Mortgage and buying costs
Dubai mortgage calculator · UAE Central Bank limits · DLD fees
Cash on the day
- Deposit (20%)
- AED 400,000
- DLD transfer fee (4%)
- AED 80,000
- DLD admin and title deed
- AED 580
- Trustee office fee
- AED 4,200
- Agent commission (2% + VAT)
- AED 42,000
- Mortgage registration (0.25% + AED 290)
- AED 4,290
- Bank processing fee (about 1%)
- AED 16,000
- Bank valuation
- AED 3,000
- Total
- AED 550,070
Fees as published for 2026. Banks may lend less than the ceiling and charge different processing fees.
What can I afford?
- Repayments the bank allows (50% of income)
- AED 22,500 / mo
- Largest loan that repays
- AED 4,047,982
- Highest price within reach
- AED 2,184,000
Savings must cover the deposit and every buying cost. Banks test at a higher rate than you pay, so treat this as a ceiling.
Where AED 2.18M reaches
The 18 most expensive home types whose typical registered sale is within reach, out of 95. Typical means the middle sale over the twelve months to 6 Nov 2026: half sold for more, half for less.
| Area | Home | Typical price | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Um Suqaim Third | 1-bed apartment | AED 2.13M | 64 |
| Zaabeel Second | 1-bed apartment | AED 2.10M | 31 |
| Arjan | 3-bed apartment | AED 2.09M | 36 |
| Downtown Dubai | 1-bed apartment | AED 2.05M | 491 |
| Town Square | 3-bed apartment | AED 2.05M | 73 |
| Al Jaddaf | 2-bed apartment | AED 2.02M | 120 |
| Dubai South | 3-bed apartment | AED 1.95M | 44 |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers | 2-bed apartment | AED 1.95M | 236 |
| Damac Hills | 2-bed apartment | AED 1.80M | 60 |
| Wadi Al Safa 3 | 3-bed apartment | AED 1.80M | 34 |
| Wadi Al Safa 7 | 2-bed villa | AED 1.76M | 68 |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | 1-bed apartment | AED 1.72M | 394 |
| Al Barshaa South Second | 2-bed apartment | AED 1.67M | 45 |
| Jumeirah Village Triangle | 2-bed apartment | AED 1.60M | 85 |
| Dubai Marina | 1-bed apartment | AED 1.56M | 712 |
| Dubai Hills Estate | 1-bed apartment | AED 1.55M | 351 |
| International City | 3-bed apartment | AED 1.55M | 44 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 3-bed apartment | AED 1.53M | 38 |
Questions people ask
How much deposit do I need to buy in Dubai?
For a first home, expats can borrow up to 80% of the value up to AED 5 million and 70% above it, so the minimum deposit is 20% or 30%. UAE nationals can borrow 85% and 75%. Second homes are limited to 60% for expats and 65% for nationals, and off-plan homes to 50% for everyone. Buying costs of about 7% come on top and cannot be borrowed.
What are the costs of buying a property in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4% of the price plus AED 580. The trustee office charges AED 4,200 (AED 2,100 below AED 500,000). Agents usually charge 2% plus VAT. With a mortgage, add 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290 to register it, a bank processing fee of about 1%, and a valuation of AED 2,500 to 3,500.
How much can I borrow on my salary?
UAE banks cap all your monthly debt repayments at 50% of your monthly income. This calculator uses that ceiling. Banks also test your application at a higher rate than the one you will pay, so the amount a bank actually offers may be lower.
What is the maximum mortgage term in the UAE?
Twenty-five years, and the loan must end by age 65 for expats or 70 for UAE nationals.