Dubai Mortgages and Moving Money from the UK

How much UAE banks lend to UK residents, the documents you need, and how to move money from the UK to Dubai safely and cheaply.

Written and reviewed by Live Dubai’s Marketing Team · Last reviewed 7 October 2026

In short

Several UAE banks lend to UK residents. Brokers report that UK residents are usually offered 50% to 65% of the value, over up to 25 years.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, so your cost moves with the pound against the dollar.
Use a bank or an FCA-authorised provider, and never pay to new bank details sent by email alone.
Expect source-of-funds checks. UAE agents and banks must ask where your money comes from.

Getting your money to Dubai safely

Large property payments are where currency costs and fraud risk are highest. A little planning protects both.

Your UK accountSterling from your bank, savings or a UK mortgage release.
Bank or FCA-authorised providerCompare the exchange rate, not just the fee. Specialists can fix a rate for a future date.
DirhamsPegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, so your rate moves with the pound against the dollar.
ResaleInto a UAE bank account, then manager’s cheques at the transfer.
Off-planStraight into the project’s escrow account registered with Dubai Land Department.

Check who you are using

Non-bank payment firms must be authorised or registered with the FCA. Check the FCA Register and use the contact details shown there. Payment firms are not covered by the FSCS, and small payment institutions do not have to safeguard your money, so ask how yours protects it.

Beware payment fraud

The UK’s refund scheme for scam payments covers Faster Payments and CHAPS within the UK, not international transfers. Never send money to new or changed bank details from an email alone. Call a number you already know to confirm, and pay off-plan instalments only into the project’s escrow account.

Have your paperwork ready

UAE agents and banks must check where your money comes from under anti-money-laundering rules. Expect to show bank statements and evidence such as a sale completion statement, savings history or payslips. Cash payments of AED 55,000 or more have to be reported.

A UAE bank account is not required by law to buy, but on a resale it is the simplest way to issue the manager’s cheques, and opening one usually needs a visit.

Dubai mortgages for UK residents

The UAE Central Bank sets the maximum loan for expatriates, and each bank decides how much of that it offers non-residents.

Maximum loan as a share of the property value

UAE Central Bank limits for expatriates, and what banks typically offer UK residents

First home up to AED 5m80%

First home over AED 5m70%

Second or investment home60%

Off-plan50%

Typical for UK residents50–65%

Limits: UAE Central Bank mortgage regulations. Typical non-resident offers: UAE mortgage brokers, 2026; some banks go higher.

What to expect

Term: up to 25 years. Banks set their own age limits, often around 65 at the end of the loan for employees and a little higher for the self-employed.
Documents: passport, proof of UK address, six months of bank statements, payslips and an employer letter (or tax returns if self-employed), and a UK credit report.
Rates: non-resident deals are usually priced a little above resident deals. Our calculators assume a typical rate of 4.5%, updated monthly.
Fees: 0.25% of the loan to register the mortgage, plus a bank valuation fee. Plan to pay the deposit and fees from your own funds.
Paying it off early: early settlement fees are capped at 1% of the balance or AED 10,000, whichever is lower.
Already living in Dubai? As a UAE resident you can borrow up to 80% for a first home up to AED 5 million under Central Bank rules, rather than the lower limits banks set for non-residents.

Try the mortgage calculator

In the UK, mortgage interest on a Dubai property is not deducted from the rent; you get a tax credit instead. See our guide to UK tax on Dubai property.

Want to know what you could borrow? Tell us about the property and we’ll talk you through your options.

Talk to us

Questions UK buyers ask

Can I get a Dubai mortgage while living in the UK?

Yes. Several UAE banks lend to non-residents. The UAE Central Bank caps lending to expatriates at 80% of the value for a first home up to AED 5 million and 50% for off-plan, but banks set their own limits for non-residents, and brokers report that UK residents are usually offered 50% to 65%. Loans run for up to 25 years.

What is the best way to send money from the UK to Dubai?

Use your bank or a payment firm authorised or registered with the FCA, and compare the exchange rate as well as the fee. For a resale the money usually goes to a UAE bank account; for off-plan it goes straight into the project’s escrow account. Always confirm bank details by phone on a number you already know.

Am I protected if I am scammed on an international transfer?

The UK’s refund scheme for scam payments covers Faster Payments and CHAPS within the UK, not international transfers, so checking bank details before you pay is essential.