Aug 24, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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