IMA Mudra Group | Retail Mortgage Solutions

Retail Mortgage Solutions

Your dream home or investment property is within reach. We help you navigate the UAE mortgage market with confidence, whether you're a first-time buyer, resident, or international investor.

Understanding Retail Mortgages in the UAE

A retail mortgage is a home loan provided by a bank or financial institution to help you purchase residential or commercial property. In the UAE, the mortgage market offers competitive options for both residents and non-residents, with flexible terms and Sharia-compliant alternatives.

At IMA Mudra Group, we simplify the mortgage process — from pre-approval to final registration — ensuring you get the best rates and terms tailored to your unique financial situation.

Key benefits of a retail mortgage:

✅ Own your home without paying 100% upfront
✅ Build equity over time
✅ Potential tax advantages for investors
✅ Flexible repayment terms up to 25 years

Residential vs. Commercial / Investment Property Mortgages

Understanding the key differences between financing a home to live in versus a property for investment or business use.

Feature	Residential Mortgage	Commercial / Investment Mortgage
Purpose	Buying a home to live in	Buying property for rental income or business use
Maximum LTV (Loan-to-Value)	Up to 80% for expats (first home under AED 5M)	Up to 60-70% depending on the property
Down Payment Requirement	Minimum 20% (first home), 30-40% for second home	Typically 30-40% minimum
Interest Rates	3.75% – 6.5% (competitive for residents)	Slightly higher (0.5-1% above residential rates)
Income Assessment	Based on personal salary and debt obligations	Based on personal income + potential rental income
Property Type	Villas, apartments, townhouses in residential areas	Office spaces, retail units, warehouses, mixed-use buildings
Eligibility	Open to residents and non-residents	Stricter criteria, higher income requirements
Best For	First-time buyers, families, end-users	Investors, business owners, landlords

Residents vs. Non-Residents: Mortgage Eligibility

Whether you live in the UAE or abroad, financing options are available. Here's how they compare.

Criteria	UAE Residents	Non-Residents (International Investors)
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV)	Up to 80% (first home under AED 5M)	Up to 60-70%
Minimum Down Payment	20% – 30%	40% – 50%
Minimum Monthly Income	AED 10,000 – 15,000	AED 15,000+ (or equivalent in home currency)
Interest Rates	3.75% – 4.5%	4.9% – 5.5% (slightly higher)
Approval Time	3-10 working days for pre-approval	4-15 days for pre-approval, full process up to 5-6 weeks
Documents Required	Passport, Visa, Emirates ID, Salary cert, Bank statements	Passport, Proof of foreign income, Tax returns, Foreign bank statements
Maximum Loan Term	Up to 25 years	Up to 15-25 years (bank dependent)

Types of Mortgages Available

Choose the structure that best fits your financial goals and comfort level.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Interest rate remains constant for 1-5 years. Monthly payments stay predictable, ideal for budgeting and first-time buyers.

Variable-Rate Mortgage

Rate linked to EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate). Payments fluctuate with market conditions; suitable for experienced investors.

Islamic Home Finance

Sharia-compliant structures (Murabaha, Ijara). No interest; profit-based model. Popular among UAE buyers.

Buy-to-Let Mortgage

Standard residential mortgage used for rental properties. Bank assesses personal income and potential rental yield.

Offset Mortgage

Link your savings account to reduce interest charged. Ideal for those who maintain large cash balances.

Remortgaging / Refinance

Replace existing home loan to secure lower rates or release equity from property that has increased in value.

Understanding Mortgage Costs & Fees

Beyond the down payment and monthly installments, several fees apply when securing a mortgage in the UAE:

🏦 Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount (paid to Dubai Land Department)
📄 Property Valuation Fee: AED 2,500 – 5,000 (charged by the bank)
💳 Bank Processing Fee: Approximately 1% of the loan value + VAT
🏠 DLD Transfer Fee: 4% of the property price
📋 Title Deed & Trustee Fees: AED 580 – 4,200
⏰ Late Payment Fee: 3% – 6% of the monthly installment

Pro Tip: Budget an additional 6-7% of the property price for these upfront costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about retail mortgages in the UAE.

What is the minimum salary required for a mortgage in Dubai?

Most banks require a minimum monthly income between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 for salaried expatriates. Self-employed individuals need to provide 2 years of business financial records.

Can expats and non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?

Yes. Mortgages for expats are widely available for UAE residents. Non-residents can also secure financing, but with stricter criteria including higher down payments (40-50%) and lower LTV ratios (50-60%).

What is the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) for expats?

For a first home valued at AED 5 million or less, expats can borrow up to 80%. For properties above AED 5 million, LTV decreases to 70%. For second homes, LTV is around 60%.

How long does mortgage approval take in Dubai?

Pre-approval typically takes 3-10 working days. Full mortgage approval and property transfer usually takes 3-5 weeks, depending on documentation and bank processing times.

What is the difference between fixed and variable rate mortgages?

Fixed-rate mortgages keep the same interest rate for 1-5 years, offering payment stability. Variable-rate mortgages fluctuate with the EIBOR market rate, potentially costing less in low-rate periods but rising when rates increase.

Can I buy an off-plan property with a mortgage?

Yes, but most banks release the mortgage near handover, after the property is registered and ready. Some banks offer construction-linked financing for approved developers.

Ready to Finance Your Dream Property?

Our mortgage experts are here to guide you through every step — from pre-approval to final registration.

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