Dubai Marina mortgage guide 2026: buying property, home loan costs and what to expect
- Dubai Marina is a designated freehold area under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006; UAE residents and non-residents of any nationality can buy property there.
- Standard CBUAE LTV rules apply: expats get up to 80% LTV on properties at or below AED 5 million; UAE nationals get up to 85%.
- At the current best conventional rate of 3.70% over 25 years, every AED 1 million borrowed costs approximately AED 5,114 per month.
Dubai Marina is a freehold area where expats can buy property and finance it with a UAE bank mortgage. The minimum deposit is 20% (80% LTV) for expats on a first home up to AED 5 million, and 15% for UAE nationals. At the current best rate of 3.70% over 25 years, an AED 1 million loan costs approximately AED 5,114 per month. The same CBUAE rules that apply across all of Dubai apply here.
Is Dubai Marina freehold?
Yes. Dubai Marina is listed as a freehold area under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 (amended by Law No. 3 of 2022). This means any individual, including foreign nationals, can buy, sell, and mortgage property there without restrictions.
The development is managed by Dubai Marina Real Estate, a DMCC subsidiary. Expats living outside the UAE can also buy in Dubai Marina as non-residents, though they face different LTV rules (see below).
What mortgage rules apply in Dubai Marina?
No special rules. The CBUAE's Mortgage Finance Regulation governs all residential mortgages in the UAE, regardless of location. If you are buying in Dubai Marina, the same deposit requirements and income rules apply as anywhere else in Dubai.
| Buyer type | Max LTV | Min deposit | Applies to properties at... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expat resident, first home | 80% | 20% | AED 5M or below |
| UAE national, first home | 85% | 15% | AED 5M or below |
| Expat resident, second home | 65% | 35% | Any value |
| Non-resident | 65% | 35% | AED 5M or below |
Source: CBUAE Mortgage Finance Regulation.
Monthly payment examples for Dubai Marina properties
These examples use the current best conventional rate of 3.70% over 25 years at 80% LTV (expat first home). Actual rate depends on lender, your profile, and the property. Use the mortgage calculator to run your own numbers.
| Property price | Deposit (20%) | Loan (80%) | Monthly payment (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AED 1,000,000 | AED 200,000 | AED 800,000 | AED 4,091 |
| AED 1,500,000 | AED 300,000 | AED 1,200,000 | AED 6,137 |
| AED 2,000,000 | AED 400,000 | AED 1,600,000 | AED 8,182 |
| AED 3,000,000 | AED 600,000 | AED 2,400,000 | AED 12,273 |
Figures calculated using the PMT formula at 3.70% annual rate over 25 years (300 months). These are illustrative. Your bank will quote based on your actual profile and approved rate.
Upfront costs when buying in Dubai Marina
Beyond your deposit, budget for these fees. The example below uses a AED 1 million purchase with an AED 800,000 mortgage.
| Fee | Calculation | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of property price | 40,000 |
| DLD admin fee | Flat | 290 |
| Mortgage registration fee | 0.25% of loan amount | 2,000 |
| Mortgage registration admin fee | Flat | 290 |
| Valuation fee | Varies by bank and property | 2,500 to 4,000 |
| Bank arrangement fee | Typically 1% of loan | 8,000 |
| Agent commission (if buying through an agent) | Typically 2% of price | 20,000 |
| Total excluding agent (approx) | 53,080 to 54,580 |
Source: Dubai Land Department published fee schedule. Arrangement fee is indicative; some banks charge 0.5% to 1.25%. Confirm all fees with your lender before applying.
What salary do you need?
The CBUAE sets a maximum debt burden ratio (DBR) of 50% of gross monthly income. Your total monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) cannot exceed half your salary.
On a AED 1 million property at 80% LTV, the monthly payment is approximately AED 4,091. With no other debts, the minimum gross salary needed is AED 8,182 (AED 4,091 divided by 0.50).
In practice, most banks require a gross salary of at least AED 15,000 per month for any mortgage application, even if the DBR calculates lower. Any existing loan or credit card minimum payment reduces what you can borrow. Use the eligibility checker to see what you qualify for based on your actual income and debts.
Dubai Marina and service charges
Owners in Dubai Marina pay annual service charges to maintain common areas, lifts, pools, and security. These vary by building and are set by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) based on the building's actual running costs.
Rates typically range from AED 10 to AED 25 per square foot per year . On a 1,000 sq ft apartment, that works out to AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 per year on top of your mortgage payment. Factor this into your total monthly ownership cost before committing.
Which banks lend in Dubai Marina?
All major UAE banks lend on Dubai Marina properties. The location does not restrict which lender you use. Banks assess the property through their own approved valuers and will lend as long as the property meets their internal criteria (age, developer, floor, etc.).
Conventional lenders: ADCB, Emirates NBD, FAB, HSBC, Mashreq, CBD, RAKBANK, Standard Chartered.
Islamic lenders: DIB, ADIB, Emirates Islamic.
For current rates from each bank, see the rates comparison table.
What is the monthly payment on a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina? At 3.70% over 25 years with a 20% deposit, a AED 1.5 million property (typical for a 2-bedroom) costs approximately AED 6,137 per month on a AED 1.2 million mortgage. Add service charges and building insurance to that figure for your total monthly ownership cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai Marina?
Yes. Dubai Marina is freehold and open to buyers of any nationality. Both UAE residents and non-residents can buy. Expat residents qualify for standard UAE mortgage LTV rules (up to 80%). Non-residents face a lower LTV (typically 65%) and stricter eligibility requirements.
What is the minimum deposit for a Dubai Marina apartment?
For a first-home purchase at or below AED 5M: 20% for expat residents, 15% for UAE nationals. For second homes or investment properties: 35% for expats, 25% for UAE nationals. Non-residents: typically 35%.
Do I need a UAE residence visa to get a mortgage in Dubai Marina?
Not necessarily. Non-resident mortgages are available from some UAE banks but come with lower LTV (typically 65%) and a shorter maximum term. UAE residents get better terms because they have stable local income that banks can verify.
Is Dubai Marina suitable for buy-to-let investment?
Dubai Marina has historically had strong rental demand from professionals and expats. Rental yields in the area have typically ranged between 5% and 8% gross, though this varies by tower, unit type, and market conditions . For a buy-to-let purchase, the LTV drops to 65% for expats, so you will need a 35% deposit.
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