How to Choose the Right Mortgage in the UAE

## Loan-to-Value UAE residents qualify for up to 80% LTV on a first home below AED 5 m. Above AED 5 m, LTV drops to 65%. Non-residents are usually capped at 50% LTV. ## Fixed vs Variable Fixed rates (2–5 years) protect you from EIBOR moves but pre-payment penalties are higher. Variable rates track EIBOR + 1.5–2% margin and are usually cheaper over a 25-year tenor. ## Documents You Need Passport, Emirates ID, 6 months of bank statements, salary certificate, recent payslip, trade licence (for self-employed) and a liability letter listing existing loans. ## Common Pitfalls Forgetting to declare an old credit card, undeclared dependents, and salary fluctuations across the 6-month window are the three most common reasons for pre-approval rejection.