Abu Dhabi & Northern Emirates Mortgages

While Dubai accounts for substantial residential mortgage volume, buyers acquiring property in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah must understand local land department rules.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate Financing

Property transactions in the capital are registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) via the DARI digital platform. Expatriates can purchase freehold property in designated Investment Zones such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, and Al Raha Beach.

• Municipal Transfer Fee: 2% of property purchase price payable to DMT.
• Mortgage Registration: 0.1% to 0.2% of loan amount depending on municipal bracket.
• LTV & DBR Limits: Strictly identical to Dubai under Central Bank of the UAE regulations (max 80% LTV for expats on ready homes up to AED 5M; max 50% DBR).

Sharjah Real Estate Financing

The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) governs property ownership in Sharjah. Under Law No. 2 of 2022, foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in approved master communities (e.g. Aljada, Tilal City) subject to department registration.

Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman & Northern Emirates

Freehold developments in Ras Al Khaimah (such as Al Marjan Island and Mina Al Arab) and Ajman are fully eligible for bank mortgage finance across major UAE retail lenders. Transfer fees and municipal registration procedures are overseen by the respective local land and municipality authorities.