An Introduction to Mortgages in the UAE

When I first started working on YallaValue, one thing quickly became clear: property valuation and mortgage planning go hand in hand. You can’t make an informed decision about a home or investment property in Dubai without first understanding how mortgages in the UAE actually work.

The UAE mortgage landscape is unique, and the requirements vary depending on who you are. For UAE citizens, the typical deposit is 15%, meaning banks usually lend up to 85% of the property’s value (LTV). Residents can expect to put down 20%, with banks financing about 80% LTV. For non-residents, the rules are much stricter — expect to pay a deposit of 40–50%, with loans capped at 50–60% LTV.

Unlike some countries, the UAE’s mortgage market is tightly regulated — only banks are licensed to issue mortgages. You won’t find private mortgage lenders or alternative financing structures like HELOCs or buy-to-let mortgages. Most products still rely on traditional criteria, especially stable salary income and employment history, which form the backbone of every bank’s risk assessment.

It’s also worth noting that mortgage options remain fairly limited compared to more mature markets. Fixed-rate and variable-rate products exist, but innovation is still catching up. This can make navigating the process a little daunting, particularly for newcomers to Dubai’s property scene.

That’s where YallaValue steps in. Beyond helping you get an instant property valuation in Dubai, we also provide tools to simplify the financial side of your journey. Our UAE mortgage calculator lets you estimate repayments and affordability instantly, helping you understand how much you can borrow before speaking to a lender. And if you need tailored guidance, we’ll connect you with a qualified mortgage expert who can walk you through every step — from eligibility and paperwork to final approval.

In short, while the UAE mortgage system may seem traditional, it’s built for stability — and with the right tools, you can navigate it confidently. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or investing in a commercial property in Dubai, understanding these fundamentals is the first step toward making smarter property decisions.