortgage calculator helps bridge that gap quietly, clearly, and without pressure.
At its core, a mortgage calculator is a planning tool. It gives you an early look at what your monthly payments could look like, based on your down payment, interest rate, and loan term. It doesn’t lock you into anything-but it helps you move from a vague budget to something grounded.
If you're using a mortgage calculator in Dubai, it can also help you prepare for additional fees and cost structures that are specific to the UAE market-like upfront payment caps and variable rates between banks.
And for those using a home loan calculator in the UAE for the first time, it’s often a reality check. Sometimes it confirms that you’re ready. Other times, it shows you what needs to change-more savings, a longer term, or a smaller property-for the numbers to work.
The point isn’t perfection. It’s clarity. And that can change everything.
A UAE mortgage calculator doesn’t guess-it works off the details you give it. And the more accurate you are, the more useful the results become.
The key inputs are simple:
Most home loan calculators in the UAE will also factor in standard fees, like the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee and mortgage registration charges, to give you a more realistic picture of total upfront costs, not just monthly payments.
If you’re using a Dubai mortgage calculator for non-residents, it may also reflect tighter rules, like lower LTV (loan-to-value) caps and higher required down payments. That’s especially important if you’re buying from abroad, where financing terms can be stricter.
Behind the numbers, tools like these quietly apply debt burden ratio (DBR) and LTV limits set by UAE mortgage regulations. So while the calculator isn’t the final decision-maker, it’s built on the same logic banks use when deciding how much to lend.
And knowing that ahead of time? That’s power.
Explore More: Can You Mortgage Off-Plan Property in Dubai?
Not every buyer sees the same numbers, and a good UAE mortgage calculator reflects that.
If you're a UAE resident, the calculator will usually assume a lower down payment and a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio-up to 75% in most cases. It may also suggest slightly better interest rates and longer loan terms, depending on your income and profile.
For UAE nationals, the picture looks even more flexible. Many banks offer up to 80% financing, and some calculators are designed to reflect special programs or rate benefits available only to citizens.
But if you’re a non-resident, the story shifts. Most Dubai mortgage calculators for non-residents apply stricter terms by default, requiring a higher down payment, capping financing at around 50–60%, and offering shorter loan tenures. Some may not include fee financing either, since that’s often off-limits for buyers outside the UAE.
What matters is that the calculator adjusts to your situation. The more honest you are with the inputs, the more useful the results will be-because what works for someone else might not fit your file at all.
Explore More: UAE Mortgage Rules 2025 | What Changed and What to Expect
If you live outside the UAE but are looking to invest in Dubai property, a mortgage calculator isn’t just helpful-it’s essential. It gives you a first glimpse into what the process might look like, long before you speak to a bank.
Most tools-especially a well-designed Dubai mortgage calculator for non-residents, reflect the core differences you’ll face. You’ll likely see a higher required down payment, often around 40–50%, and more conservative loan options. The interest rate may be slightly higher, too, depending on your home country and financial profile.
What these calculators do well is set expectations. You’ll see how your status affects your borrowing capacity, and how much liquidity you’ll need upfront-not just for the property, but for fees and regulatory costs that must be paid in full.
It’s not about finding exact figures. It’s about preparing for a process that looks a little different when you're buying from afar. A UAE mortgage calculator can’t guarantee approval-but it can save you from making assumptions that don’t match reality.
Explore More: How Many Mortgages Can You Have in Dubai?
A UAE mortgage calculator is a powerful tool-but only if you use it the right way. And for many buyers, the missteps don’t come from bad intentions. They come from small assumptions that don’t quite match how the system works here.
The first mistake? Ignoring the fees. Many calculators focus on monthly payments alone, but forget that upfront costs-like the DLD transfer fee, registration, and broker commission-can add up to 6–7% of the property price. If the calculator you’re using doesn’t include those, it’s only telling part of the story.
Another common slip is assuming the bank will cover everything. Especially for non-residents, many of the costs must be paid out-of-pocket. Using a Dubai mortgage calculator for non-residents without adjusting for that can give a false sense of affordability.
And finally, some buyers input the loan amount they want, not what the bank is likely to approve. That’s where understanding your DBR (Debt Burden Ratio) and LTV limits comes in-because calculators are only as honest as the numbers you feed them.
So if the results seem too good to be true, pause. Recheck the details. Because clarity at this stage will save you time and stress later on.
A UAE mortgage calculator isn’t just a numbers tool-it’s a planning companion. But to get real value from it, you need to treat it as more than a one-time check.
Start by trying different scenarios. What happens if you increase your down payment by 5%? What if you shorten the loan term? These small adjustments can make a big difference just in your monthly payment, but in how much interest you pay over time.
Use the home loan calculator UAE tools that let you factor in fees. The best ones don’t just give you the monthly figure-they show you what to expect upfront. That’s especially useful in Dubai, where one-time costs are a big part of the picture.
If you're a non-resident, make sure the Dubai mortgage calculator you’re using is designed for your situation. Look for tools that ask about residency, income currency, or property type. If it doesn’t ask those questions, it might be painting too broad a picture.
And once you’ve played with the numbers, don’t stop there. A calculator can show you what’s possible. But a mortgage advisor can tell you what’s likely, based on current lender policies, market trends, and your specific profile.
Use the calculator to prepare. Use people to decide.
Invest Now: properties for sale in UAE
A UAE mortgage calculator won’t make decisions for you, but it will make things clearer. And when you're dealing with something as big as a home loan, that clarity matters.
It helps you see what’s possible before you start applying. It shows you the impact of every number-how your down payment shifts your monthly payment, how interest adds up over time, and where the hidden costs live.
If you’re a resident, it helps you plan with context. If you're a non-resident, it gives you a window into a process that can feel far away. And no matter who you are, it saves you from walking in blind.
So take a few minutes. Try the numbers. Adjust the sliders. Don’t just ask “can I afford this property? ”ask how. And when you’re ready to take the next step, you’ll do it with your eyes open.
At Mada Properties, we know that the best decisions don’t start with listings-they start with clarity. That’s why we help our clients look beyond the price tag and into the full financial picture.
Whether you're a first-time buyer using a UAE mortgage calculator to explore your options, or a non-resident trying to understand what financing looks like from abroad, we’re here to guide-not rush-you through it.
We’ll help you compare real numbers, factor in fees, and make sense of the small details that change the big picture. And when you're ready, we’ll connect you with trusted advisors who understand not just the market-but your side of the story.
Because the right property only matters when it fits the life you're building. And we’re here to help you build it wisely.
They’re a reliable guide-but not a guarantee. Your actual loan offer will depend on your income, credit profile, and bank policies.
Most are similar, but mortgage calculators in Dubai often include local fees like the 4% DLD transfer fee and apply Dubai-specific market assumptions.
Yes, but use one built for your status. A Dubai mortgage calculator for non-residents will show stricter terms and higher upfront requirements.
Some do. Look for a home loan calculator in the UAE that includes DLD fees, valuation, and registration to get the full picture.
Not exactly. It shows what’s possible. For a real answer, you’ll need pre-approval or a chat with a mortgage advisor.
24 Aug, 2025
If you’re planning to buy property in the UAE, you’ve likely come across the phrase UAE mortgage rules-and maybe felt a bit overwhelmed. As of February 1, 2025, the Central Bank tightened the rules: buyers must now pay fees like the 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee and 2% real estate brokerage fee on their own, because banks no longer wrap them into home loans
In this guide, we’re breaking down the mortgage rules in Dubai and across the explaining LTV limits, debt burden ratios, term caps, and who qualifies. You’ll also learn how these UAE mortgage rules changes will affect affordability, buyer behavior, and where to turn for smarter financing. Whether you’re an expat looking for Dubai mortgage rules that fit your budget-or a UAE national weighing property, this is the roadmap to what comes next.
In early 2025, the UAE mortgage rules changed in a way that’s easy to miss-but hard to ignore once you start planning your budget.
Until recently, many banks would finance not just your property, but also the extra fees that come with like the Dubai Land Department’s 4% transfer fee, the 2% broker commission, and other transaction costs. That meant a buyer with limited liquidity could still move forward, as long as the property value supported the loan.
But under the new rules, these extras are off the table. The Central Bank now prohibits banks from covering those costs as part of the mortgage. You still get financing for the property, but you’ll need to handle the rest from your pocket.
For most buyers, that means setting aside an extra 6% to 7% of the property value on top of your down payment. It’s a shift toward more responsible lending-and one that aligns UAE practices with what’s standard in mature global markets. But for anyone hoping to stretch their mortgage to cover everything, it’s a reality check.
Explore More: How Many Mortgages Can You Have in Dubai?
Buying property in Dubai isn’t just about the price tag-it’s about everything wrapped around it. And if you’re relying on a mortgage, you’ll need to understand what you’re signing up for.
Beyond the down payment, buyers in Dubai are expected to cover several mandatory fees. These include the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, typically 4% of the property value, a 2% broker commission, a trustee registration fee, mortgage registration, and a valuation fee. Add it all up, and you’re often looking at an extra 6–7% in upfront costs-and that’s before your first mortgage payment even begins.
These costs aren’t hidden. They’re standard, regulated, and part of what makes Dubai mortgage rules transparent-but they can catch buyers off guard if they’re not prepared. And with the recent changes, lenders won’t be covering these anymore. That shifts more responsibility onto the buyer-especially first-timers or expats unfamiliar with mortgage rules in Dubai.
So before you start shopping for properties, make sure you’re also budgeting for the full picture-not just the sticker price.
Whether you're buying your first home or your third, the UAE has clear rules about how much you can borrow-and how much you need to bring in yourself.
Let’s start with the basics. The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio determines what percentage of the property value a bank will finance. Under current UAE mortgage rules, the limits depend on two things: your residency status and whether it’s your first or second property.
For UAE nationals, banks will typically finance:
For expatriates, the numbers are slightly lower:
And if you're buying off-plan Mortgage in Dubai, expect even tighter rules: a flat 50% LTV cap, regardless of your nationality or property count.
Another key number is your Debt Burden Ratio (DBR). In most cases, your total monthly debt payments-including your new mortgage-can’t exceed 50% of your monthly income. And the total mortgage amount can’t be more than seven times your annual income if you're an expat, or eight times if you're a UAE national.
These numbers might feel like limits, but in practice, they’re a guide-a way to keep buyers from going too far, too fast.
If you're an expat thinking about buying in Dubai, the good news is this: over the past few years, UAE mortgage rules have quietly become more welcoming.
Banks today are offering longer mortgage tenures, lower interest rates, and more flexible approval processes than they did just a few years ago. Many lenders now provide pre-approval within 24 to 48 hours, and some even allow partial document submissions online to get the process moving faster.
The most noticeable change? Lower minimum down payments for expats in certain cases, especially if you’re buying through a large developer with special agreements in place. That means more doors are opening, not just for high-net-worth investors, but for salaried professionals who want to build something permanent in the UAE.
Of course, the core mortgage rules in Dubai still apply. Your debt ratio, income stability, and LTV cap will always play a role. But the landscape is shifting. More banks are competing for expat clients. More developers are offering post-handover payment plans. And more residents are seeing property not just as a luxury-but as a smart, stable, long-term move.
Invest Now: Commercial Properties For Sale in Dubai
Not all changes to UAE mortgage rules are about restrictions. Some are about speed-and this one’s a game changer.
In a move to simplify the mortgage process, the UAE introduced a fully digital mortgage release system that can be completed in just one business day. What used to take a week-or sometimes longer-can now be handled through smart contracts and integrated platforms between banks, the Dubai Land Department, and relevant authorities.
For buyers and sellers alike, this means less paperwork, fewer in-person visits, and fewer delays when closing a deal. It also makes things easier for expats who might be managing transactions from abroad or under time pressure.
This shift reflects something bigger: while Dubai mortgage rules are getting tighter in some areas, the broader system is getting smarter. Efficiency and accountability now go hand in hand-and that’s good news for anyone looking to buy, sell, or refinance.
So what do all these UAE mortgage rules mean when you're actually preparing to buy?
First, be ready with more cash upfront. With banks no longer financing fees like DLD transfer and broker commission, buyers now need to cover an extra 6–7% of the property price out of pocket. For many, that changes the timeline. It’s no longer just about saving for a down payment-it’s about being fully liquid before you even apply.
Second, the new landscape makes off-plan properties more attractive-especially for expats. Developers often waive registration fees, offer flexible post-handover payment plans, or assist with bank partnerships. That can ease some of the pressure, but it also shifts the focus from just price to structure.
Third, don’t go it alone. Mortgage rules in Dubai aren’t overly complex, but they do change, and they vary from one lender to another. A mortgage advisor can help you compare offers, explain the fine print, and make sure you’re not caught off guard halfway through the process.
The key takeaway? Plan early. Know your numbers. And choose a path that fits not just the market-but your real life.
Invest now: off plan properties for sale in Dubai
You don’t need to be a finance expert to understand UAE mortgage rules-but you do need to be prepared.
Start by looking at your full budget, not just the down payment. With fees like the DLD transfer and broker commission no longer included in the mortgage, you’ll need to cover more upfront. For some buyers, that changes the timeline. For others, it’s just about being more intentional.
Before you go too far, talk to someone who knows the current lending landscape. A mortgage advisor can help you check your eligibility, explain what’s possible based on your income and existing obligations, and walk you through what banks are offering now, not last year.
You’ll also want to think about what kind of property suits your situation. Off-plan units, for example, often come with incentives like fee waivers or post-handover payment plans-especially helpful if you’re trying to manage cash flow.
And when it’s time to close, don’t forget that the one-day mortgage release system now makes things faster and simpler. A long process doesn’t have to feel slow anymore.
The rules are here to protect you. The challenge is knowing how to work with them, not around them.
At Mada Properties, we believe real estate decisions should feel solid-not rushed, not confusing, and never out of reach.
We work with buyers from all walks of life-UAE nationals, long-time residents, and expats taking their first step into the market. And we don’t just show you listings. We help you understand the numbers, the mortgage rules in Dubai, and what it really takes to move from curiosity to ownership.
Whether you’re navigating a second mortgage, comparing off-plan options, or trying to make sense of changing fees, we’re here for the questions most people don’t know how to ask.
Because good property advice isn’t about pressure-it’s about perspective. And that’s what we try to offer, every step of the way.
There’s no shortage of rules when it comes to buying property in the UAE-but that’s not a bad thing. If anything, these updated UAE mortgage rules are a sign of a maturing market-one that values financial responsibility, transparency, and long-term stability.
Yes, the upfront costs are higher now. Yes, the process asks more of you. But what you get in return is a clearer path, faster systems, and a better sense of what you’re walking into.
If you're serious about buying, don’t just focus on what you can borrow. Focus on what you can carry comfortably. Know your numbers, ask questions, and don’t rush through decisions that are meant to last.
The mortgage rules aren’t here to block you. They’re here to protect you-from overpromising banks, from shaky developers, and sometimes from yourself.
And in a market that’s moving fast, that kind of protection isn’t a hurdle. It’s a gift.
Banks can no longer finance DLD and brokerage fees. Buyers must pay these separately.
Up to 80% for nationals and 75% for expats on first homes. Lower for second properties and off-plan units.
Yes. Expats must meet LTV and DBR requirements like all buyers, with slightly stricter limits.
DBR (Debt Burden Ratio) limits your total monthly debt to 50% of your income. It’s key to loan approval.
Not anymore. Under new UAE mortgage rules, all transaction fees must be paid upfront by the buyer.
Thanks to new digital systems, mortgage release in Dubai can now happen in just one business day.