Refinance
How long does a mortgage refinance take in the UAE?
A UAE mortgage refinance can complete in as fast as 10 business days once your documents are submitted and the valuation is done, though the typical range is a few weeks depending on the bank, property type and how quickly your existing lender processes the settlement and release.
What the timeline typically looks like
Once you submit a complete application, the new bank runs a valuation and credit assessment, issues an offer letter, then coordinates settlement of your existing mortgage and re-registration of the property with the Dubai Land Department or relevant land authority. Well-prepared applications with a straightforward property can complete in as fast as 10 business days.
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Application, documents and initial offer | 1-2 business days |
| Liability letter from existing bank | 1-3 business days |
| Property valuation | 2-4 business days |
| Final offer and settlement of existing mortgage | 2-3 business days |
| Release of mortgage and re-registration | 1-2 business days |
What can slow things down
- Missing or outdated income and bank statement documents
- Delays from your existing bank in issuing a liability letter or settlement figure
- Property valuation discrepancies
- Off-plan or non-standard property types requiring extra checks
- Multiple owners on the title deed who all need to sign
How to speed it up
Have your salary certificate, bank statements, Emirates ID, title deed and existing mortgage statement ready before you apply. Comparing multiple banks through one application, rather than approaching each separately, also removes a lot of the back-and-forth that slows things down. Using an affordability calculator beforehand helps you apply only to banks likely to approve you at the loan size you need.
What happens after completion
Once the new mortgage is registered, your first payment schedule starts with the new bank, and your old lender should confirm in writing that your account is fully closed with no outstanding liability. Keep this confirmation for your records in case of any future dispute.
Related reading
See our full breakdown of the mortgage buyout process and when to refinance, plus the mortgage glossary for terms used at each stage.
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Last reviewed 13 June 2026