For years, mortgages on off plan properties in the UAE were either unavailable or only kicked in close to handover. In 2026 this changed materially. Buyers can now access a mortgage on an under construction property much earlier in the cycle, provided two key conditions are met.
The new framework
Under the updated approach being rolled out by major UAE banks, an off plan property can be mortgaged when:
- Construction has reached at least 30 percent completion, certified by the project's escrow account and the developer's progress report.
- The buyer has paid at least 50 percent of the purchase price from their own funds, including down payment and any milestones paid to date.
When both conditions are satisfied, banks will refinance the buyer's remaining instalments into a standard mortgage, releasing pressure on cash flow and locking in handover.
Why this matters
Until now, the typical off plan buyer paid 50 to 80 percent during construction in cash, then took a mortgage at handover. If credit conditions changed or income changed by handover, buyers risked losing significant deposits. The new structure pulls the mortgage approval forward, reduces stress and protects the deposit.
Banks actively offering off plan mortgages in the UAE
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) — launched a flagship off plan mortgage proposition in 2026, with pre approval available before purchase and structured releases tied to milestones.
- Emirates NBD — Integrated Booking Mortgage with early commitment letter at point of sale.
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) — off plan financing across selected approved developers.
- Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, ADIB and CBD — all running off plan mortgage programmes against approved developer lists.
Always check the bank's current developer panel and project panel directly, lists are updated quarterly.
Developers most commonly on bank panels
- Emaar Properties
- Dubai Holding (Nakheel, Meraas, Dubai Properties)
- Aldar Properties
- Sobha Realty
- Damac Properties
- Eagle Hills
- Select Group
- Ellington Properties
- Omniyat (specific projects)
Boutique developers may or may not be on bank panels. If you are buying off plan and intend to mortgage later, confirm in writing that your bank already finances the specific project before you sign.
What the buyer needs
- Valid Emirates ID and passport
- Salary certificate and three to six months of bank statements, or audited accounts for self employed
- Liability letter and AECB credit report
- Proof of deposits already paid
- Sale and purchase agreement and Oqood
Final word
Off plan financing is genuinely useful, but it does not change the discipline. Buy from a reputable developer, in a community with rental demand, with realistic delivery dates and an honest payment plan. If a project needs a creative mortgage to make the numbers work, the project is probably the problem.
If you want a candid view on which off plan projects qualify with which banks, we keep a live matrix.