Refinance
Do I need a new valuation to refinance?
Yes, a new independent valuation is required for every UAE mortgage refinance, since the new bank needs to confirm the property's current market value before approving your loan-to-value ratio. This typically costs around AED 2,500-3,500 and is arranged through a bank-approved valuer.
Why a fresh valuation is required
The new bank taking on your mortgage needs an independent, current assessment of the property's value to calculate your loan-to-value ratio and decide how much it can lend. Your original purchase valuation, or the one used by your existing bank, isn't accepted — each bank commissions its own.
What the process involves
- 1The new bank appoints an approved valuer
- 2The valuer inspects the property (sometimes a desktop valuation is used for straightforward cases)
- 3A valuation report is issued to the bank, typically within a few days
- 4The bank confirms your maximum loan amount based on the valuation and your LTV band
What it costs and who pays
| Scenario | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Standard apartment or villa, physical inspection | AED 2,500 - 3,500 |
| Straightforward case, desktop valuation | Often at the lower end or waived by some banks |
Valuation fees are typically AED 2,500-3,500 and are usually paid by the borrower as part of the overall refinance cost. This is separate from the arrangement fee and mortgage release and re-registration charges — see the full refinance cost breakdown.
How to avoid paying for multiple valuations
- Compare several banks through a single application rather than approaching each one separately
- Ask upfront whether a bank accepts a recent valuation from another approved valuer
- Check if any bank in your comparison offers a valuation fee waiver as part of a promotion
Related reading
Read the full mortgage fees breakdown to see how valuation costs fit into your total refinance budget, and the mortgage glossary for definitions of LTV and related terms.
Run the numbers on your own case
Free Lenddoo tools and guides related to this article.
Last reviewed 6 July 2026