Did You Know? Now You Can Get a Mortgage on Off-Plan Properties in the UAE!

In a transformative shift in the UAE real estate sector, investors can now secure mortgages on off-plan properties up to 50%—a change that is opening doors to new investment possibilities and making homeownership more accessible to a wider audience. This move, once considered unconventional, marks a significant evolution in the region’s real estate financing landscape.

So, what does this mean for investors and homebuyers? Let’s break it down.

What Are Off-Plan Properties?

Off-plan properties refer to properties that are sold before they are completed or even before construction begins. These are typically launched by developers with attractive pricing and payment plans, often marketed during the pre-construction phase.

Investors are drawn to off-plan deals for multiple reasons:

• Lower prices compared to ready properties
  

• Flexible payment plans spread across the construction timeline
  

• Potential for high capital appreciation by the time the property is ready
  
  

However, despite their many advantages, one challenge remained: financing.

The Traditional Challenge: No Mortgage for Off-Plan

Traditionally, banks in the UAE were reluctant to offer mortgages for off-plan properties. Why? Because these properties didn’t physically exist yet, which made them risky for lenders.

If a project was delayed or canceled, the bank could not repossess a non-existent asset. As a result, off-plan buyers had to rely heavily on personal funds or installment plans directly from developers, limiting access to these lucrative opportunities for many would-be investors or end-users.

The Game-Changer: Mortgage Availability on Off-Plan Properties

Recently, in a strategic move to further energize the property market, select banks and financial institutions in the UAE have begun offering mortgages for off-plan properties, particularly those being developed by reputed developers.

This means:

• Buyers can now borrow money from banks to fund the purchase of an off-plan property.
  

• The bank pays the developer as per the agreed construction-linked payment schedule.
  

• Buyers repay the bank through monthly EMIs (equated monthly installments), just like a typical mortgage.
  
  

This innovation is a win-win for buyers, developers, and the overall market.

Why This Is a Big Deal

1. More Accessibility for Buyers

Not everyone has the cash reserves to pay 100% upfront or follow through on a 50/50 or 60/40 developer plan. Mortgage availability means buyers can now:

• Pay a smaller upfront amount
  

• Stretch their finances over 10-15 years
  

• Enter the real estate market earlier than planned
  
  

2. Greater Buyer Confidence

Banks only approve mortgages on off-plan projects from well-established developers with a strong track record. This provides a level of due diligence and reassures buyers about the project's legitimacy and financial feasibility.

3. Boost to the Real Estate Market

Allowing mortgages on off-plan properties increases liquidity in the market and stimulates demand. This supports construction activity, economic growth, and helps developers fund their projects with more certainty.

How Does It Work?

Getting a mortgage on an off-plan property is slightly different from financing a ready property. Here's a general step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Select a Developer-Approved Off-Plan Project

Not all projects are eligible. Banks usually partner with reputed developers like Emaar, Damac, Sobha, Nakheel, and Aldar. Ensure the project is approved by your preferred bank.

Step 2: Approach the Bank or Mortgage Broker

Get a mortgage pre-approval based on your income, liabilities, and credit score. This approval outlines how much the bank is willing to lend.

Step 3: Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

After mortgage pre-approval, sign the SPA with the developer. Submit it to the bank for final approval.

Step 4: The Bank Disburses Funds in Stages

Banks release funds in line with the construction progress. This is usually aligned with the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) milestone-based framework.

Step 5: Start Monthly Repayments

You begin your EMI payments as per the mortgage agreement. Sometimes, the repayment begins after project handover, depending on the lender.

Key Requirements for Getting a Mortgage on Off-Plan Properties

1. Minimum Down Payment: Usually 20-25% of the property value
   
   

2. Eligibility Criteria:
   
   

• Minimum monthly income (usually AED 15,000+)
  

• Good credit score (650+ is typically favorable)
  

• Age between 21 to 65 years
  
  

3. Documents Required:
   
   

• Passport and Emirates ID
  

• Salary certificate or trade license (if self-employed)
  

• Bank statements (6 months)
  

• Credit report (from Al Etihad Credit Bureau)
  
  

Pros and Cons of Mortgage on Off-Plan Properties

Pros:

• Access high-value properties with lower upfront costs
  

• Leverage financial institutions instead of draining personal savings
  

• Invest early in a booming real estate cycle
  

• Benefit from appreciation during construction
  
  

Cons:

• Commitment to long-term repayments
  

• Risk if project faces delays
  

• Limited number of banks currently offering this option
  

• Applicable mostly to Tier-1 developers
  
  

Popular Banks Offering Off-Plan Mortgages in the UAE

As of now, not every bank provides off-plan mortgage financing, but a few are leading the charge:

• Emirates NBD
  

• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
  

• Mashreq Bank
  

• FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)
  

• HSBC
  

• RAKBANK
  
  

Each bank has its own criteria, interest rates, and approved developer list, so it’s advisable to consult with a mortgage broker for a personalized quote.

Developer-Backed Mortgage Partnerships

Some developers have exclusive partnerships with banks to facilitate mortgage offers. For instance:

• Emaar with Emirates NBD
  

• Damac with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
  

• Sobha Realty with Mashreq and FAB
  
  

These partnerships often provide preferential interest rates, quick processing, and customized payment schedules.

Is It the Right Choice for You?

A mortgage on an off-plan property can be an ideal option if:

• You want to invest early but don’t have the full cash upfront
  

• You prefer a branded developer with a strong track record
  

• You’re planning to live in or rent the unit upon handover
  

• You’re confident about your job stability and long-term financial ability to service the loan
  
  

However, if you're risk-averse or wary of construction timelines, this might not be the best fit. In such cases, a ready property with an existing mortgage option might be more suitable.

The ability to get a mortgage on off-plan properties in the UAE is a game-changing opportunity for residents, expats, and investors. It not only lowers the barrier to entry into the real estate market but also aligns the UAE with international property financing norms.

Whether you’re looking to invest in your dream home or expand your property portfolio, this financing flexibility offers you greater control and affordability—without waiting for project completion.

As always, it’s best to consult with real estate and mortgage experts to evaluate your eligibility, assess your financial comfort, and select the best option tailored to your needs.

Silver Oak Properties works closely with leading banks and developers in Dubai to help you navigate off-plan mortgage options with ease. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our consultants are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to explore off-plan mortgage options? Let’s talk.