Mortgages, explained plainly.

Yes, we can help non-resident buyers explore the lenders that consider applications from outside the UAE. Criteria are typically stricter than for residents.

Not automatically. Lenders assess off-plan and near-handover properties project by project, often considering the stage of construction. We can check what may be available for a specific unit.

Under the Central Bank of the UAE rules, the maximum tenor of a mortgage loan is 25 years. Lenders can set shorter terms, and they also decide the maximum age at the final repayment. See the repayment and affordability guide.

The maximum loan-to-value depends on your nationality category and the property value. For expatriates buying their first owner-occupied home, the Central Bank sets 80% below AED 5 million and 70% above it. For UAE nationals the figures are 85% and 75%. Lenders can apply lower limits. Read loan-to-value limits explained.

The Central Bank caps the debt burden ratio at 50% of gross salary and regular income. Lenders also stress test the loan 2 to 4 percentage points above the current rate. Existing loans and credit card commitments reduce the amount available for a new mortgage.

No. The Central Bank rules say repayments must come from salary or verifiable business or rental income, and end-of-service benefit cannot be used.

The sale transfer fee is 4% of the property value, and registering a mortgage costs 0.25% of the mortgage value. Other administrative and trustee charges also apply. The full list of purchase costs is explained with a worked example.

For home loans, the Central Bank caps early or partial settlement fees at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is less. Your loan schedule shows the fee that applies to your contract. See the balance transfer article.

Yes. Lenders must obtain an independent on-site valuation from a suitably qualified third party before they commit to lend. The valuation can come in below the price you agree to pay.

No. An initial enquiry only needs a few details about your plans and how to contact you. We will explain which documents a lender needs if and when you decide to proceed.

An enquiry is a conversation with us. A pre-approval is issued by a bank after it has reviewed your application, and it is usually conditional and time-limited.

It depends on your circumstances, the property and the lender. We will give you a realistic view once we understand your situation, and keep you updated throughout.

No. Approval decisions are made by lenders. Our role is to help you understand your options, prepare a clear application and coordinate the process.

No. It is an illustrative estimate based on the figures you enter. Rates, fees and the amount a bank will lend are set by the lender after its own assessment.