Off plan finance
Finance off plan before handover.
UAE banks now lend on selected off plan projects once construction passes 35%. Check whether your unit qualifies, how much the bank would fund and the cash you need before it does.
In short
- Banks lend up to 50% of the original sale price on off plan property, the Central Bank maximum, with loans up to AED 10 million.
- Lenders typically require at least 35% construction completion, verified by a RERA or municipality report, and handover within 24 months.
- Off plan finance is offered to UAE nationals and residents on units bought directly from an approved developer in Dubai freehold areas, with income from about AED 40,000 a month.
Does this project qualify?
Off plan loans are limited to 50% of the original sale price by the Central Bank. Other criteria reflect what lenders offering off plan finance told Castilion in October 2026; each bank keeps its own approved developer and project list. Illustrative only, not an offer.
How it works
From payment plan to bank funding.
- 01From your own funds
Reserve and pay the plan
You buy direct from the developer and pay the booking, the 4% DLD Oqood fee and the early instalments yourself.
- 0235% complete
Construction reaches the threshold
The bank checks progress against a RERA or municipality report and confirms the developer and project are approved.
- 03Pre approval to offer
Bank approves and registers
The bank values the unit, issues its offer on the original price and registers its mortgage with the Dubai Land Department.
- 04Up to 50%
The bank pays its share
Once your 50% is paid, the bank funds the remaining instalments to the developer and your repayments begin.
Lender criteria
What banks look for.
Typical criteria for off plan finance in Dubai today. Castilion matches your unit to the banks whose approved lists include your developer and project.
| Criterion | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Borrower | UAE nationals and UAE residents, salaried or self employed |
| Purchase | Direct from the developer; financed on the original sale price only |
| Developer | On the bank's approved list; major government backed master developers are commonly pre approved |
| Project | At least 35% built, verified with a RERA or municipality report, handover within 24 months |
| Location | Dubai freehold |
| Loan to value | Up to 50% (Central Bank regulation) |
| Loan amount | Up to AED 10 million |
| Term | Up to 25 years, or age 65 at maturity |
| Income | From AED 40,000 a month |
| Properties | One off plan property per borrower |
Islamic finance
Sharia compliant home finance is available from several banks, often at the same pricing as conventional loans.
No salary transfer
Some banks no longer require your salary to move to them, and some waive processing fees for salaried clients.
Low doc for business owners
Self employed residents can qualify on six months of account credits and balances, up to 65% on ready property.
Larger loans
Ready property loans reach AED 15 million at standard terms, with bespoke terms above.
Off plan desk
Check your project with the banks.
Tell us the project and unit. A Castilion advisor confirms which banks have it on their approved list, the construction stage they will accept and the cash you need until they pay.
Can you get a mortgage on off plan property in Dubai?
Yes, with selected banks, once the project meets their criteria. Banks lend up to 50% of the original sale price under Central Bank rules, typically only when construction is at least 35% complete, handover is expected within 24 months, and the unit was bought directly from an approved developer.
How much can I borrow on an off plan property?
Up to 50% of the original sale price, the Central Bank maximum for off plan property, with loans currently up to AED 10 million. The other 50% is paid from your own funds through the developer's payment plan before the bank pays its share.
Which off plan projects can be financed?
Usually Dubai freehold projects by developers on the bank's approved list, with major government backed master developers commonly pre approved. The project needs at least 35% construction completion, verified with a RERA or municipality progress report, and handover within 24 months.
Who qualifies for off plan finance?
UAE nationals and expatriates living in the UAE, salaried or self employed, with monthly income from about AED 40,000. The term runs up to 25 years or age 65 at maturity, whichever comes first, and banks typically finance one off plan property per borrower.
Can I finance an off plan resale or assignment?
Usually not before handover. Off plan finance is offered on units bought directly from the developer and on the original sale price only, so an assignment premium paid to a previous buyer is not financed. Most assignment buyers pay cash until handover, then finance the completed property.
Can non residents finance off plan property?
Off plan home finance is currently offered to UAE residents. Non residents usually pay the developer's plan from their own funds and arrange a mortgage on the completed property at handover, through a bank that lends to non residents.
Castilion Mortgage Advisory
Mortgage advice from Castilion Estates, licensed as a Real Estate Mortgage Broker. One team for the property and the finance behind it.
Castilion is a mortgage broker, not a lender. Calculators and assessments are indicative illustrations, not offers, pre approvals or approvals. Rates, fees and eligibility are set by each bank and are subject to its credit assessment, valuation and final offer, and to the regulations of the Central Bank of the UAE. Castilion Realty L.L.C., RERA ORN 46392.