Al Ghaf Mortgage is a Dubai-based mortgage broker that helps residents, non-residents, and self-employed buyers compare home loan options across UAE banks, prepare a strong application, and manage the process from first enquiry through to final approval — so you don’t have to approach each bank yourself.
What a Mortgage Broker Does in Dubai
A mortgage broker works between you and UAE banks. Instead of applying to lenders one by one, you share your details once, and the broker compares eligibility, indicative rates, and terms across multiple banks to match you with a suitable option, then manages the paperwork and bank communication on your behalf.
How Al Ghaf Mortgage Helps
- Mortgage consulting — guidance on lender options, eligibility, and the overall borrowing strategy for your situation.
- Banking consultation — support navigating bank requirements, documentation, and account/loan terms.
- Application support — help preparing and submitting your file so it’s ready for bank review.
See our full Services page for more detail.
Who We Help
We work with UAE residents, non-residents, salaried employees, and self-employed applicants looking to buy, refinance, or release equity from a property in the UAE. Requirements differ by profile — for example, non-resident buyers typically face a larger down payment and shorter loan terms than UAE residents, and self-employed applicants are usually asked for business records rather than a salary certificate. Read our step-by-step guide for expat buyers for one example of how this works in practice.
General UAE Mortgage Eligibility
Eligibility rules are set by individual banks within limits set by the UAE Central Bank (Circular No. 31/2013, as amended). As general guidance only — not a guarantee from any specific bank:
- Applicants are typically expected to be between 21 and 65 years old (some banks extend this for self-employed applicants).
- Total monthly debt obligations, including the proposed mortgage payment, generally cannot exceed 50% of gross monthly income (the Debt Burden Ratio, or DBR).
- Minimum down payment is commonly around 20% of the property value for UAE resident expats and higher for non-residents; exact figures depend on the bank, property, and your resident status.
These figures are general UAE market guidance and can vary by bank and change over time. Contact us for an assessment based on your current situation.
Documents Typically Required
- Passport and (for residents) Emirates ID
- Salary certificate and last 6 months’ bank statements (salaried applicants)
- Trade license and business bank statements (self-employed applicants)
- Existing liability details (loans, credit cards)
- Property details, once identified
The Process, Step by Step
- Initial consultation — we discuss your goals, income profile, and budget.
- Bank comparison — we compare eligibility and indicative terms across UAE banks.
- Pre-approval — once you choose a lender, the bank issues a pre-approval (Approval in Principle) confirming an indicative loan amount, typically within a few working days once your documents are complete.
- Property valuation and final approval — after you identify a property, the bank arranges a valuation before issuing the final loan offer.
- Registration and disbursement — the mortgage is registered with the Dubai Land Department and funds are released to complete your purchase.
Costs to Expect
Beyond the property price, expect bank processing fees, a property valuation fee, and Dubai Land Department mortgage registration charges. Exact amounts vary by bank and change over time — contact us for current figures relevant to your loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-residents get a mortgage in the UAE?
Yes, though non-resident applications generally require a larger down payment and shorter maximum loan term than resident applications, and are only offered by a subset of UAE banks.
Can self-employed applicants get a mortgage?
Yes. Banks typically ask for trade license history and business financial records instead of a salary certificate, and may require a longer track record of business operation.
How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
With a complete document set, pre-approval commonly takes a few working days, though this varies by bank and case complexity.
Does using a broker cost more than going directly to a bank?
Ask us directly about our fee structure for your situation — we’ll confirm this clearly before you commit to anything.
Last reviewed: 6 August 2026. General guidance only, not financial advice; confirm current rates, fees, and eligibility criteria directly with Al Ghaf Mortgage or your chosen bank.
Talk to Al Ghaf Mortgage
Call us at +971 4 566 2368, email info@alghafmortgage.com, or contact us online for a free initial consultation.