Mortgages & home loans in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah is a fast-growing investment market with designated freehold zones and — soon — a major integrated resort. Registration runs through RAK Municipality. We arrange your RAK mortgage across every major UAE lender.
- Loan amount
- AED 1,200,000
- Total interest
- AED 750,257
- Total repayable
- AED 1,950,257
Ras Al Khaimah land registration.
Typical minimum monthly income (UAE-wide).
Residents, first home under AED 5M (UAE-wide).
Subject to a maximum age at term end.
Ras Al Khaimah property fees & charges
Registration in Ras Al Khaimah is handled by the RAK Municipality (Lands & Properties Sector), regulated by RAK Real Estate Authority. Fees here differ from other emirates, so it pays to budget accurately. Typical upfront costs are roughly 6–7% with a mortgage.
| Charge | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee (buyer) | 2% (buyer) — 2% seller separately |
| Mortgage registration | ~0.25% + AED 290 |
| Agency commission | ~2% + 5% VAT |
| Valuation | ~AED 2,500–3,000 |
Transfer fee: The registration fee is 2% buyer and 2% seller — the total is often quoted as '4%', but that is the combined buyer-plus-seller figure. Mortgage registration: Around 0.25% of the loan, plus ~AED 290 admin.
Fees are indicative and can change. Always confirm the current charges with the RAK Municipality at the time of transfer. Since 2025, UAE banks can no longer add these fees to your loan — they are paid upfront in cash.
Freehold ownership in Ras Al Khaimah
Yes — expats can own freehold in designated zones such as Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab. Ownership outside these zones is restricted.
What it costs to register in Ras Al Khaimah
On AED 1,500,000, RAK's 2% transfer fee is AED 30,000, payable by the buyer. Combined with typically lower purchase prices than Dubai, the cash needed to complete is materially smaller — though the deposit rules are identical, because loan-to-value caps are set federally by the UAE Central Bank, not by the emirate.
Who buys in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK has changed character fast. What was a quiet second-home market now carries genuine investor interest, helped by waterfront freehold zones and a development pipeline aimed squarely at tourism. Buyers here tend to be either investors taking a view on that pipeline, or Dubai commuters trading distance for space.
How to get a mortgage in Ras Al Khaimah
Mortgage rules are set UAE-wide by the Central Bank, so eligibility is similar across the emirates — it is mainly the registration fees that differ. The path is straightforward:
- Get pre-approved — we confirm what you can borrow, usually within a few days.
- Find your property and sign the MOU.
- Valuation and final offer from the bank.
- Register and transfer at the RAK Municipality.
Compare lenders for your Ras Al Khaimah mortgage
We compare every major UAE bank — including Emirates NBD, FAB and HSBC — whether you're a resident or buying from abroad. See also our Dubai mortgages guide.
Ras Al Khaimah mortgage FAQs
What are the property fees in Ras Al Khaimah?
RAK Municipality charges 2% on the buyer and 2% on the seller — so a buyer typically pays 2% (the '4%' often quoted is the combined buyer-plus-seller total). With agency, valuation and mortgage costs, budget roughly 6–7% upfront with a mortgage. Confirm current figures with RAK Real Estate Authority.
Can I finance a RAK property with a mortgage?
Yes. UAE banks lend on eligible RAK properties under the same Central Bank framework. We compare every lender to secure your best rate.
Where can expats buy freehold in Ras Al Khaimah?
In designated zones including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab. Ownership outside those zones is restricted, so confirm the status of a specific development before proceeding.
Are mortgage rules different in RAK?
No. Loan-to-value caps, the 50% debt burden ratio and the 25-year tenure limit are set by the UAE Central Bank and apply nationwide. What changes by emirate is the registration cost and which lenders are active locally.
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