UAE mortgage & property guides
Clear, accurate explainers for buyers in the UAE — every figure sourced from the Central Bank of the UAE and Dubai Land Department, and linked to a free calculator so you can run your own numbers.
What is the minimum salary for a mortgage in Dubai?
No, the Central Bank does not set a minimum salary. We break down the real bank thresholds — and why your Debt Burden Ratio matters far more than your headline pay.
Read guide →Can expats and non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?
Expats can borrow up to 80% and non-residents typically 60–65%. Here is how the deposit, salary and rate rules differ, and what documents you need.
Read guide →How much deposit do you need for a UAE mortgage?
Your deposit is set by the Central Bank LTV caps — from 15% for nationals to 50% for off-plan. Here is the full table and what counts as your "cash to close".
Read guide →The UAE mortgage stress test, explained
The Central Bank requires banks to check you can still pay if rates rise 2–4%. That is why you qualify against a higher payment than you actually make — here is how it works.
Read guide →The true cost of buying property in Dubai
The deposit is only half the story. Budget another 6–8% for the DLD fee, registration, agency commission and mortgage costs — here is every line, verified against the DLD.
Read guide →Mortgage pre-approval in Dubai: how it works
A pre-approval is a bank’s written confirmation of how much you can borrow. Here is how to get one, the documents required, and why it makes you a stronger buyer.
Read guide →Fixed vs variable mortgage rates in the UAE
Fixed gives you certainty for a few years; variable tracks EIBOR. Here is how to choose — and why the bank stress-tests you against the post-intro rate regardless.
Read guide →Getting a mortgage when self-employed in the UAE
Business owners can absolutely get UAE mortgages — the assessment just looks at your accounts, not a salary slip. Here is what banks want and how to prepare.
Read guide →Islamic home finance vs a conventional mortgage in the UAE
Islamic finance avoids interest (riba) using lease- or partnership-based structures. The Central Bank LTV and DBR rules still apply — here is how the two compare.
Read guide →How to buy property in Dubai: a step-by-step guide
From setting your budget to the keys in your hand: the full Dubai buying process — pre-approval, the MoU (Form F), the NOC, the deposit, and the DLD transfer.
Read guide →First-time property buyer in Dubai: the complete guide
Everything a first-time buyer needs: how much deposit and cash you really need, the Central Bank rules in your favour, and the traps to avoid.
Read guide →The Dubai Golden Visa through property: how it works
An AED 2 million property can earn you a 10-year renewable Golden Visa — even on a mortgage. Here is how the property route works and what to check.
Read guide →Refinancing your UAE mortgage (buyout): is it worth it?
A buyout moves your loan to a cheaper rate or releases equity. Here are the costs, the Central Bank fee caps, and how to tell if refinancing actually saves you money.
Read guide →Dubai service charges: the ongoing cost of owning
Owning isn’t just the mortgage. Service charges — billed per sq ft through RERA’s Mollak system — are a real annual cost. Here is how they work and how to budget.
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