Can I buy a property with my spouse?

How joint applications work

When you apply with your spouse, the bank generally combines both salaries (and any qualifying allowances) to calculate the maximum loan amount under the debt burden ratio cap of typically 50% of joint income. This can significantly increase what you're able to borrow compared to a single-income application.

• Both applicants submit full documentation — salary certificates, bank statements, Emirates ID and passport copies
• Both credit reports (AECB) are checked, and existing liabilities of both parties count against the joint DBR
• Both parties are jointly and severally liable, meaning the bank can pursue either spouse for the full outstanding balance
• Life insurance is generally required on at least the primary applicant, and sometimes on both, depending on the bank

Worked example

If you earn AED 15,000/month and your spouse earns AED 12,000/month, applying jointly gives a combined income of AED 27,000/month. At a 50% DBR cap with no existing debts, your combined maximum instalment is roughly AED 13,500/month, compared with around AED 7,500/month if you applied alone. Over a 25-year term at an indicative 3.89%, that difference can translate into several hundred thousand dirhams of extra borrowing capacity.

Ownership and title deed

You can typically choose the ownership split recorded on the title deed — 50/50 is common, but some couples opt for a different ratio reflecting actual financial contribution. This is a legal and DLD matter separate from the mortgage itself, so confirm the structure with your conveyancer before registration.

What happens on separation or death

Because liability is joint and several, both spouses remain responsible for the full mortgage even if the relationship changes — the bank isn't a party to any private agreement about who pays what. Life insurance, which is generally mandatory, would clear the outstanding balance if one spouse passes away, but divorce or separation requires a separate legal and financial settlement outside the mortgage contract.

Non-married co-applicants

Some banks also allow joint applications between family members or business partners, though policies vary more than for spouses — check with individual lenders. Use our affordability calculator to model your combined income before applying, and see the full document checklist so both applicants arrive prepared.