How Much Deposit Is Required for a Mortgage

How much deposit is required for a mortgage in the UAE? Expats pay a minimum 20% deposit for a home under AED 5 million. UAE nationals pay 15%. For homes above AED 5 million, expats pay 30% and nationals pay 25%. Non-residents usually pay around 40%, since banks fund up to 60%. Off-plan homes often need a 50% deposit. You cannot borrow the deposit, so save it before you apply. Banks also add fees on top, like the 4% Dubai Land Department charge. Your income and any existing debts affect the final figure too. Use our eligibility calculator to see your exact number in minutes. A broker can then match you to a bank with the lowest deposit for your profile. That answers how much deposit is required for a mortgage.

How Much Deposit Is Required for a Mortgage in the UAE?

Your deposit depends on who you are and what you buy. UAE Central Bank rules set the minimums. Here are the standard figures.

• Expats: 20% for a home under AED 5 million.

• UAE nationals: 15% for a home under AED 5 million.

• Higher-value homes: Expats pay 30% and nationals pay 25% above AED 5 million.

• Off-plan homes: Often 50%, since these carry more risk for banks.

Check your mortgage eligibility in Dubai to confirm your exact minimum.

Does the Deposit Change With Property Price?

Yes. Price sets the split between deposit and loan. Bigger homes need a bigger share upfront.

• Under AED 5 million: Lower deposits of 15% to 20%.

• Over AED 5 million: Higher deposits of 25% to 30%.

• Second property: Expect 35% or more, as banks lend less on extra homes.

Why Do Banks Ask for a Deposit?

A deposit protects the bank and proves you can save. It also limits how much you borrow. UAE rules make it a firm requirement.

• Loan-to-value cap: Banks fund up to 80% for expats on homes under AED 5 million.

• Risk cover: Your deposit gives the bank a safety buffer if prices fall.

• Debt limit: UAE Central Bank caps your monthly debt at 50% of income.

• Proof of habit: A saved deposit shows you can manage money.

Run our mortgage calculator to see your deposit and monthly payment together.

What Other Upfront Costs Come With the Deposit?

The deposit is not your only upfront cost. Fees add several percent to the total. Budget for these from the start.

• DLD fee: Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the property price.

• Agency fee: Usually 2% of the price, plus VAT.

• Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan, plus a small admin fee.

• Valuation fee: A few thousand dirhams for the bank valuation.

• Bank arrangement fee: Often 0.5% to 1% of the loan.

Plan for roughly 7% to 8% in fees on top of your deposit.

How Much Deposit Do Non-Residents Need?

Non-residents can buy in Dubai, but banks lend less. That means a bigger deposit. The rules are still clear.

• Funding limit: Banks usually fund up to 60% for non-residents.

• Deposit needed: Plan for around 40% of the property price.

• Stronger file helps: Good income and credit can improve your terms.

See our non-resident home loan options for full details.

Can You Reduce or Fund Your Deposit?

You have a few ways to raise your deposit. Some buyers mix more than one. Each has its own rules.

• Save steadily: A monthly savings plan builds your deposit over time.

• Release equity: If you own property, an equity release can free cash for a new deposit.

• Developer plans: Some off-plan projects allow staged deposit payments.

• Gifted funds: Some banks accept a gifted deposit with a signed letter.

For your own home, a residential mortgage sets the deposit rules clearly.

How Do You Work Out Your Exact Deposit?

Your exact deposit takes only minutes to find. A calculator gives a fast estimate. A broker confirms the real figure.

• Use a calculator: Enter the price to see your deposit and loan.

• Check eligibility: Book our free eligibility assessment for accurate numbers.

• Factor your income: Most banks want around AED 15,000 monthly for salaried buyers.

• Add the fees: Include the DLD, agency, and bank costs in your plan.

A quick check with our beginner's guide to buying in Dubai helps you plan the full budget.

Why Use a Broker to Plan Your Deposit?

A broker finds the bank with the best terms for you. That can mean a lower deposit or rate. Mortgage Market brings 15+ years of UAE experience.

• Right bank match: We pick the lender that suits your deposit and profile.

• Proven record: 1000+ clients financed. Over AED 3 billion arranged.

• Expert team: 15+ relationship managers guide your file.

• One contact: A personal mortgage consultant handles every step.

How Do You Start With Mortgage Market?

Starting stays quick and free. One short check begins it. Our experts guide the rest.

• Check your budget: See your deposit and limit across leading UAE banks.

• Talk to an expert: Contact our team for a free consultation.

• Compare offers: We line up bank deposits and rates side by side.

• Apply with confidence: We manage your file from start to transfer.

Ready to plan your deposit? Start your free eligibility check now, call 800-FINANCE (8003462623), or message us on WhatsApp — Mortgage Market, your expert mortgage broker in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much deposit is required for a mortgage in the UAE?
   Expats pay a minimum 20% for a home under AED 5 million, and UAE nationals pay 15%. Above AED 5 million, the figures rise to 30% and 25%.
   
   
2. Can you get a mortgage with a 10% deposit in the UAE?
   No. UAE Central Bank rules set the minimum at 15% for nationals and 20% for expats, so a 10% deposit is not allowed.
   
   
3. How much deposit do non-residents need in Dubai?
   Non-residents usually need around 40%, since banks fund up to 60% of the property price for overseas buyers.
   
   
4. Is the deposit the only upfront cost?
   No. Add about 7% to 8% in fees, including the 4% DLD charge, agency fee, and mortgage registration.
   
   
5. Can you borrow money for the deposit?
   No. You must fund the deposit yourself, though equity from another property or a gifted amount may be accepted.