Finance for off-plan property and the payment due at handover.
Off-plan buyers can finance either during construction or, more commonly, at handover when the remaining balance is due. During construction, Central Bank rules cap the loan at 50% of the value, and the bank only releases money after your own share has been paid. At handover the property is complete, so lenders can usually assess it like a ready home.
If your handover is coming up, start early. Banks need time for valuation and approval, and missing a developer deadline can be costly. We'll plan the timeline with you.
Central Bank maximums. Each bank can apply stricter limits.
Is this right for you?
- Buyers with a handover date in the next 3 to 12 months
- Investors who bought off-plan on a payment plan
- Buyers who want to finance part of the price during construction
Financing at handover, step by step
- Check your numbersWe work out the balance due at handover and how much a bank could lend on the completed property.
- Pre-approvalWe secure pre-approval a few months ahead, so you know the funds will be ready.
- ValuationOnce the building is ready, the bank values your unit.
- Developer and bank coordinationWe coordinate the payment to the developer and the mortgage registration.
- HandoverYou receive the keys, and repayments start under your new mortgage.
How off-plan financing is regulated.
- 50% cap during construction. For property bought off-plan, the Central Bank limits the loan to 50% of the value for all buyers.
- Your share goes first. Where a bank finances stage payments, it must use your own contribution to pay the developer before it releases any loan money.
- Payments follow progress. Bank payments to the developer are tied to construction milestones checked by the bank or an independent professional.
- Not every project qualifies. Banks keep lists of developers and projects they'll finance. We check yours early.
What you'll usually need
Salaried applicants
- Passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
- Salary certificate from your employer
- Recent payslips and bank statements showing salary credits (usually 6 months)
- Details of existing loans and credit cards
Self-employed and business owners
- Passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
- Trade licence and company documents (such as the memorandum of association)
- Personal and company bank statements (often 6 to 12 months)
- Audited financial statements or proof of business income, where the lender asks for them
Property documents
- Memorandum of understanding (Form F) or sale agreement
- Title deed or Oqood (for off-plan) of the property
- Valuation report (arranged by the lender)
Lenders may ask for more depending on your profile. We'll give you an exact checklist for your case.
Numbers to know
- Maximum LTV, off-plan property, all buyers
- 50%
- Maximum LTV, expatriates, first home, value below AED 5 million
- 80%
- Maximum debt burden ratio (share of gross income)
- 50%
- Maximum mortgage term
- 25 years
Regulatory limits: Central Bank of the UAE, Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans, checked 7 November 2026. Lenders can apply stricter limits.
Your questions, answered.
When should I apply for a handover mortgage?
How much can I borrow at handover?
Can I get a mortgage while the property is still under construction?
What if my handover date moves?
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