What clients ask before the first call

Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents, usually up to 50–60% of the property value, with higher income and balance requirements than for residents.

Yes. Most banks want around two years of company history and audited accounts or bank statements. Some accept a younger business at a lower loan-to-value.

Rarely. Each bank has its own rules on income, nationality, employer and credit history. We find out why you were declined and which bank's rules fit your case.

Most banks want AED 15,000 a month for expats; a few go down to AED 10–12k, especially if you transfer your salary to them. For the self-employed the floor is about AED 15–30k, and for non-residents about AED 25k.

Most nationalities are accepted. A few face restrictions at some banks for compliance or sanctions reasons, and the lists for non-residents are narrower. It is bank-specific: one bank's no is another's yes, and banks sometimes make exceptions, for example based on where you live.

Some banks ask for a credit report from your country; a clean UAE record isn't required because you don't have one yet.

UAE banks want the loan repaid by 65 (salaried) or 70 (self-employed and nationals). That shortens the term — and raises the payment. Co-borrowers, exceptions and the right bank bring it back within reach.

On a AED 2,000,000 apartment a resident expat buying a first, ready home needs ≈ AED 542k on day one: the 20% down payment plus the DLD transfer fee, the agent's commission and the registration, valuation and bank fees. Since 1 February 2025, under UAE Central Bank rules, banks don't finance the DLD fee or the agent's commission.

The 4% DLD transfer fee, trustee and mortgage registration fees, the agent's commission, the valuation and the bank's processing fee. Banks don't finance these, so they come from your savings.

Most often the valuation gap: when the bank values the property below the price, you pay the difference. Also life and property insurance, and early settlement fees if you sell or refinance early.

If the bank values the property below the price, the bank lends on the lower figure and you pay the difference in cash. We order a valuation check before you sign where possible.

No. The usual floor is a salary of about AED 15,000 a month and a loan of at least AED 200–350k. What matters more is cash: a resident buying a first home needs about 27% of the price on day one for the down payment and fees.

Two. Loan-to-value: 80% for an expat's first home up to AED 5M (70% above), 85% / 75% for UAE nationals, 60–65% for further properties and 50–60% for non-residents. And debt burden: all repayments under 50% of income. Each bank also has a maximum loan, typically AED 6–35M.

Banks count ≈5% of your total card limit as a monthly payment, even if you pay the card in full. Debt burden above 50% once card limits are counted is one of the five most common reasons for a decline.

Bonus and commission shown over 12–24 months, rental income with tenancy contracts, foreign-currency salary from a recognised employer — each has a bank that counts it. What decides it: averages and consistency, not the best month.

Salaried or company income in EUR, GBP, USD and other major currencies is accepted by several banks, with 6 months of statements and a healthy average balance. Which bank depends on your currency and whether you are a resident.

A 15-minute discovery call. We review income, debts and the property and tell you honestly what's possible. From you: nothing yet, just the conversation.

For pre-approval, no. Most of the process runs remotely.

Nothing is needed for the first call. For pre-approval, salaried clients send a passport, 6 months of payslips and a salary certificate, 6 months of bank statements and proof of address; business owners add the trade licence, company documents and audited accounts. A pre-approval lets you start before you find the property.

A pre-approval is the bank's written confirmation of how much it will lend you. Valid 30–60 days depending on the bank, so you can make an offer with confidence.

Plan for 24–48 hours to pre-approval (24–48 hours for non-residents) and 2–3 weeks from valuation to transfer.

Usually yes for the pre-approval: with complete documents it takes 24–48 hours. The full mortgage takes longer, because the valuation, the final offer letter and the transfer appointment add 2–3 weeks.

Yes, up to 50% of the price until completion, on completed or near-complete units from registered developers with Oqood registration. After completion the limit rises to 60–80% depending on your status.

Pre-approvals and valuations expire, usually after 30–60 days, so a delay can mean renewing them, sometimes for a small fee. We keep the file ready and re-time the valuation and offer letter to the new handover date.

It depends on where rates go. A fixed rate, usually for 1–5 years, protects you while rates are high or uncertain; afterwards it moves to a variable rate, typically 3-month EIBOR plus 1.5–2.25%. Variable can be cheaper when EIBOR falls. Compare the follow-on margin and the exit fees, not just the starting rate.

Because pricing depends on the borrower: whether your salary is transferred to that bank, salaried or self-employed, loan size and loan-to-value, your employer, and the bank's client tier. The gap is often 0.25–0.5% or more.

Yes, it's called a buy-out. Most banks want 3–6 months of repayments first and usually charge no processing fee. Your current bank charges early settlement of 1% of the balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower, and some waive it after a few years.

The mortgage stays in place and the payments are still due. Tell the bank early: options include restructuring the loan, renting the property out or selling it. Leaving the UAE doesn't cancel the loan, and many owners keep paying from abroad.

Yes, with most banks. Tell us upfront so we choose a bank that allows it.

The early-settlement fee is capped at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower.

Your bank offers one product. We compare banks for your profile and handle the parts that usually stall a complex file: income structure, documents and valuation timing.

For UAE residents and nationals our service is free: banks pay us after your mortgage completes. For non-residents the fee is AED 10,000, agreed in writing before we start.

We read your file the way an underwriter would, check it against each bank's current policy, choose the bank, prepare and submit the documents, chase the bank, order the valuation, and coordinate with the developer, agent and trustee until the transfer.

No. One advisor, one number.

No. We only do mortgages. That's why agents trust us with their clients.