How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender Buying a home is a big milestone, but the process of getting a mortgage—especially in a market where interest rates keep shifting—can feel like trying to hit a moving target. If you’re planning to buy property in Dubai, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around rising or falling rates. One month, rates are low. The next, they’re climbing. So, how do you lock in a good deal when the market won’t sit still? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the ups and downs and make the smartest mortgage decision possible. 1. Understand What Drives Mortgage Rates Before you can beat the game, you need to know the rules. Mortgage rates are influenced by a mix of global and local economic factors—think inflation, the UAE Central Bank’s decisions, oil prices, and even global events. When inflation rises, interest rates usually follow. When the economy slows, central banks often cut rates to stimulate borrowing. So yes, it’s complicated. But the key takeaway is this: rates are always changing—and you can’t control that. What you can control is how prepared you are. 2. Get Pre-Approved—Early A pre-approval isn’t just a formality—it’s your first step to locking in a good rate. When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, some lenders offer a rate lock, which guarantees your interest rate for a set period (typically 30 to 90 days). That means even if rates go up during that window, your rate won’t. Pro tip: Don’t wait until you find your dream home. Get pre-approved first so you can house-hunt with clarity and speed. 3. Compare, Don’t Settle You wouldn’t buy the first car you test drive, right? Mortgages work the same way. Different lenders in Dubai offer different rates and terms—and what looks like a small difference (say 0.25%) can translate into thousands