First-Time Buyer Mortgages
Navigating your first property purchase requires balancing down payment requirements, upfront government fees, and qualifying under UAE Central Bank Debt Burden Ratio rules.
Key Regulatory Parameters
Reviewed: 2026-10-21What It Is
First-time buyer financing applies to individuals acquiring their primary residential property in the UAE. Because first-time buyers have not utilized their primary home borrowing allocation, they qualify for the Central Bank highest allowable Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits.
Key Features & Structure
- Access to the highest allowable LTV: up to 80% for expatriates and 85% for UAE Nationals on homes up to AED 5M.
- Multiple lender repayment structures, including introductory fixed terms.
- Consultancy guidance through property valuation, MOU signing, and trustee transfer steps.
Who It Suits
Tenants transitioning to homeownership and new expatriate families establishing long-term roots in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Important Things to Consider & Risks
- Remember to budget for upfront buying fees (approx. 6–7% of property price) in addition to the down payment.
- Your monthly commitments including credit cards cannot exceed 50% of your verifiable income.
Typical Documents Required
- Passport, Visa, Emirates ID
- Last 6 months bank statements
- Employment contract or salary certificate
- Current tenancy contract (Ejari) if applicable
Estimate Your Monthly Payments
Use our client-side calculator to model repayment scenarios under CBUAE rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided funds can be documented and verified through legal banking channels satisfying AML/KYC requirements.
Keystones provides independent consultancy reviews to assess eligibility across UAE banks without charging unauthorized upfront consultation fees.