How Much Mortgage Can I Get in Dubai? Salary, DBR and LTV Rules Explained (2026)

How Much Mortgage Can I Get in Dubai? The Short Answer

How much mortgage you can get in Dubai depends on two limits set by UAE Central Bank rules, and you can borrow the lower of the two. The first is the debt burden ratio: your total monthly debt repayments, including the new mortgage, generally cannot exceed 50% of your gross monthly income. The second is the loan-to-value (LTV) cap: expatriates buying their first home worth up to AED 5 million can generally borrow up to 80% of the value, and up to 70% above AED 5 million, with lower limits for second homes and off-plan property. Banks then apply their own criteria, such as minimum salary, age and the interest rate they use to test affordability.

This guide explains each rule, shows a worked example of how much a typical salary can borrow, covers the extra costs you need in cash, and lists ways to increase what you can borrow. It is based on the UAE Central Bank mortgage regulations and common bank lending criteria, checked as of October 2026. Bank policies differ and change, so treat these figures as a guide and get a pre-approval for your exact situation.

Rule 1: The 50% Debt Burden Ratio

Banks add up all your monthly debt repayments, including the new mortgage, car loans, personal loans and a share of your credit card limits, and compare the total with your gross monthly income. The total generally cannot exceed 50%. Credit cards matter even if you pay them off in full, because banks usually count a percentage of the limit, so cancelling unused cards before applying can increase what you can borrow.

Rule 2: Loan-to-Value Limits

Buyer and property	Maximum loan as a share of value
Expat, first home, value up to AED 5 million	80%
Expat, first home, value above AED 5 million	70%
UAE national, first home, value up to AED 5 million	85%
UAE national, first home, value above AED 5 million	75%
Second and subsequent homes	Lower limits, commonly around 60% to 65%
Off-plan property	50%
Non-residents	Set by each bank, often lower than for residents

The value used is the lower of the purchase price and the bank's valuation. If the valuation is lower than the price, your maximum loan falls and you need a bigger deposit: see our guide to low bank valuations.

Rule 3: Bank Criteria on Salary, Age and Term

• Minimum salary. Many banks set a minimum monthly income for mortgages, often around AED 15,000, although some accept less.
• Maximum term. Mortgage terms are generally up to 25 years.
• Age at the end of the loan. Banks commonly require the loan to end by around age 65 for salaried borrowers and 70 for the self-employed, which shortens the term for older buyers.
• Employment and income history. Salaried applicants usually need a period of service with their employer, and the self-employed usually need business accounts and bank statements.
• Stress-tested rate. Banks may test affordability at a rate above the starting rate, so your maximum loan can be lower than a simple calculation suggests.

Worked Example: How Much Can a AED 30,000 Salary Borrow?

This example is illustrative. It assumes a buyer earning AED 30,000 a month, with a car loan of AED 3,000 a month, borrowing over 25 years at an assumed interest rate of 4.5%.

• Maximum total debt repayments: 50% of AED 30,000 = AED 15,000 a month.
• Available for the mortgage: AED 15,000 minus the AED 3,000 car loan = AED 12,000 a month.
• Repayment per AED 1 million borrowed: about AED 5,558 a month at 4.5% over 25 years.
• Maximum loan on income: AED 12,000 divided by AED 5,558 per million = about AED 2.16 million.
• Maximum price at 80% LTV: AED 2.16 million divided by 0.8 = about AED 2.7 million.

At that price, the buyer would need a 20% deposit of about AED 540,000 plus purchase costs. If the bank stress-tests at a higher rate, or the buyer has credit cards, the maximum loan would be lower. Paying off the car loan would raise the mortgage budget to AED 15,000 a month, or about AED 2.7 million of borrowing. Try your own numbers in our mortgage calculator.

The Cash You Need on Top of the Deposit

Cost	Typical amount
DLD transfer fee	4% of the price
Agency commission (resale)	Commonly about 2% plus VAT
Mortgage registration	0.25% of the loan, plus a small admin fee
Bank arrangement fee	Up to about 1% of the loan, depending on the bank
Valuation fee	A few thousand dirhams
Trustee office fee	A few thousand dirhams plus VAT

In total, plan for the deposit plus around 7% to 8% of the price in cash. Our guide to the cheapest way to get a mortgage in Dubai explains how to reduce these fees.

Borrowing as a Non-Resident

Non-residents can get mortgages from some UAE banks, but usually with a lower maximum LTV, higher minimum income, more documents and sometimes higher rates. Income in a foreign currency may also be discounted. Our non-resident mortgage guide explains the process for overseas buyers.

How to Increase What You Can Borrow

• Clear or reduce other loans before applying.
• Cancel unused credit cards or lower their limits.
• Apply jointly with a spouse or co-owner, so both incomes count.
• Choose a longer term if your age allows, which lowers the monthly repayment.
• Document all income, including allowances and regular bonuses the bank can count.
• Compare banks, because criteria and rates differ, which a mortgage adviser can help with.

Fixed or Variable Rate?

Most UAE mortgages start with a fixed rate for an initial period, commonly one to five years, then move to a variable rate linked to EIBOR plus a margin. A longer fixed period gives you certainty on repayments, while a variable rate can fall as well as rise. When working out what you can afford, check what the repayment would be at the variable rate after the fixed period ends, not just the introductory rate.

Mortgages and the Golden Visa

A property bought with a mortgage can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa if it meets the AED 2 million value threshold and the authority's conditions. See our guide to the Golden Visa with a mortgaged property.

Key Takeaways

• You can borrow the lower of what the 50% debt burden ratio allows and what the LTV cap allows.
• Expats can generally borrow up to 80% on a first home up to AED 5 million, and 70% above that.
• Banks add their own rules on minimum salary, age, term and stress-tested rates.
• Budget the deposit plus around 7% to 8% of the price in cash for fees.
• Clearing other debts and cancelling unused cards can raise your borrowing limit.

Get a Mortgage Plan With SMS Realty

SMS Realty works with mortgage partners to find out what you can borrow and which properties fit your budget. Visit our mortgage page or talk to an advisor.