Mortgage Calculator UAE
Calculate your monthly mortgage payment in AED - with the UAE down payment rules, Dubai upfront buying costs and a DBR check built in.
Mortgages in the UAE: how they work
How does this mortgage calculator work?
Enter the property price, your down payment, the term and the interest rate, and the calculator shows your monthly payment, the total interest and the full cost of the home - including the upfront buying costs in Dubai that bank EMI quotes leave out. It uses standard amortization (the same reducing-balance method UAE banks use), so the results match what a bank would quote for the same rate. They are estimates, not a loan offer.
How much down payment do I need in the UAE?
Under Central Bank of the UAE rules for a first home under AED 5M, expats need at least 20% of the price as a down payment and UAE nationals at least 15%. For properties of AED 5M or more the minimums rise to 30% and 25%, and second or investment properties require more again. The calculator applies the right minimum for your profile automatically and warns you if your down payment is below it.
What is the maximum mortgage term?
Residential mortgages in the UAE are capped at 25 years. Banks also set a maximum age at the final payment - typically 65 for salaried borrowers and 70 for the self-employed - so the older you are, the shorter the maximum term. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest: use the month-by-month table to see by how much.
EIBOR + margin or fixed rate - what am I actually paying?
Most UAE mortgages are variable: priced at EIBOR 3M (the interbank rate) plus a bank margin, often around 1.5-2%. Banks usually offer a fixed rate for the first 1-5 years, after which the loan reverts to EIBOR + margin. When you compare offers, look at the reversion rate and the margin - not just the attractive fixed intro rate. Run this calculator with both rates to see how your payment changes.
What are the upfront costs when buying in Dubai?
Plan for roughly 7-8% of the purchase price on top of the down payment: the 4% DLD transfer fee plus about AED 580 in admin fees, around 2% agency commission plus 5% VAT, a 0.25% mortgage registration fee plus AED 290, a property valuation of about AED 2,500-3,500, and a bank arrangement fee of up to about 1% of the loan. On an AED 1.5M home that is over AED 100,000 in cash on day one - the calculator itemizes it for you.
Should I get pre-approval before making an offer?
Yes. A pre-approval is the bank's written confirmation of how much it will lend you, usually valid for about 60 days. It fixes your real budget, makes your offer credible to sellers and agents, and avoids losing a deposit on a deal your bank later declines. Only start viewing seriously once you have it.
Expats vs UAE nationals - what changes?
The main difference is the minimum down payment: 20% for expats vs 15% for nationals on a first home under AED 5M (30% vs 25% above that). Rates and the 50% DBR cap are broadly the same. Non-residents can also get UAE mortgages, but with fewer banks, lower loan-to-value and higher rates than residents.
What is the debt burden ratio (DBR)?
The DBR is the share of your monthly income that goes to loan payments and credit card minimums. UAE banks cannot let your total DBR exceed 50% - and many prefer to keep the mortgage alone around 25-30%. Enter your income in the calculator to see this mortgage's weight, and use our DBR calculator to check your full position with other loans included.
Can I pay off my mortgage early?
Yes. Early settlement fees on UAE mortgages are regulated - capped at 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower. The same cap generally applies to large partial prepayments. Because interest is charged on the outstanding balance, prepaying in the early years saves the most interest.
Final note
Rates, fees and approval criteria vary by bank and by profile - the results here are educational estimates, not financial advice. If the down payment is what is holding you back, see how fast your savings could grow in our fixed deposit calculator. And if you are weighing a smaller loan instead, compare with the personal loan calculator.