Rates
What is the current best mortgage rate in the UAE?
As an indicative baseline, the sharpest fixed rate currently sits around 3.89% (Emirates NBD), with most other banks priced marginally above that, typically within around 0.20% depending on your profile. Rates move regularly, so treat this as a starting point and compare current, indicative offers across banks before applying.
Today's indicative starting point
The most competitive indicative fixed rate in the market currently sits around 3.89%, offered by Emirates NBD. Most other major banks price marginally above this level for a comparable borrower profile, typically within a band of roughly 0.05% to 0.20%. Your actual offer depends on LTV, income type, salary transfer status and credit profile. Think of 3.89% as the sharp end of the market for a strong applicant, not a rate every borrower will be quoted.
Indicative rate comparison
| Lender type | Indicative fixed rate |
|---|---|
| Large local bank | 3.89% |
| International bank | 3.94% |
| Mid-size local bank | 3.99% |
| Islamic bank | 4.04% |
| Foreign bank branch | 4.09% |
This spread of roughly 0.20% between the sharpest and the widest quote on this illustrative table might look small, but on a AED 2,000,000 loan over 25 years it can mean tens of thousands of dirhams in extra interest — see how much a 0.25% rate difference costs for the full worked numbers.
Why 'the best rate' is different for everyone
The 3.89% figure is a market baseline, not a guaranteed rate — it typically applies to strong borrower profiles (low LTV, salary transfer, ready property). Your quote could sit above or, in some cases, close to this depending on your circumstances and how banks are pricing that month. A self-employed non-resident buying an off-plan unit at 60% LTV should expect a materially higher quote than a salaried resident at 70% LTV with salary transfer.
Why the revert rate matters more than the headline
Almost every fixed-rate mortgage in the UAE only holds its headline rate for 1-5 years before reverting to a variable revert rate, typically EIBOR plus a margin. Since the revert period usually covers most of a 25-year term, a bank offering 3.89% with a high revert margin can end up costing more overall than a bank offering 3.99% with a lower, more transparent revert margin. Always ask for the exact revert rate in writing before comparing two fixed offers on headline rate alone.
How to actually get the best rate for your profile
- 1Get pre-approved through a comparison of multiple banks rather than one relationship manager
- 2Maximise your down payment where possible to move into a lower LTV band
- 3Consider transferring your salary to the lending bank if the rate gap justifies it
- 4Ask each bank for the revert rate and processing fee in writing, not just the fixed rate
- 5Use competing offers to negotiate the margin, especially on larger loan sizes
- 6Model the total cost, not just the monthly payment, using a mortgage calculator
What changes your quote from the baseline
- LTV band — under 80% for a first home under AED 5M typically prices best
- Salary transfer to the lending bank
- Employment type — salaried applicants often see sharper pricing than self-employed
- Property status — ready homes generally price better than off-plan
- Credit history and existing debt burden
How to lock in a competitive rate
Compare current offers using a mortgage calculator to see the real payment impact, and read our broader guide to mortgage rates in the UAE and best mortgage rates in Dubai.
Run the numbers on your own case
Free Lenddoo tools and guides related to this article.
Last reviewed 5 July 2026