Investors
Your property has grown. Put it to work.
Bought at AED 1M, worth AED 1.4M today? That AED 400K is real, but illiquid. Equity release unlocks it without selling.
Equity release & refinance
Equity release and refinancing in Dubai
Say you bought a property in 2022 for AED 1M and it is worth AED 1.4M today. That AED 400,000 is real, but unrealised: you cannot use it unless you sell.
Equity release unlocks part of that value without selling. The bank reassesses the property at today's market value, compares it with any outstanding mortgage and gives you access to the difference. Ownership does not change, and you keep the benefit of future appreciation. Refinancing works on the same principle when the goal is a better rate or structure.
Unlock appreciation, keep the asset
- Ranked at FAB
- #1, twice
- Mortgages sold
- AED 3Bn
- DLD transactions
- 1,000+
- Years in UAE mortgages
- 12+
Mortgage Specialist, First Abu Dhabi Bank
What a lender looks at
Today's valuation
Everything starts from the bank's valuation at current market value, not what you paid.
What you still owe
The equity available is the gap between that valuation and your outstanding balance, within loan-to-value limits.
Affordability now
The new facility is assessed against your current income and liabilities, just like a purchase.
The cost of switching
Early settlement, registration and valuation costs are weighed against the benefit.
How I structure it
- 01
Review your position
Current value, balance, rate and remaining term, and what you want the capital for.
- 02
Model the options
Release, refinance or both, with the costs of switching set against the gain.
- 03
Structure it
Loan size and tenor set around your plans, so the new facility supports your next move.
- 04
Complete
Valuation, offer and registration coordinated through to completion.
In their words
“Persistence, professionalism, and commitment to getting the deal done.”
I had the pleasure of working with Zahrany on the refinancing of my property through an equity financing structure, which ultimately led to a successful closing. The process was long and complex, with a significant amount of documentation and coordination required throughout. Despite the challenges, Zahrany remained consistently supportive, responsive, and solution-oriented from start to finish. What I particularly appreciated was his persistence, professionalism, and commitment to getting the deal successfully completed, even when the process became particularly demanding. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely client-focused banker.
Guillaume PiraudGroup VP, FP&A & Performance Reporting, TAQA Water SolutionsRelated reading
Market
Mortgages through economic cycles
Growth is often followed by uncertainty. Used strategically, mortgage financing protects liquidity and brings predictability when markets turn.
Fundamentals
Lower payments can cost more
A longer tenor eases your monthly payment but increases total interest. Structure it around where you want to be in five or ten years.
Estimate your numbers first
Model your monthly payment, day-one cash and debt burden the way a bank will read them.
Questions I am often asked
How does equity release work in the UAE?
The bank values your property at today's market price and compares it with what you still owe. Part of the difference can be released as a new or increased mortgage, within loan-to-value limits and subject to your affordability. You keep ownership and any future appreciation.
How much equity can I release?
It depends on the bank's valuation, your outstanding balance, the loan-to-value limit that applies to the property, and your income and liabilities today. If your property has appreciated by 30 to 40 percent or more, it is usually worth reviewing your position.
When does refinancing make sense?
When a better rate or structure improves your cash flow by more than the cost of switching, or when your plans have changed and the current loan no longer fits them. Even small improvements in rate or structure can significantly improve long-term cash flow.
Can I use released equity to buy another property?
Yes. That is one of the most common reasons to release it. The capital can fund part of the next purchase, which is then assessed on its own merits.
Contact
Tell me about your case.
WhatsApp is quickest. Lay out the whole picture in one message and I reply with a considered answer, not a sales pitch.
Salaried? Pre-approval within 24 hours.
Mortgage Specialist, First Abu Dhabi Bank · Dubai, UAE