Developer payment plans — how they work
Most off-plan properties in Dubai are sold with a payment plan that stages the cost from reservation through to handover. A typical structure might look like this: 10–20% on booking, then 30–40% paid in instalments during construction, and the remaining balance due on completion and handover of the keys.
Some developers now offer post-handover payment plans, where a portion of the price — often 30–40% — is paid over two to three years after you receive the keys. This can make a new-build purchase accessible to buyers who cannot fund the full balance at completion.
Payment plans are interest-free, which makes them attractive compared with taking a mortgage at today's rates. The main risk is developer default or project delays — which does happen in Dubai's off-plan market. Checking a developer's track record of delivery is essential before committing.
Mortgages for expats and non-residents
The regulatory LTV cap for non-residents in the UAE is 75%, but the practical reality in 2026 is different. Most tier-one banks are lending at 50–60% LTV for non-resident buyers on completed properties, with off-plan purchases capped at 50% regardless of residency status. Expect to put down 40–50% of the purchase price in cash, plus buying costs.
Lender appetite for international buyers varies considerably by bank and by applicant nationality and profile — regional geopolitical uncertainty has made some lenders more cautious on non-resident applications than they were previously. Mashreq currently offers among the higher LTV options for non-residents at up to 65%. HSBC UAE and Emirates NBD also have non-resident mortgage products, though terms and maximum LTVs differ. The available lender panel is smaller for non-residents than for UAE residents, which makes comparing your options important.
UAE mortgage rates are variable, linked to EIBOR. The application process requires proof of income, three to six months of bank statements, an employment letter or proof of self-employment and a bank-approved property valuation. Overseas income requires additional verification and some lenders apply income haircuts for certain employment types or nationalities.
Working with a mortgage specialist
Navigating UAE mortgage criteria as a British buyer — particularly if you are self-employed, have income from multiple sources or are buying through a company structure — is considerably easier with a specialist who understands how UAE banks assess non-resident applications.
We point clients towards Lockhart Murphy, who advise on both UK and UAE mortgages for British and international expats. That matters because many British buyers relocating to Dubai are managing both sides at once: potentially remortgaging or releasing equity on a UK property while arranging UAE finance for the Dubai purchase. Having one firm that understands both markets saves a lot of back and forth.
Lockhart Murphy can compare products across UAE lenders and structure an application correctly from the outset. A poorly prepared application can result in a lower loan amount or a higher rate than you should be paying. Their fee, where applicable, is typically covered by the lender rather than the borrower.
Buying cash — still the most common route for investors
A significant proportion of Dubai investment property purchases are made in cash. The advantages are straightforward: faster completion, no bank valuation risk, a stronger negotiating position and a simpler transaction overall.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate, which removes currency risk on the USD/AED side of the exchange. British buyers do however carry USD/GBP exposure between agreeing a price and completing the transfer. On larger purchases it is worth timing the transfer carefully or using a currency broker to lock in a forward rate.
