What should I ask a mortgage lender in the UAE?

The headline rate is only part of the story. Ask whether the rate is fixed or variable, how long the fixed period lasts (typically 1–5 years), and what the reversion rate is after that (usually EIBOR + a margin). Also confirm the early-settlement fee — Central Bank of the UAE mortgage rules cap it at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower; ask the lender to confirm the figure in your offer letter.

Confirm the loan-to-value cap for your case. Under Central Bank of the UAE rules, a first home up to AED 5M is capped at 80% for UAE nationals and 75% for resident expatriates, with lower caps above AED 5M and for additional properties. Non-resident limits are set by each bank's own policy and are typically lower (often around 50–60%). Ask what documents the pre-approval covers, how long the pre-approval is valid (usually 60 days), and whether it is a full pre-approval or an in-principle letter.

Finally, ask for the all-in cost sheet: bank arrangement fee (commonly up to 1% of the loan), valuation fee (AED 2,500–3,500), life insurance premium, property insurance, and 0.25% DLD mortgage registration. This is the true cost of your mortgage.

Last reviewed 2026-10-01 by PropertyConnect Editorial. Sources: Central Bank of the UAE; Dubai Land Department (DLD).

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