02 / FROM THE SOURCESWhat the official documents say.
UAE banks lend to expatriate residents and, increasingly, to non-residents who want to buy property in designated freehold areas. The amount you can borrow is set by the central bank's loan-to-value (LTV) caps.
For a first residential property under AED 5 million, expatriate residents can usually borrow up to 80% of the value, meaning a 20% cash down payment. Above AED 5 million the cap is 70%, and second properties are capped lower.
On top of the deposit, budget for purchase costs of roughly 6-8%: a 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee, a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan, agency commission, and bank arrangement fees.
Banks assess affordability against your income, and monthly repayments generally cannot exceed about half of your monthly income. Most lenders require salary transfer or proof of stable income and set maximum terms of around 25 years.
Buying property worth AED 750,000 or more can support a 2-year renewable residency visa, and AED 2 million or more can qualify the buyer for a 10-year Golden Visa.
03 / THE KEY FACTSThe figures, with their sources.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Max LTV, first home under AED 5M (expat) | 80% | CBUAE mortgage caps |
| Max LTV, property over AED 5M | 70% | CBUAE mortgage caps |
| Typical purchase costs | 6–8% of price | Dubai Land Department |
| DLD transfer fee | 4% | Dubai Land Department |
| Mortgage registration fee | 0.25% of loan | Dubai Land Department |
| Property for 2-year visa | AED 750,000+ | ICP UAE |