Can you get a mortgage for an off-plan property in Dubai?
Updated: · By Aknaz Mortgages, RERA ORN 48584
Yes, for selected projects: the loan is capped at 50% of the price, so you fund the other half, usually through the developer's payment plan. Which developers and projects qualify depends on the bank. The 50% debt-burden ratio and the term limits apply as for a ready property.
Who this is for
- Buyers paying a developer through an instalment plan.
- Buyers who want to know how much they must fund before handover.
- Buyers worried about the gap between the developer's price and the bank's valuation.
Key numbers
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan-to-value, off-plan | 50% |
| Maximum debt-burden ratio (all monthly repayments ÷ gross monthly income) | 50% |
| Maximum mortgage term | 25 years |
| Minimum borrower age | 21 |
Sources: CBUAE Mortgage Loans Regulation; UAE bank practice (varies by bank). Figures checked on .
What banks look for
- The project. Banks lend on selected developers and projects only, so check the project first.
- Your share. The loan is capped at 50% of the price; you pay the rest, usually through the developer’s payment plan.
- Your income. All monthly repayments, the new one included, must stay within 50% of your gross income.
- The valuation. The bank lends on the lower of the price and its valuation.
Before you reserve
- Check the project. We confirm which banks lend on it.
- Plan your share. Fund your part of the payment plan from savings.
- Ask about delays. Know what happens to the loan if handover moves.
How long it takes
The bank must accept the project before you commit to the payment plan. The loan then pays out in line with the bank's and the developer's schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the LTV for off-plan?
The Central Bank caps an off-plan mortgage at 50% of the price, so the buyer funds at least half. On a AED 2,000,000 property that is a loan of up to AED 1,000,000. The debt-burden ratio of 50% can lower the loan further.
Can I get a mortgage for the final 20–40% at handover?
Possibly, but the off-plan cap of 50% applies while the property is under construction. At handover the property is complete and is valued again, so the normal eligibility rules apply. Read the handover payment page for how that works, and ask us to check your case.
What if the valuation is below the purchase price?
The bank lends against the lower of the price and the valuation, so a low valuation shrinks the loan and raises the cash you must provide. Ask the bank whether it will value the unit before handover, and plan the shortfall into your budget.
Related guides and tools
Sources
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