How to buy an apartment in Dubai from Kuwait with a mortgage
May 23, 2025, 7:35:48 AM | Guide
How to Buy an Apartment in Dubai from Kuwait with a Mortgage: 2025 Complete Guide
Kuwaiti investors are increasingly turning to Dubai real estate market, with over 23% of GCC property buyers coming from Kuwait in Q1 2025. Buying an apartment in Dubai with a Kuwaiti mortgage offers excellent financing options while securing a valuable asset. This guide walks you through every step—from mortgage approval to property handover—all from Kuwait.
Why Kuwaitis Choose Dubai Apartments with Mortgages
- Competitive Rates (Starting at 4.25% for Kuwaitis)
- Higher LTV Ratios (Up to 80% for prime properties)
- Tax-Free Investment (No property or capital gains tax)
- Golden Visa Eligibility (750K AED+ purchases qualify)
- Strong KWD-AED Peg (Currency stability)
Step 1: Mortgage Options for Kuwaiti Buyers
Comparison of Lenders
Bank | Max LTV | Interest Rate | Special Features |
Emirates NBD | 80% | 4.25% | Free property valuation |
Kuwait Finance House | 75% | 4.15% | Sharia-compliant |
Commercial Bank of Dubai | 70% | 4.75% | 1% cashback on fees |
Burgan Bank Kuwait | 65% | 5.25% | KWD-denominated loans |
Step 2: Eligibility and Documentation
Requirements for Kuwaiti Nationals
- Minimum salary: KD 1,200/month (≈ AED 14,500)
- Clean Kuwait Credit Bureau report
- 6 months bank statements
- Employer confirmation letter
Special Considerations
- Self-Employed? Need 2 years audited financials
- Existing Loans? Total obligations ≤ 50% of income
- Property Type: Most banks finance freehold only
Step 3: Choosing the Right Apartment
Best Areas for Kuwaiti Investors
Area | Avg. Price (1BR) | Rental Yield | Bank Preference |
Dubai Marina | AED 1.2M | 6.5% | High (80% LTV) |
Downtown Dubai | AED 1.5M | 5.8% | High (75% LTV) |
Jumeirah Village Circle | AED 750K | 8.2% | Medium (70% LTV) |
Business Bay | AED 900K | 7.1% | High (75% LTV) |
Step 4: The Mortgage Process Timeline
1.Pre-Approval (3-5 days)
- Submit basic documents
- Receive budget certificate
2.Property Selection (2-4 weeks)
- Virtual tours available
- Developer NOC verification
3.Full Approval (7-10 days)
- Property valuation
- Final underwriting
4.Registration (3-5 days)
- 4% DLD fee payment
- Mortgage lien registration
Total Time: 4-6 weeks typically
Step 5: Money Transfer & Payments
From Kuwait to Dubai
1.Bank Transfer (KNET/SWIFT)
- CBK allows property investments up to KD 500,000/year
- Keep all transfer receipts
2.Exchange Houses
- Better rates for large amounts
- Must disclose source of funds
3.Developer Payments
- Some accept direct KWD installments
Step 6: Post-Purchase Considerations
Ongoing Costs
- Service Charges: AED 12-25/sqft annually
- Mortgage Insurance: 0.5-1% of loan value
- Property Management: 5% of rental income
Tax Implications
- In Dubai: None
- In Kuwait: Must declare if remitting rental income