What is the new off-plan mortgage framework in Abu Dhabi?

The new framework allows buyers of eligible off-plan properties to secure a mortgage on the remaining purchase amount once they have paid **50 per cent** of the unit's value, even before construction is complete and handover occurs.

Who introduced this new mortgage option?

This framework was launched by the **Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC)**, with the first transaction completed by Aldar Properties and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB).

What is the key benefit for buyers under this new system?

Buyers can gain earlier certainty over their borrowing costs and reduce the amount of personal cash tied up during the construction phase, as banks can fund remaining instalments including the final handover payment.

How does this benefit lenders and market transparency?

Lenders can now register their mortgage interest in the **Initial Real Estate Register** before handover, providing a formal record and strengthening protections in case of disputes, thereby increasing transparency for all parties.

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Finance·13 September 2026

Abu Dhabi Launches Off-Plan Mortgage Registration for Early Borrower Certainty

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new framework allowing buyers to mortgage off-plan properties once 50% of the purchase price is paid, providing earlier financing options and increased security.

Abu Dhabi has completed its first registration of a mortgage on an off-plan property, inaugurating a new financing pathway for buyers. This initiative, facilitated by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), allows purchasers who have paid at least 50 per cent of an eligible off-plan unit's value to secure a mortgage on the outstanding amount before the property is handed over.

The inaugural transaction was executed by Aldar Properties in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). This framework enables banks to fund remaining instalments during construction, including the final payment due at handover, offering buyers greater certainty regarding borrowing costs earlier in the purchasing process.

Enhanced Security and Transparency

Under the new system, the financing bank's interest can be formally recorded on the mortgage registration certificate prior to handover. ADREC confirmed that mortgage interests in eligible units can now be entered into the Initial Real Estate Register. This formal record enhances transparency and provides clearer protection for all parties involved: buyers, developers, and financial institutions.

Ghazi Saeed Alateibi, executive director of the real estate transaction sector at ADREC, stated that by recording mortgage interests in the Initial Real Estate Register, the service strengthens transparency and provides greater clarity and protection for buyers, developers, and financial institutions.

Market Accessibility

This mortgage service is available across the market to participating institutions that meet ADREC's specified requirements. Aldar Properties is offering this financing route through its in-house mortgage advisory service, Home Finance by Aldar, which provides access to options from over six conventional and Islamic banks. Participating lenders listed by Aldar include ADCB, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The 50 per cent payment threshold aligns with existing UAE Central Bank regulations, according to Aldar. This development is particularly significant as Abu Dhabi's off-plan market continues to expand, with developers increasingly relying on pre-completion sales to fund construction.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the new off-plan mortgage framework in Abu Dhabi?: The new framework allows buyers of eligible off-plan properties to secure a mortgage on the remaining purchase amount once they have paid **50 per cent** of the unit's value, even before construction is complete and handover occurs.
Who introduced this new mortgage option?: This framework was launched by the **Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC)**, with the first transaction completed by Aldar Properties and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB).
What is the key benefit for buyers under this new system?: Buyers can gain earlier certainty over their borrowing costs and reduce the amount of personal cash tied up during the construction phase, as banks can fund remaining instalments including the final handover payment.
How does this benefit lenders and market transparency?: Lenders can now register their mortgage interest in the **Initial Real Estate Register** before handover, providing a formal record and strengthening protections in case of disputes, thereby increasing transparency for all parties.
Which banks are participating in this off-plan mortgage service?: Participating lenders include ADCB, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, accessible through Aldar's Home Finance advisory service.

Reported by

Google News — Off-plan & Handover (7d) · Google News — UAE Rent & Mortgage (7d) · The National — Property

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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