Real estate · Free tool
UAE Mortgage Affordability Calculator
See the most you could borrow and the property price you could afford under the UAE Central Bank's mortgage rules, with Dubai purchase costs included.
Gross monthly salary (or average income if self-employed).
Banks count 5% of limits monthly.
Property price you could afford
AED 1,443,000
- Loan (80% of price, max 80%)
- AED 1,154,400
- Down payment
- AED 288,600
- DLD fee (4% + AED 580)
- AED 58,300
- Trustee fee
- AED 4,200
- Mortgage registration (0.25% + AED 290)
- AED 3,176
- Bank arrangement fee (up to 1% + VAT)
- AED 12,121
- Valuation
- AED 3,150
- Agency fee (2% + VAT)
- AED 30,303
- Cash needed
- AED 399,850
- Debt burden with this loan
- 21.4%
- Most you could borrow on income alone
- AED 2,698,655
An estimate from Central Bank limits and typical Dubai fees. Banks apply their own stress-tested rates, salary rules and fees, and other emirates' land department fees differ; get a pre-approval before you commit.
How it’s calculated
UAE banks follow the Central Bank's residential mortgage rules. All your monthly debt repayments, including the new mortgage, can't exceed 50% of your monthly income (the debt burden ratio). Banks count 5% of every credit card limit as a monthly debt, whether you use the card or not.
The loan-to-value cap limits the loan to a share of the property price: for expatriates 80% on a first home up to AED 5 million and 70% above; for UAE nationals 85% and 75%; 60% (expatriates) or 65% (nationals) on a second or investment home; and 50% on off-plan property.
The term can be up to 25 years, and the loan must be repaid by age 65 for expatriates or 70 for UAE nationals, so older buyers get a shorter term and a smaller loan.
Your cash has to cover the down payment and purchase costs. For Dubai this calculator includes the 4% Dubai Land Department fee plus AED 580, the trustee fee, mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan plus AED 290), a bank arrangement fee of up to 1%, valuation and, if you use one, a 2% agency fee, with VAT where it applies. The tool finds the highest price where both your income and your cash are enough.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can I borrow for a mortgage in the UAE?
- Your total monthly debt repayments, including the mortgage, can't exceed 50% of your monthly income, and the loan can't exceed the loan-to-value cap: usually 80% of the price for an expatriate's first home up to AED 5 million. The smaller of the two limits, and the cash you have for the deposit and fees, decide your budget.
- What down payment do I need in Dubai?
- At least 20% for an expatriate buying a first home up to AED 5 million (15% for UAE nationals), 30% above AED 5 million, 40% for a second home and 50% for off-plan. Purchase costs of roughly 6–8% of the price come on top.
- What is the maximum mortgage term in the UAE?
- 25 years, and the loan must be repaid by 65 for expatriates or 70 for UAE nationals.
- What is the minimum salary for a mortgage in the UAE?
- There's no Central Bank minimum; each bank sets its own. Many ask expatriates for a monthly salary of AED 10,000 to 15,000 or more.
- Do credit cards affect how much I can borrow?
- Yes. Banks count 5% of each credit card limit as a monthly debt. A card with a AED 50,000 limit reduces the mortgage repayment you can afford by AED 2,500 a month, even with a zero balance.
- What fees do I pay when buying with a mortgage in Dubai?
- The main ones are the 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee plus AED 580, mortgage registration at 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290, a trustee fee, the bank's arrangement fee (up to 1% of the loan), valuation, and a 2% agency fee if you use an agent, with 5% VAT on the service fees.