I bought a property worth Dh3 million ($816,882) in Dubai this year. Because it is an off-plan property, I will only be eligible for a mortgage once it is ready for handover in 2026.
My wife and I pay about Dh13,000 a month for the property as per the developer’s payment plan. However, this huge financial outlay, combined with the Dh60,000 yearly rent for the property we currently reside, in is taking a big chunk out of our monthly income.
I have a monthly wage of Dh22,000 and we are living from one salary to the next. After paying for our children’s school fees, car loans, fuel costs, maid’s salary, credit card bills and miscellaneous living expenses, we are left with no savings.
I am worried that I won't be eligible for a mortgage once the property is handed over as I have a history of missing credit card payments. Will banks deny issuing me a mortgage because of this credit history? I have been diligent in making payments for the past few years. Please advise. RM, Sharjah
Debt panellist 1: Jaya Ratnani, managing partner at Freed Financial Services
Buying a home is a dream come true for most of us. While home finance seems to be an attractive option to receive financial support for purchasing a property, it is common for a borrower to hit a roadblock in paying off mortgage debt.
Therefore, budgeting is the essence of financial planning, not only for long-term objectives but also for short-term goals.
When buying a property, most people equate rental expenses with the monthly loan payment and end up falling into a mortgage debt trap.
In addition to the 25 per cent down payment, you are required to pay 4 per cent to cover title deed registration and mortgage registration fees.
Owning a house also comes with the payment of community service charges, maintenance expenses and chiller charges. This needs to be adequately budgeted in the monthly expenses when moving into a self-owned property.
If it is a rental property, the landlord takes care of service charges and maintenance issues.
Many people are also attracted to aggressive discounts offered on under-construction properties. However, it may take anywhere up to three years to take possession of such properties.
This puts dual pressure on homebuyers as they must pay rent while meeting developers’ payment plans, which is what has happened in your case.
Firstly, you will need to conduct a financial health check and calculate your income versus expense ratio. You will need to re-evaluate your borrowings and the repayment schedule.
Try to cancel your credit cards and consolidate your debt into one single, sizeable debt. This can be done by taking a personal loan at a lower interest rate.
Taking action now will help you to make regular payments and possibly settle your existing liability before availing a mortgage in 2026. It is also important to keep your total debt repayments below 50 per cent of your income.
If your current financial situation does not allow you do this, you could consider selling the property to recover the amount you have paid and the buyer can take over the remainder of the developer’s payment plan.
This could wipe out the off-plan property debt and reduce your monthly cash outflow, in turn enabling you to enjoy the present time with your family.
Try to cancel your credit cards and consolidate your debt into one single debt. This can be done by taking a personal loan at a lower interest rate
Jaya Ratnani,
managing partner at Freed Financial Services
Alternately, you can also seek help from debt management experts who can assess your financial situation and negotiate with banks for consolidation of your debt or restructuring of your liabilities.
Debt panellist 2: R Sivaram, executive vice president and head of retail banking products at Emirates NBD
Many people, homeowners and investors alike, view buying off-plan as a good way to purchase a new property. However, as it goes with any investment, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider when buying off-plan.
Given the 2026 handover you mentioned, I am sure you had a clear idea of the financial outflow of your household income when you decided to buy the off-plan property.
While the benefits of the off-plan property are attractive, it is important not to financially overburden yourself — this, in itself, becomes the biggest risk when buying a property in these conditions.
In your case, I would recommend that you immediately take stock of your current financial situation and the choices you are making regarding your lifestyle.
It is important to work on a budgeting plan and set aside a monthly limit on your discretionary spending outside of basic essentials such as groceries, utilities and school fees, especially given you are servicing the property in addition to your rent commitments.
You should rework your monthly expense budget by looking at the nature of the expenses and their importance, given that your first priority would be to not delay the payments towards the off-plan property.
For example, you could look at reducing your monthly burden towards renting by moving to a different home that has a lower rent.
The more efficient your household budgeting is until the property can be mortgaged, the better off you will be.
You will also need to ensure that credit card and other loan payments are timely — a good credit history will ensure you do not have challenges with the banks when you apply for a mortgage.
Try to foster a habit of putting a percentage of your earnings aside as savings to help you on a “rainy day”.
It may not be easy to suddenly change your financial habits overnight, but working with your spouse in the coming months will help your situation.
Debt panellist 3: Alison Soltani, founder of Leap Savvy Savers
In terms of the property, you are usually required to pay between 20 per cent and 80 per cent of the total value before the construction work is completed.
That means you will have a substantial percentage of equity in the property. Generally, the lower the loan to value of the mortgage, the better chance you have of a successful application as you are a lower risk for the lender.
However, simply having equity in the property does not automatically secure a mortgage.
As well as income, lenders will also assess your credit score. You can easily check your credit report on the Al Etihad Credit Bureau’s website.
Dubai apartment prices August 2022 — in pictures
A good score is generally between 680 and 730 and will increase your eligibility for loans and mortgages.
You have time to increase your score by paying all your bills on time, not using all your available credit and not making too many credit applications in a short time frame.
To address your current situation, you need to evaluate your outgoings and make decisions about what you value spending money on.
You have two levers to pull — decrease expenses or increase income.
First, write down all your expenses for the past couple of months and honestly assess them for their worth.
For example, you could trade your car in for an older model and decrease the car loan. You could move into a smaller house to reduce rent. Decide which expenses you can cut while maintaining a life that you are happy with.
If you carry a balance on your credit cards, that should be one of the first things you eliminate as they carry high interest rates.
Work out a plan for reducing expenses in other areas, while you pay off high-interest debt. This will also increase your credit score.
The next thing to do is to plan ahead. For large expenses such as school fees and rent, create sinking funds. Start putting aside money each month so that when it is time to pay a large bill, it doesn’t derail your lifestyle for that pay cycle.
Also, you could increase your household income. Perhaps you can train for a promotion or apply for different jobs. You might find that you have a marketable skill that you can turn into a side hustle. Increasing your income will also boost your chances of securing a mortgage.
Finally, ensure you have a crisis plan ready if rising costs put you in an unsustainable financial position.
Check the property contract. You may be able to sell it if your situation becomes unmanageable or if the building work becomes delayed. While not ideal, financial security must be the priority.
The Debt Panel is a weekly column to help readers tackle their debts more effectively. If you have a question for the panel, write to pf@thenational.ae
Getting%20there
%3Cp%3EGiven%20its%20remote%20location%2C%20getting%20to%20Borneo%20can%20feel%20daunting%20even%20for%20the%20most%20seasoned%20traveller.%20But%20you%20can%20fly%20directly%20from%20Kuala%20Lumpur%20to%20Sandakan%20and%20Sepilok%20is%20only%20half%20an%20hour%20away%20by%20taxi.%20Sandakan%20has%20plenty%20of%20accommodation%20options%2C%20while%20Sepilok%20has%20a%20few%20nature%20lodges%20close%20to%20the%20main%20attractions.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fitness problems in men's tennis
Andy Murray - hip
Novak Djokovic - elbow
Roger Federer - back
Stan Wawrinka - knee
Kei Nishikori - wrist
Marin Cilic - adductor
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
BABYLON
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Damien%20Chazelle%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Brad%20Pitt%2C%20Margot%20Robbie%2C%20Jean%20Smart%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
BMW M8 Competition Coupe
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power 625hp at 6,000rpm
Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm
Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto
Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec
Top speed 305kph
Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km
Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)
On sale Jan/Feb 2020
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
You might also like to read
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Outsider
Stephen King, Penguin
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E456hp%20at%205%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E691Nm%20at%203%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E14.6L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh349%2C545%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
DOB: 25/12/92
Marital status: Single
Education: Post-graduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and External Affairs at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: I love fencing, I used to fence at the MK Fencing Academy but I want to start again. I also love reading and writing
Lifelong goal: My dream is to be a state minister
Manchester City 4
Otamendi (52) Sterling (59) Stones (67) Brahim Diaz (81)
Real Madrid 1
Oscar (90)
Wayne Rooney's career
Everton (2002-2004)
- Appearances: 48
- Goals: 17
Manchester United (2004-2017)
- Appearances: 496
- Goals: 253
England (2003-)
- Appearances: 119
- Goals: 53
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (rated 95-108) US$125,000 2000m (Dirt).
Winner: Don’t Give Up, Gerald Mosse (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap (95 ) $160,000 2810m (Turf).
Winner: Los Barbados, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
7.40pm: Handicap (80-89) $60,000 1600m (D).
Winner: Claim The Roses, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (Div-1) Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D)
Winner: Gold Town, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Cape Verdi Group 2 $200,000 1600m (T).
Winner: Promising Run, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.25pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Conditions $100,000 1,400m (D).
Winner: El Chapo, Luke Morris, Fawzi Nass.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
FIXTURES
Fixtures for Round 15 (all times UAE)
Friday
Inter Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Saturday
Atalanta v Verona (6pm)
Udinese v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Juventus (11.45pm)
Sunday
Lecce v Genoa (3.30pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (6pm)
SPAL v Brescia (6pm)
Torino v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sampdoria v Parma (9pm)
Bologna v AC Milan (11.45pm)
INDIA SQUAD
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)