How much you can borrow in Dubai depends on UAE Central Bank limits, your income and existing commitments, and each bank's own policies. As a rough guide, an expat earning AED 25,000 a month with no other debts could borrow up to around AED 2.1 million. Your real figure can be higher or lower depending on the bank, which is why the quickest way to know it is to ask a mortgage broker to compare banks for you.
What Decides How Much You Can Borrow?
Every UAE bank works within three Central Bank limits:
- The property price: expats can usually borrow up to 80% of a first home's price (UAE nationals up to 85%), so you'll need a down payment of at least 20%.
- Your monthly commitments: all your loan repayments together, including the new mortgage, can't exceed 50% of your income.
- Your annual income: the loan can't be more than 7 times your yearly income (8 times for UAE nationals).
Within these limits, each bank then makes its own assessment. That's why two banks can offer the same person very different amounts, and why going to just one bank may not get you the best result.
Not sure which bank will lend you the most? Our advisers compare leading UAE banks for you, for free.
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You could borrow up to around
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- Property price up to around
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Every bank is different. Your real limit could be higher or lower.
Find out my real limit →A rough estimate only, based on an example rate of 4.25% over 25 years. Not an offer of finance.
Why Your Real Number May Be Different
The rules above set the ceiling, but your actual limit depends on how each bank looks at your profile: your income type, employer, commitments, credit history and more. Some buyers qualify for more than they expect; others need the right bank to get approved at all.
Every bank is different. Speak to us to find out yours.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker?
Going to your own bank feels simple, but it means you only see one bank's answer. A mortgage broker works for you, not the bank:
- One application, many banks: we compare offers across leading UAE banks, so you don't have to apply bank by bank.
- The right bank for your profile: we know which banks suit your income, employer and situation, which can mean a higher limit or a better rate.
- Fewer rejections: applying to the wrong bank can mean a refusal and another credit check on your record. We approach the banks most likely to say yes.
- We do the paperwork: from documents and pre-approval to valuation and transfer day, we handle the process and chase the bank for you.
- No fee to you: DarX Capital doesn't charge customers anything for our advice or for arranging your mortgage.
In short, a broker saves you time and helps you get the best result from the bank that suits you, at no cost to you.
How DarX Capital Can Help
Tell us a little about your income and plans. We'll compare what leading UAE banks will lend you, explain your options clearly, and help you secure a pre-approval before you start viewing.
Want to see the full cost of buying, including fees? Try the mortgage calculator on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow on a AED 20,000 salary in Dubai?
As a rough guide, an expat earning AED 20,000 a month with no other debts could borrow up to around AED 1.68 million. Your actual limit depends on your commitments and on each bank's own assessment.
How much down payment do I need in Dubai?
Expats buying their first home up to AED 5 million need at least 20% of the price as a down payment, and UAE nationals at least 15%. Higher-value, second and off-plan properties need more.
Can a mortgage broker help me borrow more?
Often, yes. Banks assess applications differently, so the same buyer can qualify for more at one bank than another. DarX Capital compares banks for you, with no broker fee to you.
Is it better to go to a bank or a mortgage broker in Dubai?
A bank can only offer its own mortgages, while a broker compares several banks to find the one that suits your profile, handles the paperwork and can help avoid unnecessary rejections. With DarX Capital, there's no broker fee to you.
Find out your real borrowing limit
Share a few details and we'll check what leading UAE banks will lend you.