Buy Property in Dubai — Mortgage Pre-Approval
First-time buyers, upgraders and investors — get pre-approved across Dubai and the UAE before you make an offer.
How a new purchase mortgage works in the UAE
Buying a home in Dubai and the UAE with a mortgage follows a clear, regulated path. MOVA compares home loans from 25+ UAE banks and manages the process end to end — from indicative pre-approval to the final DLD transfer — so you know your true budget before you make an offer. Residents typically finance up to 80% of the property value on a first home under AED 5 million; non-residents commonly reach 75%. Because your borrowing power depends on income, existing debt (DBR) and the property itself, getting pre-approved first is the single most important step for a confident purchase.
Every recommendation we make is valuation-backed: we prefer listings supported by an independent valuation so you buy at fair market value, not an inflated asking price. For a full market valuation you can also use our sister service, DXB Inspector, while banks arrange their own desktop valuation as part of the mortgage workflow.
A typical purchase moves quickly once you are prepared: indicative pre-approval takes minutes, formal bank pre-approval usually one to three business days, and the full journey from accepted offer to DLD transfer often completes within a few weeks. Working with a broker matters because pricing, eligibility rules and campaigns differ sharply between banks — MOVA finds the lender whose criteria fit your profile, then manages the paperwork so nothing stalls.
Who can buy with a mortgage
UAE banks lend to a wide range of buyers. The right lender and loan-to-value (LTV) depend on your residency, income type and whether this is your first UAE property.
Salaried & self-employed residents
- Up to 80% LTV on a first home under AED 5M
- Min. income commonly from AED 15,000/month (salaried)
- Salary transfer often improves pricing but isn't always mandatory
- Self-employed: trade licence, audited financials and longer statements
Overseas & investor buyers
- Up to 75% LTV on a first purchase (bank dependent)
- Passport, proof of income and bank statements required
- Popular for buy-to-let and holiday-home investment
- Rates and eligibility vary more than for residents
First property in the UAE
- Plan for a 20% deposit plus purchase costs
- Pre-approval clarifies budget before you view homes
- Fixed vs. variable rate guidance included
- Off-plan and ready property both supported
Deposit, LTV and upfront costs
Your deposit is only part of the cash you need at purchase. Budgeting for fees upfront prevents surprises at the DLD counter.
- ✓Down payment (deposit)Typically 20% (residents) or 25% (non-residents) of the property price.
- ✓DLD transfer feeDubai Land Department fee is commonly 4% of the purchase price plus admin.
- ✓Agency & mortgage registrationAgent commission (around 2%) and mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan) apply.
- ✓Bank & valuation feesProcessing fee (up to ~1% of the loan) and a valuation fee, disclosed upfront.
Fixed vs. variable rate
Most UAE home loans offer an introductory fixed period, then move to a variable rate linked to EIBOR. MOVA compares both so you match the product to how long you plan to hold the property.
Banks also test affordability at a higher stress rate (commonly around 6.8%), not just the headline rate, so your Debt Burden Ratio still works if rates rise. We factor this into your pre-approval from day one.
Step by step: from offer to keys
Get pre-approved
We assess income, DBR and LTV, then secure formal bank pre-approval — usually 1–3 business days with complete documents.
Find & offer
Shop with a firm budget. We prefer valuation-backed listings so your offer reflects fair market value.
Valuation & final offer
The bank valuates the property and issues a Final Offer Letter confirming rate, term and amount.
DLD transfer
Sign, register the mortgage and complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department — then collect your keys.
Golden Visa through property investment
A qualifying property investment (commonly from AED 2 million) can make you eligible for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa — including mortgaged purchases that meet the equity threshold. We structure the loan so your purchase supports both your home goals and your residency plans.
Required Documents
Standard documents for a UAE home purchase mortgage application.
FAQ — New purchase mortgage
How much deposit do I need to buy in Dubai?
UAE residents often need 20% minimum for a first home; non-residents typically 25%. Exact LTV depends on bank and property.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Dubai?
Yes — many UAE banks lend to non-resident investors, often up to 75% LTV on a first purchase.
How fast is mortgage pre-approval for a new purchase?
Indicative pre-approval within minutes; formal bank pre-approval usually 1–3 business days with complete documents.
Do I need a valuation before buying?
Banks require valuation before disbursement. MOVA offers desktop valuation for mortgage workflow; full market reports via DXB Inspector.
Can I buy off-plan with a mortgage?
Yes — developer payment plans and bank policies vary. Oqood and SPA documents apply instead of Title Deed initially.