Buying & fees
Mortgage Cap / LTV
The mortgage cap, or loan-to-value limit, is the maximum share of a property's value a bank may lend, capping how much a buyer can finance.
Loan-to-value (LTV) expresses the mortgage as a percentage of the property's value, and UAE Central Bank regulations set caps that determine the minimum down payment a buyer must provide. As a general guide, expatriate first-time buyers have faced higher deposit requirements than UAE nationals, with lower LTV ceilings for higher-value or second properties, but exact limits depend on current Central Bank rules, the buyer's profile, and whether the property is ready or off-plan. Buyers should confirm the applicable LTV with their lender before committing.
Related terms
- Transfer Fee — A transfer fee is the government charge paid to register a change of property ownership, calculated as a percentage of the sale price.
- ROI (Return on Investment) — ROI measures the total gain from a property relative to what was invested, combining rental income and any change in value.
- Golden Visa via Property — The Golden Visa via property is a long-term UAE residence permit granted to investors who buy qualifying real estate above a set value threshold.