Can You Really Own a Dubai Property This Easy? Check These Dubai Mortgage Options

nandmrealestate24
1 day ago
4 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

Dubai Mortgage For Non Residents : Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in 2025

Why 2025 Offers the Best Dubai Mortgage Options for Buyers

Property ownership in Dubai is very much accessible today. Thanks to stable economic conditions, an increase in real estate demand, along with the availability of flexible financing options, a mortgage can now more easily be secured in Dubai in 2025. Whether you're a resident or an expat, allowing the home loan can afford you luxury living and long-term returns on investments.

This blog will guide you through applying for a house loan in Dubai, explain whether a mortgage in Dubai can be taken by non-residents, and exhaustively examine all your options for residents and investors.

What Is a Mortgage in Dubai, and Who Can Apply for It?

A mortgage in Dubai is a financial loan provided by banks or financial institutions, which help a prospective property buyer with purchase. Thus, it allows you to buy a property without paying in full at once.

Applicants eligible to apply include the following:

UAE residents (employed or self-employed)
Non-residents (international investors)
Salaried persons with a regular income
Businesspeople with financial records

Whether you want to get a mortgage loan in Dubai for your very first home or for investment property, there are more options now that banks provide to fit the income and requirements of the individual.

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a Mortgage in Dubai

Allow us to walk you through the whole process of applying for a house loan in Dubai:

1. Check Your Eligibility for a Home Loan in Dubai

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a Mortgage in Dubai

First of all, ensure you are eligible for a home loan in Dubai. Generally banks look out for:

Age limit, usually from 21 to 65
Monthly income, a minimum for residents at an AED 10,000, higher for non-residents
Credit score
Employment status or business stability
Debt-to-income ratio

📌 Tip: Better Credit score gets you a better interest rate on your Dubai mortgage.

2. Choose Between Dubai Fixed or Variable Mortgage

There are two main types of interest structures for Dubai mortgages:

A fixed-rate mortgage is one where the rate remains constant for 1 to 5 years. Good for budgeting.
Whereas on the variable-rate mortgage, the rates fluctuate according to EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate).

Which is better? For non-residents, fixed rates probably offer predictability. Locals with variable income might prefer a floating structure.

3. Know the Down Payment Requirements

You need to make a down payment for a house loan in Dubai. These are according to the Central Bank of the UAE:

For residents: 20 percent for properties below 5 million AED
For non-residents: a minimum of 25 to 30 percent

It’s better if you have your down payment ready before applying for a mortgage loan in Dubai.

4. Select Your Bank for a Dubai Mortgage

There are several top banks with flexible options for home loans in Dubai. Compare before choosing:

Interest rates (ranging as low as 3.5% in 2025)
Tenure of loans (up to 25 years)
Processing fees (generally 1%)

Some top banks for Dubai mortgage for non-residents:

Emirates NBD
Mashreq Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
HSBC (great for international clients)

5. Submit Required Documents for Mortgage in Dubai

Typically residents need to submit:

Emirates ID
Passport copy
Salary certificate or trade license
6 months bank statements
Property documents
Applicants for a Dubai mortgage for non-residents will need:
Valid passport
Proof of income (salary slips, tax returns)
International bank statements
Property reservation form

6. Pre-Approval and Final Approval Process

Once the documents are submitted, you will receive a pre-approval letter (usually valid for 60–90 days), which facilitates property hunting.

Upon sealing the property deal, the bank proceeds with the final approval considering the property for grant of mortgage loan in Dubai.

7. Property Valuation and Final Sale

The bank proceeds for valuation of property (approximately AED 2,500), after which the Dubai Land Department will do the registration. Hurray! You are done.

Want to Know More About Investing in Dubai Real Estate?

Before making a move, Read our guide on What Foreign Buyers Should Know Before Investing in Real Estate in Dubai to get an overview of the market for the international investor.

Dubai Mortgage for Non-Residents: What You Need to Know

If you're an investor from the UK, India, Russia, or anywhere else, then you can apply for a Dubai mortgage for non-residents. Here are the differences:

The loan-to-value ratio is lower (70–75%)
Interest rates are slightly higher
Only selected banks provide services to non-resident buyers
You may have to appear for final signing in Dubai (some banks allow POA)

A tip: Work with developers who are linked to banks as it offers an easier route toward non-resident mortgage approvals.

Mortgage in Dubai for Residents: Extra Perks You Should Know

For UAE residents, the mortgage in Dubai for residents also offers benefits such as:

Higher amounts (up to AED 20M)
Longer tenure (up to 25 years)
Special salary-rated interest rates
Refinancing options at better terms

Today it is largely a subject of choice for many residents: choosing between a monthly mortgage that is often less than rent in prominent areas of Dubai Hills or JVC.

How Much Can You Borrow?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much you can borrow based on income:

Monthly Income	Approx. Loan Eligibility (AED)
AED 15,000	AED 1M – AED 1.3M
AED 25,000	AED 1.8M – AED 2.5M
AED 40,000+	AED 3.5M+

Use a Dubai mortgage calculator for precise estimations.

First-Time Mortgage Buyers' Top Tips in Dubai

Pre-approval should always be obtained before the property search.
Have an emergency fund for closing costs (~7-8% of property value).
Don't borrow beyond your means to repay comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it possible for foreigners to obtain a home loan in Dubai?

Yes, through a few banks that provide non-residents with Dubai mortgages.

Q: What is Dubai's maximum mortgage loan term?

Depending on age and profile, up to 25 years.

Q: Is it preferable to rent in Dubai or buy with a mortgage?

Yes, in many instances; in certain places, mortgage payments may be less than rent.