Mortgage
A mortgage is a lender’s security over a property for a loan. In Dubai it takes effect only once it is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
Definition
Law No. (14) of 2008 Concerning Mortgage provides that “A Mortgage will come into effect only when it is registered with the DLD”, and that the lender must be a bank or a licensed financing company or institution. DLD’s Mortgage registration application covers all types of mortgage, and lists the fee for an ordinary mortgage as 0.25% of the mortgage value.
What it shows — and what it does not
A registered mortgage shows the lender’s claim on the property. It does not show the amount still owed today — that comes from the lender.
Example
Illustrative example: a buyer finances a purchase with a bank loan. At registration the sale and the bank’s mortgage are both recorded, and the mortgage stays on the property until it is released.
Next step
Read Property transfer with a mortgage.
Source: Law No. (14) of 2008 Concerning Mortgage in the Emirate of Dubai — Dubai Legislation Portal · supports: effect on registration and who may be a mortgagee · checked 10 October 2026
Source: Mortgage registration application — Dubai Land Department · supports: the registration service and the 0.25% fee · checked 10 October 2026
Related terms
Authoritative references
Governance
- October 20, 2026
Maintenance: Updated for material UAE authority/trustee process changes and recurring user confusion. Method: Editorial Policy