The government of the U.A.E. has a long history of busting its posterior to keep its citizens’ homes safe and their money secure. It is a big change for the government to allow people up to 95 to apply for loans to buy a house. They’ve also ensured the loans are covered by life insurance.
The change is expected to benefit thousands of Emirati families and long-term expatriates who wish to buy their dream homes but do not have enough money. By raising the minimum permissible age, the UAE property market has rendered itself more transparent, progressive, and appealing to both domestic and overseas investors.
But what does this decision mean for the economy of the U.A.E., the average person who hopes to buy a home, and the banks? Let’s talk about it more.
A Look at UAE Home Loans
The UAE has long had a well-established housing loans and mortgages system. Most of the time, housing loans are the responsibility of banks and other financial institutions, but they must follow a set of rules laid down by the government. Most loan age limits used to be something like 60 to 75 years old or something silly, and that caused many older people and those in retirement trouble getting loans.
By increasing the age restriction to 95, the UAE is demonstrating that it is increasingly liberal and forward-thinking.
The primary advantages of the extension are:
- Additional paths for older people to get money when they need it.
- Life insurance makes families safer.
- People want a bigger piece of property, particularly in places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- More security for people’s money.
Why Did the UAE Government Increase the Maximum Age for Housing Loans to 95?
The Words ‘Abu Dhabi’ and A Top Place To Invest In Real Estate Around The World don’t seem to fit nor do they make sense. The UAE is trying to be a marquee financial center and a top place other than its own desert to invest in real estate globally. The government does this by enlarging the pool of people eligible for housing loans:
- Motivate Emiratis and expatriates to own homes of their own.
- Aid older people and retirees who want to buy or refinance a house.
- Strengthen the UAE real estate sector, which continues attracting foreign investors.
- Ensure that age is no longer a major barrier in securing a mortgage — encouraging inclusivity.
This decision aligns with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 vision for long-term, sustainable growth.
Life Insurance and Home Loans: What You Need to Know
One of the most encouraging things about this new program is that housing loans now come with a mandatory life insurance requirement.
How Life Insurance and Loans Are Connected:
- The borrower’s life insurance policy ensures the mortgage is paid off in case of death.
- Families remain financially protected, avoiding the risk of losing their home.
- Banks and lenders face fewer losses on unpaid loans.
- Especially helpful for multi-generational UAE families where homes are passed down.
Impact on the UAE Real Estate Market
DUBAI – The real estate sector is a vital part of the UAE economy and a huge contributor to the GDP of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. With the new loan age limit:
- More people are eligible to buy homes.
- Retirees and older expats gain confidence to invest.
- Affordable housing receives a boost.
- Developers may build more family-oriented, mid-range homes.
- Economic stability increases.
- Foreign investors see the UAE as a safer, more attractive place.
Who Benefits From the Longer Loan Age Limit?
Citizens of the UAE
- Older Emiratis can apply for government-backed loans without age concerns.
- Life insurance coverage gives long-term protection for their families.
Long-Term Expatriates
- Many expats consider the UAE their true home.
- They can now buy property even later in life.
- This policy attracts expats planning retirement in the UAE.
UAE Banks and Financial Institutions
- More people can qualify for loans.
- Banks grow their customer base.
- Life insurance reduces risk.
How to Apply for a Housing Loan in the UAE
The process is similar to before — only eligibility rules have been updated.
How to Apply:
- Choose your bank or lender (Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, etc.).
- Check eligibility requirements — salary, residency, property type.
- Submit necessary documents — passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate, property documents.
- Loan approval + mandatory life insurance are processed together.
💡 Tip: Compare interest rates across banks before making a decision.
UAE’s Loan Age Limit Compared to Other Countries
The UAE now stands out globally.
- UK & USA: Typical mortgage age limit is 70–75.
- Singapore: Loans usually end by age 65.
- UAE: Loans allowed up to 95 years old — one of the world’s most flexible regimes.
This positions the UAE as a top destination for retirees and global property investors.
