Minimum down payment in the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE caps how much a bank can lend against a property (the loan-to-value ratio):
| Buyer and property | Max loan | Min down payment |
|---|---|---|
| Expat, first home up to AED 5M | 80% | 20% |
| Expat, first home above AED 5M | 70% | 30% |
| Expat, second home | 60% | 40% |
| UAE national, first home up to AED 5M | 85% | 15% |
| UAE national, first home above AED 5M | 75% | 25% |
| UAE national, second home | 65% | 35% |
| Off-plan, any buyer | 50% | 50% |
Total monthly debt repayments cannot exceed 50% of your income, and the maximum term is 25 years.
Dubai buying costs
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the price
- Registration trustee fee: AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000)
- Title deed and DLD admin: about AED 840
- Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan + AED 290
- Agent commission: usually 2% + VAT
- Bank arrangement fee: up to 1% of the loan + VAT
- Valuation: about AED 2,500 to 3,500 + VAT
Fees and the down payment are paid in cash; they cannot be added to the mortgage. This calculator uses Dubai fees. Abu Dhabi and other emirates charge different registration fees.
Questions
How much do I need upfront to buy a AED 2M home as an expat?
About AED 551,000: a 20% down payment of AED 400,000 plus about AED 151,000 in fees with a mortgage, based on standard Dubai charges.
What mortgage rates are available in 2026?
Fixed rates from major UAE banks have ranged from roughly 3.75% to just under 5%. Variable rates track 3-month EIBOR plus a margin. Your rate depends on your salary, employer and loan size.
Can I pay off my mortgage early?
Yes. Early settlement fees are capped at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower.
Sources: CBUAE Rulebook: mortgage regulations · Dubai Land Department fees