Dubai Marina is one of Dubai's most iconic waterfront destinations, home to a sweeping canal promenade, high-rise towers, and a lifestyle that draws residents and investors from around the world — and YOUAE arranges mortgages for buyers across the full range of property here.
About Dubai Marina
Situated along a purpose-built 3-kilometre canal in the west of Dubai, Dubai Marina sits between Sheikh Zayed Road and the Arabian Gulf, placing it within easy reach of Dubai Media City, JBR, and the Expo-connected expressways. The community is defined by its waterfront apartments: studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units spread across dozens of residential towers, as well as a smaller number of duplex and penthouse units at higher floors with direct Marina or sea views.
The Marina attracts a cosmopolitan mix of young professionals, couples, and expatriates who value walkability — the Marina Walk and the Dubai Tram link the community without a car. It also remains a flagship destination for buy-to-let investors, given the sustained rental demand driven by the area's amenities, dining, and proximity to major business hubs. Whether you are buying your first home in Dubai, upgrading to a larger apartment, or adding to a rental portfolio, Dubai Marina is a well-established market with a deep pool of both ready and off-plan stock.
Financing a Property in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is primarily an apartment market, which shapes the mortgage picture in a straightforward way. UAE resident buyers purchasing a first property priced at or below AED 5 million can borrow up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV), meaning a minimum 20% deposit from personal funds. For properties above AED 5 million the maximum LTV reduces to 75%. Second-property purchasers face a 60% LTV cap regardless of price.
Non-resident buyers — including overseas investors purchasing remotely — can access UAE mortgage finance at up to 50% LTV. Many international buyers are surprised to learn that UAE banks will lend to non-residents; YOUAE works with lenders who actively welcome non-resident applications and can guide you through the documentation required from your home country.
Off-plan apartments launched by Dubai Marina developers carry a 50% LTV ceiling and are typically financed through developer payment plans during construction, converting to a bank mortgage on completion. YOUAE can structure the right finance pathway depending on whether you are buying ready or off-plan, and whether you intend to live in or rent out the unit. Use our mortgage calculator to model monthly payments before you commit.
Fees to Budget For
Beyond your deposit, plan for purchasing costs of roughly 7% of the purchase price, paid in cash at the time of transfer:
- 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee — the largest single cost
- ~2% agency/brokerage commission (if applicable)
- Mortgage registration fee — 0.25% of the loan amount
- Property valuation fee — typically AED 2,500–3,500
- Trustee/conveyancing fees — minor, but worth budgeting
These costs are not financeable and must be available in cash on completion, so factor them into your overall acquisition budget from day one.
Why Use YOUAE for Your Dubai Marina Mortgage
YOUAE is an independent, whole-of-market mortgage broker in Dubai — we are not tied to any single bank and compare offers across every UAE lender that lends in Dubai Marina. That means you get a genuine rate comparison rather than a single quote. We regularly place more complex profiles — self-employed applicants, non-residents, buyers with income in multiple currencies — that individual bank branches decline or deprioritise. From initial pre-approval through to final transfer, we manage the process end to end so you are never chasing paperwork alone. Our advice is always free, with no obligation.
Browse our partner lenders to see which UAE banks we work with, then book your free pre-approval to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I need to buy in Dubai Marina?
UAE resident buyers purchasing a first property at or below AED 5 million need a minimum 20% deposit (80% LTV). Above AED 5 million, the minimum deposit rises to 25%. Non-residents require at least 50%. In all cases you also need to cover buying costs of approximately 7% of the purchase price in cash, on top of the deposit.
Can non-residents get a mortgage for Dubai Marina apartments?
Yes. Several UAE banks offer mortgage finance to non-resident buyers at up to 50% LTV. Eligibility depends on your country of residence, employment type, income documentation, and the lender's internal policies. YOUAE specialises in non-resident mortgage applications and will match you to the most suitable lender for your profile.
Can I finance an off-plan apartment in Dubai Marina?
Off-plan properties are financeable up to 50% LTV, but in practice most buyers fund the construction phase through the developer's payment plan and then take a bank mortgage on or near completion. YOUAE can advise on the right structure depending on when you are buying and how the developer's milestones are set out.
Ready to move forward? Book your free pre-approval with a YOUAE advisor today — no obligation, no cost, and a clear picture of what you can borrow before you make an offer.