How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Dubai Property Mortgage Approval

 

Introduction: Credit score – the deal maker or deal breaker?

Buying a home in Dubai is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger space, investing for the long run, or making your first move into real estate, there’s one key number that follows you into every conversation with a bank: your credit score.

For most buyers, especially those relying on financing, mortgage approval isn’t just about income or property value; it depends heavily on how trustworthy you look on paper. And in the UAE, that trust is increasingly measured through a credit score issued by Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB).

So, if you’re eyeing a Dubai property purchase and planning to take the mortgage route, it’s worth asking: is your credit score ready?

What is a credit score in the UAE?

Let’s break this down. Your UAE credit score is a 300–900 point rating based on your financial history – how consistently you’ve paid off credit cards, loans, bills, and more.

It’s issued by the AECB and reflects data from local banks, telecom providers, and other financial institutions. Banks use it to predict how likely you are to repay a mortgage on time.

Generally:

• 300–540: Poor, high risk, unlikely to be approved
• 541–650: Fair, some lenders may consider with caution
• 651–750: Good, considered a safe lending profile
• 751–900: Excellent, best mortgage rates and terms

Why credit score matters when buying Dubai property

Here’s the truth: no matter how high your income or how stable your job is, lenders will hesitate if your credit history shows defaults, late payments, or debt overload. A good credit score gives banks the confidence to offer you competitive terms. A poor one, on the other hand, could result in a smaller loan amount, higher interest, or outright rejection. Read more