Mortgage in Qatar for Expats: Down Payment, Limits and Bank Requirements

Buying a home is the biggest loan most expats ever take, and the figures online disagree. This guide uses an Expatica mortgage guide (last updated 27 May 2025) and a search summary of a Commercial Bank offer and other guides. We could not read Qatar Central Bank's rules, so every limit here is reported, not confirmed. It is general information, not financial advice.

Where can foreigners buy property in Qatar?

Expatica says foreign buyers can only purchase in designated freehold and leasehold developments. It lists 16 leasehold developments, with leases typically of 99 years that can be extended by a further 99 years, and names Lusail City and Al Khor as more budget friendly freehold areas, and Onazia and West Bay Lagoon as more luxury ones. Our guide to buying property in Qatar lists the areas and the difference between freehold and usufruct.

How much down payment and what loan to value?

Expatica reports a deposit of 20% to 40% and says expats can borrow up to 70% of the property value under a Central Bank rule, while Ahlibank lends up to 75%. A search summary of another guide puts the cap at 75% for properties under QAR 6 million and 70% above that, and says non-resident buyers often need 40% or more. An older guide gave 50%, which is probably out of date. Ask each bank for its current limit in writing.

How long can the loan run?

Expatica says Central Bank rules prohibit terms over 20 years, yet it also lists Ahlibank at up to 25 years, and another guide says up to 25 years for resident expats. We could not settle this, so treat 20 years as the safer planning figure until the bank confirms.

The 50% salary cap

Expatica says expats may spend at most 50% of monthly salary on mortgage payments. Ahlibank's expat personal loan page says the same for personal loans. If you already have a car loan or a personal loan, those payments count against your room.

What salary do banks ask for?

Expatica lists these expat criteria. Doha Bank asks for ages 21 to 65, income of at least QAR 15,000 a month and a loan limit of QAR 4 million. Qatar Islamic Bank asks for at least QAR 20,000 a month and a maximum age of 60. Qatar National Bank asks for at least QAR 15,000 a month, a maximum age of 60 at the end of the loan and a limit of QAR 3 million for expats. Ahlibank is listed at QAR 35,000 a month. Commercial Bank and HSBC also lend to expats. These are a guide, and the banks change them.

What interest rates are reported?

Expatica gives a typical range of 3% to 10%, with Doha Bank at 6.25%, Qatar Islamic Bank from 5.95% and Qatar National Bank from 2.65% to 6.6%. A search summary of Commercial Bank's Key to Home terms reports a promotional 3.45% fixed for the first two years, then a variable rate of QMRL plus 1.50%, with a 3% early repayment fee in the first two years. The two copies of its terms give different end dates (30 June and 31 August 2026), so that offer may have ended. Always compare the rate after the fixed period.

Fees and insurance

Expatica reports early settlement charges of 2% in the first five years then 1% at Doha Bank, and 1.5% in the first three years then 1% at Commercial Bank. It lists QAR 50 to defer an installment and QAR 100 for a late payment at Ahlibank. It also says life insurance and buildings insurance are both required, usually through the bank, and that lenders may ask you to move your bank account to them. It gives a property transfer fee of 0.25% and says there are no property taxes. Qatar's Ministry of Justice changed several real estate fees in January 2026 (Ministerial Decision No. 5 of 2026), so confirm the transfer cost before you budget.

Documents and steps

1. Get an agreement in principle before you make an offer, so you know your limit.

2. Make an offer. The bank then values the property.

3. Submit your documents: proof of income, six months of bank statements if you bank elsewhere, passport and residence permit, the valuation report, the title deed, proof of buildings insurance and any developer declaration.

Expatica says applications are usually processed within seven days of receipt.

Before you commit

• Get a written offer showing the down payment, rate, fees and early settlement charges before you pay a non-refundable deposit.
• Check how the loan ties to your job. Our guide on what can happen if you cannot repay a loan in Qatar explains the risks of a salary transfer and security cheques.
• Compare with renting. See renting an apartment in Qatar and the cost of living in Qatar.

What we could not verify

• Qatar Central Bank's current loan to value and term limits.
• Current bank rates, since the figures come from a 2025 guide and a possibly expired offer.
• The current property transfer fee after the 2026 changes.