Financing Dubai’s Off-Plan Market in 2025

Buying off-plan property in Dubai is one of the most profitable ways to invest in the UAE real estate market — offering flexible payment plans, lower entry prices, and high potential returns.

But when it comes to mortgages for off-plan properties, many investors still wonder:
- Can I get a mortgage before the project is completed?
- What are the requirements for expats and international buyers?
- How much down payment is needed?

This guide will walk you through everything about off-plan mortgages in Dubai in 2025, including eligibility, financing options, and how AI-powered tools on OffPlanProperties.ai simplify the process for investors.

What Is an Off-Plan Mortgage in Dubai?

An off-plan mortgage allows you to finance the purchase of a property that is still under construction. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you make stage-based payments or use bank financing once the project reaches a certain completion stage (usually 50% or more).

How it works:

You book the property directly from the developer.
Make initial down payments (usually 10–20%).
As construction progresses, you pay installments based on milestones.
Once the project is around 50% complete, you can apply for a mortgage to cover the remaining balance.

💡 Tip: Use the OffPlanProperties.ai Mortgage Calculator to instantly see how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be.

Eligibility for an Off-Plan Mortgage in Dubai

Eligibility depends on your residency status, income, and developer partnership with approved banks.

For UAE Residents:

Minimum monthly salary: AED 15,000 (≈ USD 4,100)
Maximum loan-to-value (LTV): Up to 80% of the property value
Minimum age: 21 years
Must be employed or self-employed with steady income

For Non-Residents / International Buyers:

Minimum salary: AED 25,000 (≈ USD 6,800)
Maximum LTV: Usually 50–60%
Proof of income, overseas bank statements, and passport copies required
Available only with selected developers and banks

Down Payments and Payment Plans

Developers in Dubai often offer attractive payment structures, especially for off-plan projects.

Booking fee: 5–10%
During construction: 40–50% in installments
On handover: 10–20%
Post-handover payment plan (optional): 20–40% over 2–5 years

Example:

For a property worth AED 1,500,000 (≈ USD 408,000):

Booking: AED 75,000 (≈ USD 20,400)
Construction: AED 600,000 (≈ USD 163,000)
Handover: AED 150,000 (≈ USD 41,000)
Post-handover: AED 675,000 (≈ USD 184,000)

You can use OffPlanProperties.ai’s AI Mortgage Calculator to plan the most cost-efficient structure.

Developer vs Bank Financing

Developer Financing

Available directly from the developer.
Often requires no bank approval.
Interest-free or low-interest post-handover plans.
Shorter repayment period (2–5 years).

Bank Financing

Available through UAE banks for approved off-plan projects.
Requires income verification and credit approval.
Longer repayment terms (up to 25 years).
Fixed or variable interest rates available.

💡 Smart Insight: At OffPlanProperties.ai, you can compare developer vs bank mortgage options using AI tools that show total repayment, interest rates, and ROI side by side.

Top Banks Offering Off-Plan Mortgages in Dubai (2025)

While you should verify each bank’s policy, the following banks actively finance off-plan projects in Dubai:

Emirates NBD
Mashreq Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
HSBC UAE
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

These banks usually partner with major developers such as Emaar, DAMAC, Sobha Realty, and Ellington.

How OffPlanProperties.ai Makes Mortgage Planning Easy

OffPlanProperties.ai isn’t just another property portal — it’s an AI-powered investment platform designed for smart property decisions.

With our platform, you can:

🧠 Compare off-plan projects by price, ROI, and payment plans.
📊 Use AI-based ROI and Mortgage Calculators to see affordability instantly.
🤖 Ask our AI Real Estate Agent about mortgage eligibility and developer offers.
💬 Connect with verified mortgage advisors who specialize in off-plan financing.

Everything you need to plan, compare, and buy smarter — in one place.

Tips for Getting the Best Off-Plan Mortgage in Dubai (2025)

✅ Choose RERA-approved developers — ensures bank approval and project security.
✅ Keep your debt-to-income ratio below 50%.
✅ Compare fixed vs variable interest rates.
✅ Consider developer post-handover offers before applying for a mortgage.
✅ Use AI comparison tools at OffPlanProperties.ai to find the best value-for-money investment.

FAQs — Off-Plan Mortgage in Dubai

Can foreigners get an off-plan mortgage in Dubai?

Yes. Many UAE banks offer mortgages to international buyers for approved off-plan projects, though the LTV is typically 50–60%.

What is the minimum salary required for a mortgage in Dubai?

For residents, around AED 15,000/month (≈ USD 4,100); for non-residents, AED 25,000/month (≈ USD 6,800).

Can I get a mortgage before construction is completed?

Yes, but usually once the project reaches at least 50% completion, depending on the bank’s policy.

What is the minimum down payment for off-plan properties?

Around 10–20% upfront, with the rest paid in construction-linked installments.

Which is better — developer financing or bank mortgage?

Developer financing is more flexible but shorter-term. Bank mortgages offer longer repayment (up to 25 years) but require eligibility checks.

Does OffPlanProperties.ai help with off-plan mortgages?

Absolutely. You can compare mortgage options, calculate ROI, and plan your entire investment using our AI mortgage tools — all in one place.

Conclusion: Smarter Off-Plan Financing with AI

Dubai’s off-plan market in 2025 is more accessible than ever — and with the right mortgage, investors can secure high-value properties with flexible payments.

At OffPlanProperties.ai, you can discover, compare, and calculate your off-plan mortgage options with the power of AI — making investment decisions faster, smarter, and stress-free.