Real Estate Mortgage

A real estate mortgage is a loan from a bank that helps you buy property, using that property as security until the loan is repaid. It covers many kinds of real estate, from homes and apartments to offices, land, and off plan projects. In the UAE, most real estate mortgages let residents borrow up to 80% of a property's value, with the rest paid as a deposit and the loan repaid over up to 25 years at an EIBOR-linked rate. The exact terms, deposit, and rate depend on the type of property and your profile as a buyer. At mortgagemarket.ae, we compare real estate mortgages across leading UAE banks to match the right loan to your property and goals. Whether you are buying a home, an investment, or a commercial unit, there is a mortgage designed for it. In short, a real estate mortgage funds a property purchase, with the property itself acting as the loan's security until it is repaid.

Buying property in the UAE? Find the right mortgage for it.

What Types of Real Estate Can You Finance?

You can finance many types of real estate with a mortgage in the UAE, and each type has its own rules. Knowing which applies to your property helps you plan.

Real Estate You Can Finance

The main property types are:

• Residential homes, such as apartments and villas
• Investment property, bought to rent out
• Commercial property, such as offices and retail units
• Off plan property, still under construction
• Land, bought to build on later

Each type comes with its own deposit, rate, and lending rules. A home loan and a commercial loan, for example, work quite differently. Matching the mortgage to your property type is the first step to finding the right deal.

How Does a Residential Real Estate Mortgage Work?

A residential real estate mortgage funds a home you live in or rent out, and it is the most common type in the UAE. It works on clear, familiar terms.

You pay a deposit, usually at least 20% as a resident on a home up to AED 5 million, and the bank funds the rest. You repay the loan over up to 25 years at a fixed or variable rate tied to EIBOR. The home acts as security until the loan is repaid in full. This is the simplest and most widely available real estate mortgage. A residential mortgage is the standard, most straightforward way to finance a home in the UAE.

What Is Different About Commercial and Off Plan Property?

Commercial and off plan property follow different mortgage rules from a standard home, so they need extra planning. Knowing the differences protects your budget.

Commercial property, such as an office or shop, often needs a larger deposit and may carry a different rate, because banks see it as higher risk. Off plan property, still being built, is capped at 50% finance for all buyers under Central Bank rules, so you need a 50% deposit. Both types can be strong investments, but the finance is stricter than for a ready home. Getting advice early helps you plan the right deposit and lender. Commercial and off plan real estate need larger deposits and more careful planning than a ready home.

Can You Finance Land and Construction?

Yes, you can finance land and construction in the UAE, though it works differently from buying a ready property. This route suits buyers who want to build rather than buy.

Land and construction finance helps you buy a plot and, in some cases, fund building on it. Because there is no finished property yet, banks treat it as higher risk and often ask for a larger deposit. The rules and rates differ from a standard home loan, and not every bank offers this finance. Careful planning and the right lender make building your own property achievable. Financing land and construction is possible, but it needs a larger deposit and a bank that specialises in it.

Deposit and Eligibility by Property Type

The deposit and eligibility for a real estate mortgage depend on the property type and your profile. Knowing the rules for your property helps you plan your cash.

Central Bank rules set the main limits: resident expats can borrow up to 80% on a ready home up to AED 5 million, so a 20% deposit, while off plan is capped at 50% for everyone. Commercial property usually needs a larger deposit, set by the bank. To qualify for any type, you need stable income, a clean credit record, and an age that ends the loan by about 65 to 70. Your total monthly debt cannot pass 50% of your income under Central Bank rules. You can check your position with our eligibility calculator. Knowing the deposit and rules for your property type is the base for any real estate mortgage.

How Do You Choose the Best Real Estate Mortgage?

Choosing the best real estate mortgage means matching the loan to your property type, budget, and profile, not just picking the lowest rate. The right fit depends on several things.

The best real estate mortgage balances a competitive rate with fair fees, a suitable term, and a bank that lends well on your property type. A great home loan rate may not apply to commercial or off plan property, so the type matters. Because each bank prices and approves differently, comparing several is the only way to see your real best option, which our personal mortgage consultant can do for you. Choosing the best real estate mortgage comes down to matching the loan to your property and profile.

What Costs Come With a Real Estate Mortgage?

A real estate mortgage comes with upfront costs beyond the deposit, and planning for them protects your budget. These apply across most property types.

The largest is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the property price. You also pay a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan, a valuation fee of around AED 2,500 to 3,500, plus bank arrangement and trustee charges. Altogether these usually add around 6% to 7% of the price, and they must be paid in cash. You can estimate your repayment side with our mortgage calculator. Commercial and off plan purchases may carry extra or different fees. Budgeting for the full upfront cost, not just the deposit, keeps your purchase realistic.

Financing Real Estate as a Resident vs Non Resident

Real estate mortgages work differently for residents and non residents, mainly in the deposit required. Knowing which applies to you shapes your budget.

Resident expats can usually finance up to 80% of a ready home, so a 20% deposit, while UAE nationals can reach 85%. Non residents who live abroad are usually limited to around 50% to 60%, so they need a larger deposit of 40% to 50%. Off plan property is capped at 50% for everyone, whatever their residency. The loan term and EIBOR link are the same for both. Knowing your residency status tells you the exact deposit and loan type to plan for.

Why Choose Mortgage Market for Your Real Estate Mortgage

You should choose mortgagemarket.ae because we compare real estate mortgages across leading UAE banks and match the right loan to your property. We cover every property type, from homes to commercial units.

Our team brings over 15 years of experience in the UAE mortgage industry and has arranged more than AED 3 billion in mortgages for over 1,000 clients. As a whole of market broker, we match your property and profile to the banks most likely to approve you well, then compare their offers side by side. We handle the paperwork, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you to final approval. We also offer free calculators and a free consultation to get you started. Choosing Mortgage Market means the right real estate mortgage for your property and goals.

Figures reflect UAE Central Bank Mortgage Regulations (Circular 31/2013) and Dubai Land Department fee schedules current as of 2026. Deposit requirements, rates, and lending criteria vary by bank and property type; confirm current terms before applying. mortgagemarket.ae is an independent UAE mortgage broker.

Frequently Asked Questions