What is the Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) in Dubai?
When applying for a mortgage to purchase property in Dubai, the Central Bank of the UAE enforces strict affordability guidelines. The primary measure is the Debt Burden Ratio (DBR).
The DBR is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts (including the new mortgage EMI + credit card limits + auto loans + personal loans).
The UAE Central Bank caps this ratio at a strict 50%.
Down Payment Rules for Expats
- Value Under AED 5 Million: Expats are required to provide a minimum down payment of 20% of the property value.
- Value Over AED 5 Million: The required down payment increases to 30%.
Action Plan: Check Eligibility
- Reduce Credit Limits: Banks assess credit card limits as active debts (typically 5% of the total limit as a monthly payment), even if you carry a zero balance.
- Calculate Ratios: Use our Dubai Mortgage & DBR Calculator to check compliance before applying to banks.
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