Your key to owning a home in the UAE.
Hi, I'm Kim. I work in mortgages here in Dubai, and I share simple, honest guidance for people who want to stop renting and start owning, but aren't sure where to begin.
Mortgages shouldn't feel complicated.
Every day I see people who could own their home but get stuck on the paperwork, the jargon or the first step. Keys by Kim is here to make it simpler.
Know what you need
Which documents banks usually ask for, and the small details that slow approvals down.
Rent or buy, honestly
The questions worth asking yourself before you decide, with no pressure either way.
Plan ahead
The costs people forget on top of the deposit, so nothing catches you by surprise.
How it works
Three simple steps, at your pace.
Tell me about your plans
Fill in the short form below. It takes about a minute and helps me understand where you are.
We have a quick chat
I'll message you on WhatsApp to talk through your questions and what the process looks like.
Get the right advice
When you're ready, I'll introduce you to a licensed mortgage advisor who can look at your situation in detail.
Keys by Kim shares general information. Mortgage advice for your specific situation always comes from a licensed mortgage advisor.
The home-buying journey, step by step
Buying with a mortgage in Dubai usually follows the same path. Here's the big picture, so you always know what's coming next.
Check you're ready
Look at your income, savings and any existing loans or credit cards. It's the best way to know what's realistic before you start viewing homes.
Get a pre-approval
A bank reviews your documents and confirms how much it's willing to lend in principle. Sellers and agents take you more seriously once you have one.
Find your home and agree a price
Once you've found the one, you agree the price and terms with the seller and sign the sale agreement.
Valuation and final approval
The bank values the property and, if everything checks out, issues your final offer letter for you to sign.
Transfer and keys
Ownership is transferred at a registration trustee office and the mortgage is registered. Then the keys are yours.
What could your monthly payment be?
Move the sliders to get a rough idea. It's a simple estimate to help you plan, not a quote.
Estimate only, based on a standard repayment mortgage. It doesn't include fees or insurance, and real rates and limits depend on the bank and your profile.
Talk it through with meCosts to plan for, beyond the deposit
The down payment is the big one, but it isn't the only cost. These are the ones people most often forget to budget for.
Down payment
The part of the price you pay yourself. The minimum depends on the property and your profile.
Land Department transfer fee
Paid when ownership is transferred to you. Usually one of the larger extra costs.
Mortgage registration
A fee to register your mortgage against the property.
Agency fee
If you buy through a real estate agent, their commission is usually paid by the buyer.
Valuation fee
The bank values the property before final approval, and charges for it.
Bank and trustee fees
Things like the bank's processing fee and the registration trustee's service fee.
Exact amounts vary by property, bank and price. Ask for a full breakdown before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Documents you'll usually need
Getting these ready early is the easiest way to avoid delays.
Every bank has its own list, so treat this as a starting point.
Tell me a little about your plans
Your answers go straight to my WhatsApp, so I can come back to you with the right next step.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation, no pressure
- Your details are only used to get back to you
Common questions
Do you give mortgage advice?
I share general information to help you understand the process. For advice on your own situation, I'll introduce you to a licensed mortgage advisor.
Can non-residents buy in the UAE?
Many banks do lend to non-residents, but the requirements are usually different from those for residents. Fill in the form and we can talk through what applies to you.
I'm self-employed. Is that a problem?
Not at all. You'll usually be asked for extra documents, like your trade licence and company bank statements, so it helps to start preparing early.
Is there any obligation if I fill in the form?
None. It just helps me understand where you are so our first chat is useful. You decide if and when you want to take the next step.
What's the difference between a pre-approval and final approval?
A pre-approval is the bank's in-principle view of how much it could lend you, based on your documents. Final approval comes later, once you've chosen a property and the bank has valued it.
Will checking my options affect my credit?
Filling in the form here doesn't involve any credit check. Banks do check your credit when you formally apply, so it's worth getting your documents and plans in order first.