Dubai Mortgage Rates for Expats: What You Will Pay

Resident expats can find fixed rates from around 3.99 to 4.5 percent for an initial period. Non residents typically pay 4.5 to 5.5 percent and need a much larger deposit. Residency, not nationality, is what moves the number.

Almost every Dubai mortgage is fixed for a short period and then reverts to a variable rate linked to EIBOR. Figures current as of September 2026.

What rate and deposit should I expect?

	Resident expat	Non resident
Fixed rate, initial period	About 3.99 to 4.5 percent	About 4.5 to 5.5 percent
Variable	EIBOR plus a bank margin	EIBOR plus a wider margin, roughly 1.75 to 2.5 percent
Deposit	From about 20 percent	Usually 40 to 50 percent
Term	Up to 25 years	Often shorter

Why is the fixed rate not the whole story?

Because it lasts one to five years, and then the loan reverts to a variable rate tied to EIBOR plus the bank's margin. The margin is fixed for the life of the loan and the rate is not, so the margin is the number to negotiate. A headline fixed rate with a wide reversion margin can cost more over the term than a slightly higher fixed rate with a narrow one.

What else does it cost?

Mortgage registration at 0.25 percent of the loan plus AED 290, a valuation of roughly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500, and a bank arrangement fee. Those sit on top of the 4 percent Dubai Land Department transfer fee that every buyer pays. Our DLD fees guide lists the full set.

What will the bank want to see?

Proof of income, six months of statements, and a valuation of the property. Not every bank lends to non residents, and those that do have their own country lists, so establish which banks will lend to someone in your situation before you agree a price rather than after.

See the wider process in buying property in Dubai as a foreigner, or get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

What mortgage rate do expats get in Dubai?+

Resident expats can find fixed rates from about 3.99 to 4.5 percent for an initial period of one to three years. Non residents typically pay 4.5 to 5.5 percent for the same structure.

How much deposit do I need as a non resident?+

Usually 40 to 50 percent, because non resident lending is generally capped at 50 to 60 percent loan to value. Resident expats can borrow considerably more against the same property.

Are Dubai mortgages fixed or variable?+

Most are fixed for one to five years and then revert to a variable rate linked to EIBOR plus the bank margin. The margin is fixed for the life of the loan, which makes it the most important number to compare.

What are the extra costs on a Dubai mortgage?+

Mortgage registration at 0.25 percent of the loan plus AED 290, a valuation of about AED 2,500 to AED 3,500, and a bank arrangement fee. These sit on top of the 4 percent DLD transfer fee.

Can a non resident get a mortgage in Dubai at all?+

Yes, but not from every bank, and lenders keep their own lists of countries they will accept. Confirm which banks will lend in your situation before agreeing a price.