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Expert mortgage advice for buyers and investors in the UAE. Tips on rates, eligibility, buy-to-let, refinancing and navigating the Dubai property market — from our CeMAP-qualified advisors.
Product Announcements
New UAE equity release product on our broker panel: up to 80% of your property value, cash deposited directly into your bank account, 3.99% fixed, no salary transfer required, processing fees capped at AED 10,000. Available for equity release or property purchase. Eligibility: salaried, AED 20,000+ monthly, employer with 100+ employees.
Non-Resident Mortgages
Most UAE banks cap non-residents at 50-55% FTV. Mashreq offers 65% — top of the conventional panel. On a AED 2 million property, that is AED 300,000 less cash out of pocket at completion. Here is why that single number quietly changes which buyers can actually close this year, which Mashreq variants do and don’t offer it, and what trade-offs come with the higher FTV.
Market Trends
The Fed hiked 25 bps in late September. 3M EIBOR is now at 4.223%. The majority of UAE banks completed their repricing at October 1 — but a handful have not updated yet and are still offering last month's rates. If you are planning to lock a 3 or 5-year fixed, you have maybe a week or two before the market fully catches up. Here is how to use that window.
Market Trends
The Federal Reserve just raised its policy rate by 25 basis points. Because the UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, the CBUAE mirrors within 24 hours — and UAE mortgage rates follow from October when EIBOR resets. Here is the mechanical chain from Fed decision to your monthly payment, what changes by borrower type, a real client affordability example, and why 99% of our clients this year are locking a 3 or 5-year fixed rate.
Products
The most common mortgage misconception in the UAE: a 5-year fixed rate isn't fixed for the life of your loan — it's fixed for 5 years, then it floats. Here's what fixed and variable really mean in Dubai, how EIBOR affects your payments, and which one is actually right for you.
Costs & Fees
On a AED 1,000,000 property, the total cash needed is approximately AED 270,570 — about 27% of the property price, not the 20% most buyers expect. Here's every single fee explained, so you know exactly how much cash you need before you sign.
Self-Employed
Securing a UAE mortgage as a self-employed professional has traditionally been harder than for salaried applicants — but 2026 is a turning point. Here's the complete guide to eligibility, documents, timing and lender selection for freelancers, business owners and portfolio earners.
Investment
Dubai's rental yields remain among the strongest globally in 2026 — and buy-to-let mortgages let investors leverage that yield without tying up all their capital. Here's the complete investor's guide to how buy-to-let financing works, best areas, and how to overcome the common hurdles.
Expat Buyers
More expats than ever are buying property in Dubai in 2026. Here's the complete step-by-step guide to getting a mortgage as a foreign national — from eligibility and documents to the top lenders and closing.
First-Time Buyer
Buying your first property in Dubai in 2026 is more achievable than most first-time buyers realise — but the down payments, hidden costs, and process trip up newcomers every day. Here's the complete step-by-step roadmap.
Rates & Comparison
Even a slight difference in your UAE mortgage rate can translate into tens of thousands of dirhams over the life of your loan. Here's how to compare offers across lenders, spot the 5 red flags that inflate real cost, and secure the best 2026 terms.
Mortgage Basics
Buying your first home starts with understanding how mortgages actually work. Here's the essential primer — key terminology, application process, choosing between loan types, and how interest rates shape your total cost.
Home Loans
Everything you need to know about home loans in Dubai — conventional versus Islamic finance, deposit and eligibility rules, the application process, and how to choose the right mortgage for your situation.
Investment
Dubai's tax-free environment, high rental yields and freehold access make it one of the world's most attractive property investment markets. Here's the complete beginner's roadmap — from strategy to financing to the best areas.
Pre-Approval
Mortgage pre-approval is the single biggest step you can take before viewing property in Dubai. Here's exactly what documents you need, how long it takes, and why it transforms you from hopeful buyer into finance-ready deal-closer.
Choosing a Lender
Choosing the wrong mortgage lender can cost you thousands, delay your purchase, or collapse the deal entirely. Here's what to actually evaluate — APR, hidden fees, rate lock terms, underwriting speed and service quality.
Refinancing
Mortgage refinancing can lower monthly payments, shorten your loan term, or unlock equity — but it comes with fees and long-term implications. Here's the step-by-step guide to doing it right in Dubai.
Market Trends
The UAE mortgage market in 2026 is being reshaped by shifting interest rates, global economic pressures and innovative loan products. Here's what borrowers need to know to navigate the year ahead.
Islamic Finance
Islamic finance is more than a financial system — it's a framework built on ethical principles, asset-backed transactions, and risk-sharing. Here's the essential primer on Sharia-compliant finance and how it applies to Dubai home ownership.
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