Mortgage Loans in Dubai: Interest Rates, Requirements, and More
Dubai is one of the most popular destinations in the world for expatriates and investors who want to buy property. The Emirates offers a strong economy, a business-friendly environment, and modern amenities that attract foreigners from around the globe.
One of the most common ways to purchase property in Dubai is through a mortgage loan. Mortgages allow buyers to finance a property over time rather than paying the full amount upfront. For many, this makes Dubai’s high-end real estate market more accessible and affordable.
In this guide, we will explain the benefits, types, and requirements of getting a mortgage in Dubai. We will also share some useful tips and resources to help you find the best mortgage deal for your needs.
Why Get a Mortgage in Dubai?
There are several reasons why getting a mortgage in Dubai is a smart and feasible option for expats and investors. Here are some of the main benefits:
- High demand for property: Dubai has a vision to become a global hub for business, tourism, and finance. This drives housing demand from expats seeking homes and investors seeking rental income and capital gains from rising property values. According to the Dubai Land Department, the total value of real estate transactions in Dubai reached AED 72.5 billion in the first quarter of 2021, a 43% increase from the same period in 20201.
- Competitive interest rates: Banks and mortgage companies in Dubai offer competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms tailored to expats and investors. Mortgage rates are low compared to many other global cities. For example, the average interest rate for a 25-year mortgage in Dubai is around 3.5%, while in London it is around 4.5% and in New York it is around 5%2.
- Robust regulatory framework: The government has instituted policies and procedures that enable banks to provide financing while also monitoring market risk. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) regulates the mortgage market and sets the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, loan tenures, and fees for different types of borrowers and properties. The CBUAE also introduced a 5% increase in LTV ratios in March 2020 to support the real estate sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic3. This oversight gives buyers confidence in the mortgage market.
What Types of Mortgages are Available in Dubai?
There are several types of mortgages available for home buyers in Dubai. The main options are:
Islamic Home Financing
Under Islamic law, charging interest is prohibited. Islamic home financing works differently than conventional mortgages. The bank purchases the property and then sells it to the customer at an agreed-upon marked-up price to be paid in installments. The bank retains ownership until all payments are made.
Conventional Mortgages
With a conventional mortgage, the bank lends money for the purchase of the property and charges interest on the loan. This is the most common type of home financing in Dubai.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term, typically 25 years. Monthly payments do not change, providing predictability.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
ARMs have interest rates that fluctuate based on market conditions. The rate is fixed for an initial period, then adjusts periodically. Monthly payments go up and down accordingly. ARMs allow buyers to qualify for larger loan amounts.
What are the Eligibility and Requirements for Getting a Mortgage in Dubai?
To qualify for a mortgage loan in Dubai, there are several key eligibility criteria you must meet:
Minimum Salary
Most lenders require a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month to qualify for a mortgage. Some banks may approve loans for incomes as low as AED 15,000 per month, but the options will be more limited. The higher your income, the more mortgage amount you can qualify for.
Down Payment
A down payment of 25-30% of the property value is usually required for expatriates buying property in Dubai. UAE nationals may qualify for a mortgage with a lower down payment of 15-20% in some cases. Having a larger down payment percentage can help you secure a lower interest rate.
Age
You generally need to be at least 21 years old to apply for a mortgage in Dubai. Most lenders have a maximum age limit of 60 or 65 years old at the time the mortgage expires. This ensures you are able to work and repay the loan during its full tenure.
Residency Status
Both residents and non-residents can qualify for Dubai mortgages. As a non-resident, you usually need a higher down payment of around 50%. Residency visa holders have more mortgage options available.
Lenders will verify your residency status and visa validity during the application process. Most require applicants to have a valid UAE residence visa. Some banks may approve loans for people on visit visas in certain cases.
Interest Rates
Interest rates on mortgage loans in Dubai can vary significantly depending on the type of mortgage, the lender, and market conditions. Generally speaking, interest rates in Dubai tend to be higher than many other global financial centers.
Current Rates
As of 2022, average interest rates on mortgages in Dubai range from 4% to 8% depending on the mortgage product. Fixed rate mortgages tend to have higher interest rates, around 6-8%, while adjustable rate mortgages have lower teaser rates starting around 4-5%. Rates are often higher for non-residents and those borrowing in foreign currencies.
Trends
Interest rates in Dubai have been on a downward trend for the past decade, falling from over 10% to current levels. This has been driven by low global interest rates, competition among lenders in the UAE market, and ample liquidity. However, rates may start to rise again with global tightening of monetary policy.
Factors Influencing Rates
Some of the key factors that impact mortgage rates in Dubai are:
- The peg of the Dirham to the US Dollar – Dollar interest rates influence UAE rates
- UAE Central Bank rate policy and liquidity in the banking system
- Global interest rate environment and monetary policy of major central banks
- Credit profile of the borrower – those with higher credit scores get lower rates
- Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio – lower LTV means lower risk and hence lower rate
- Mortgage product – fixed vs adjustable, loan terms, fees, etc
So in summary, interest rates can vary substantially based on individual circumstances but the overall rate environment is shaped by monetary policy, currency pegs, and global financial conditions. Doing research and shopping around is critical to get the best rates.
Fees and Costs
When taking out a mortgage in Dubai, there are several fees and costs to be aware of.
Application Fees
Most banks will charge an application fee to process your mortgage request. This is usually around AED 500-1000. The fee may be waived for certain customers opening a new bank account, or reduced for existing customers. This helps cover the bank’s administrative costs for assessing your application.
Valuation Fees
Lenders will require a property valuation report to determine the property’s current market value and loan-to-value ratio. Expect to pay around AED 2,500-3,500 for this valuation fee. The bank will arrange for a certified valuer to inspect the property.
Registration Costs
There are certain registration fees required when taking out a mortgage in Dubai. The land department registration fee is 4% of the loan amount. There is also a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount. Legal fees may apply as well if using a lawyer to register the mortgage. Transfer fees apply if purchasing a property with a mortgage. Overall, factor in about 5-6% of the loan amount for various mortgage registration costs.
Knowing the full costs and fees will help borrowers budget appropriately when applying for a Dubai mortgage. Fees can add up, so it’s important to account for these expenses. With the proper preparation, borrowers can avoid any surprises during the mortgage process.
Loan Amounts
The maximum loan amount that can be borrowed depends on several factors like income, property value, and loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.
- The maximum LTV ratio allowed is 80% for first time home buyers. This means if the property value is AED 1 million, the maximum loan amount would be AED 800,000.
- For second or third time home buyers, the maximum LTV ratio is 70%.
- The loan amount is also calculated based on the borrower’s income. Banks generally allow a maximum of 40-50% of gross monthly income to go towards loan repayments.
- Those with higher incomes can qualify for larger loan amounts, while meeting the LTV criteria. Self-employed borrowers may get lower loan amounts compared to salaried employees.
- Besides income and LTV ratio, factors like age, nationality, years of experience also determine the final loan amount approved.
- Overall, for a AED 1 million property, a first time buyer can get AED 800,000 while a second time buyer can get AED 700,000 based on meeting the LTV ratio and income eligibility criteria.
Repayment Term
The standard mortgage loan term in Dubai is 25 years. Most lenders offer repayment terms ranging from 5 years up to 25 years.
A longer repayment term means lower monthly payments, but also higher total interest paid over the life of the loan. A shorter repayment term results in higher monthly payments, but less interest accrued.
Borrowers should consider their budget and financial goals when choosing a repayment term. Those able to afford higher monthly payments may want a shorter term to pay less interest. Borrowers on a tight budget may need to extend the term to lower their monthly payment.
Most lenders allow for early repayment of the mortgage loan. This allows borrowers to pay down the principal faster if they come into additional funds. Prepayment penalties used to be common in Dubai, but most lenders have eliminated them in recent years. Borrowers should still verify there are no penalties or fees for early repayment when choosing a lender.
Making extra payments, even if not fully repaying the loan early, can significantly reduce total interest costs over the life of the mortgage. Dubai borrowers with the means to do so should take advantage of the ability to prepay and shorten their overall repayment term.
Documentation
To get approved for a mortgage in Dubai, you’ll need to provide several documents to your lender. The main documents required include:
Income Proof
- Salary certificate showing your monthly income. This should be an official letter from your employer.
- Bank statements going back 6 months showing regular salary deposits.
- If self-employed, audited financial statements and bank statements for the last 2 years.
Residency Visa
- A copy of your valid UAE residency visa. This confirms your legal residency status.
- If you are an expatriate, your visa should be valid for at least 12 months past the loan repayment period. Some banks may require 2 years.
Property Documents
- The title deed if you already own the property. This proves ownership.
- A detailed quotation or SPA if you are purchasing a property. This specifies the price and payment plan.
- Draft sale and purchase agreement signed by both parties if available.
Having these documents ready will help ensure a smooth mortgage application process. The bank needs them to verify your identity, income, employment status, residency, and details of the property. Provide complete and accurate documentation to improve your chances of mortgage approval.
Top Lenders
The major banks operating in Dubai that offer home loans include:
Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD is one of the largest banks in the UAE and a leading provider of mortgage loans. They offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms on home loans.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
ADCB provides mortgage financing for UAE nationals as well as expats. They have comprehensive home loan options with attractive rates.
Dubai Islamic Bank
As one of the top Islamic banks, Dubai Islamic Bank offers Sharia-compliant home finance through Ijarah and Murabaha structures. They have options for ready as well as off-plan properties.
Mashreq Bank
Mashreq provides conventional mortgages for completed properties as well as those under construction. Their Al Islami brand offers Sharia-compliant home financing.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
FAB has mortgage options for both self-use residential property as well as buy-to-let investments. Their approval process is fast and they have competitive pricing.
RAKBANK
RAKBANK provides comprehensive mortgage solutions for UAE nationals and expats. They have conventional as well as Islamic home financing options.
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
CBD offers conventional mortgages for ready and off-plan properties. They have loans tailored for self-employed applicants.
Sharjah Islamic Bank
As a leading Islamic bank, Sharjah Islamic has Ijarah home financing available. They cater to both UAE nationals and expats.
Dubai First Bank
Dubai First provides conventional mortgages for completed and off-plan properties. Their rates and fees are quite competitive.
Alternatives to Traditional Mortgages
For those who don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage or want more flexible options, there are some alternatives worth considering:
Rent to Own
Also known as a lease-to-own or a rent-to-buy, this allows you to rent a property for a certain period of time with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease.
A portion of your monthly rent goes towards the down payment. You’ll need to negotiate the home’s price, length of the rental period, and percentage of rent that goes toward the purchase.
Rent to own agreements provide more flexible terms than traditional mortgages, but they also tend to be more expensive overall. Make sure to calculate all costs before committing.
Developer Finance Plans
Many real estate developers offer financing plans or payment schemes to make their properties more affordable.
For example, a developer may allow buyers to pay 10% upfront and the rest in installments over 5-10 years. Some charge no interest, while others have an interest component.
These plans don’t require traditional income or credit qualifications. However, you’ll be limited to that developer’s properties. Do your due diligence on the developer’s reputation and ability to deliver.
How to Find the Best Mortgage Deal in Dubai?
When choosing a mortgage, you need to consider the total cost of the loan, not just the interest rate. You also need to factor in the fees, charges, and penalties that may apply, such as:
- Processing fee: A one-time fee charged by the lender for processing your loan application. It is usually 0.5-1% of the loan amount.
- Valuation fee: A fee charged by the lender for valuing the property you want to buy. It is usually AED 2,500-3,000.
- Registration fee: A fee charged by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for registering the property and the mortgage in your name. It is usually 4% of the property value, plus AED 580.
- Mortgage registration fee: A fee charged by the DLD for registering the mortgage contract. It is usually 0.25% of the loan amount, plus AED 290.
- Mortgage transfer fee: A fee charged by the lender if you want to transfer your mortgage to another lender. It is usually 1-3% of the outstanding loan amount.
- Early settlement fee: A fee charged by the lender if you want to repay your loan before the end of the loan term. It is usually 1-3% of the outstanding loan amount.
Conclusion
Buying property in Dubai with a mortgage is a great option for expats and investors who want to take advantage of the emirate’s booming real estate market. However, you need to understand the benefits, types, and requirements of getting a mortgage in Dubai, and compare different lenders and products to find the best deal for your needs. We hope this guide has given you some useful information and tips to help you with your mortgage journey in Dubai. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please feel free to contact us.
