Standard Chartered is a globally recognised bank with a strong UAE retail banking presence, offering competitive home loan products suited to both UAE residents and international buyers. YOUAE Mortgages works directly with Standard Chartered to arrange your mortgage end to end — free of charge and with access to the full UAE lending market.
Standard Chartered mortgage products & features
Standard Chartered provides conventional mortgage financing across a range of property types, including ready and off-plan residential units in designated freehold areas. Key product features typically include:
- Fixed-rate periods — an initial fixed rate (commonly two to five years), offering payment certainty before reverting to a variable rate linked to EIBOR.
- Variable-rate mortgages — a floating rate that moves with EIBOR, often carrying a lower initial cost and suitable for buyers who plan to refinance or sell within a few years.
- Offset and flexible products — Standard Chartered's international banking heritage means some clients may have access to supplementary structures depending on their banking relationship and residency profile.
- Refinancing — existing mortgage holders at other UAE banks can potentially switch to Standard Chartered to access better terms or release equity.
Standard Chartered typically finances up to 80% of the property value for UAE resident expatriates and nationals on primary residences, with lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for non-residents and investment properties, in line with Central Bank of the UAE guidelines.
Standard Chartered mortgage rates
Indicative profit rates at Standard Chartered start from 3.98%. These are starting-point figures — the rate offered to you will depend on your loan amount, chosen fixed period, employment type, property type, and overall risk profile. All variable-rate products are tied to the Emirates Interbank Offered Rate (EIBOR), meaning your monthly payment can rise or fall when EIBOR is reset. A broker comparison is essential: the headline rate is only one part of the total cost of borrowing.
Compare rates across all UAE lenders →
Eligibility
Standard Chartered mortgages are available to UAE residents (salaried and self-employed) and, subject to additional conditions, to non-resident buyers. General UAE lending norms apply:
- Minimum salary: approximately AED 15,000 per month for salaried applicants, though thresholds can vary by product and loan size.
- Age: typically 21 at application and no older than 65 (employees) or 70 (self-employed) at final repayment.
- Self-employed applicants: usually require two years of audited financials and consistent trading history.
- Documents: passport, UAE residency visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate or trade licence, bank statements (typically six months), and property details.
Non-UAE-resident applicants — including those buying investment property from overseas — should speak to a YOUAE adviser to understand the specific LTV limits and documentation requirements that apply to their nationality and location.
Fees & costs
The costs of buying property in the UAE extend well beyond the mortgage itself. As a guide for Dubai purchases, buyers should budget approximately 7% of the purchase price in upfront transaction costs:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee: 4% of the property value, paid in cash.
- Estate agency fee: approximately 2%, typically paid by the buyer.
- Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of the loan amount, payable to the DLD.
- Valuation fee: AED 2,500–AED 3,500 depending on the property.
- Bank arrangement / processing fee: typically 0.5%–1% of the loan amount, which may be added to the loan in some cases.
Fee structures differ across emirates — Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates each have their own registration charges. YOUAE will walk you through the exact cost breakdown for your transaction.
Why compare Standard Chartered through a broker
Standard Chartered is a strong lender for internationally mobile professionals and expatriates, but it sits alongside more than a dozen other active mortgage lenders in the UAE. Rate positions shift monthly, and the bank that leads on pricing today may not do so in three months. YOUAE compares Standard Chartered against the whole UAE market — including banks that are not always visible to direct applicants — to find the most competitive structure for your situation.
We are particularly useful if you have a complex profile: multiple income sources, recent employment changes, or a non-standard property type. Our team manages the paperwork, liaises with the bank's credit team, and keeps your application moving without you having to chase.
See how we work with all UAE banks →
How to apply with YOUAE
- Book a free consultation — speak with a YOUAE adviser about your budget, property search, and timeline.
- Pre-approval — we submit your documents to Standard Chartered (and other shortlisted lenders) to secure an in-principle offer.
- Property offer — once you find your property, we request formal valuation and final approval.
- Completion — we coordinate between you, the bank, and the DLD to reach a smooth transfer.
Start your mortgage application →
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Standard Chartered mortgage as a non-resident?
Non-UAE residents can potentially finance a property purchase through Standard Chartered, though the maximum LTV is typically lower than for residents (often around 50% for non-residents, per Central Bank guidance). The documentation requirements are more extensive. Read our non-resident mortgage guide →
Is a fixed or variable rate better with Standard Chartered?
It depends on your plans. A fixed rate gives certainty on payments for the fixed period, which suits buyers who want predictability. A variable rate (EIBOR-linked) may be lower initially and is often preferred by buyers who plan to sell or refinance within a few years. YOUAE will model both scenarios for your specific loan size.
How long does mortgage approval take?
Pre-approval can typically be issued within 3–7 working days once all documents are submitted. Full formal approval following property valuation usually takes a further 5–10 working days, though timelines vary. Using a broker who has an established relationship with the bank's processing team generally reduces delays.
Ready to see how Standard Chartered compares against the full UAE market? Book your free mortgage pre-approval with YOUAE today →