Buying property is a major financial milestone, and many UAE residents are wondering whether they should wait for mortgage rates to drop before making a move. According to leading American personal finance expert Suze Orman, the answer has less to do with interest forecasts and more to do with personal financial readiness.
Orman has spent decades helping people around the world strengthen their financial wellbeing, and her advice remains consistent: you should buy a home based on what you can afford today—not on what you hope interest rates might do tomorrow. If your finances are stable, your income is reliable, and the purchase fits comfortably within your budget, then the timing can be right regardless of market conditions.
She explains that if a buyer can manage monthly mortgage payments while also covering insurance, property expenses, and still maintain a solid emergency reserve afterward, then they remain in control even if rates fluctuate later. The focus should be financial stability, not speculation.
Many buyers in the UAE assume that waiting for rates to fall is the smarter move, especially since rate adjustments in the Emirates often follow decisions made by the US Federal Reserve. However, these changes are not always immediate, and local lenders may take time to reflect any shift. Meanwhile, property values in desirable areas can rise, potentially offsetting the benefit of a slightly lower borrowing cost.
Orman also stresses that the decision should go beyond market movements. Buyers need to make sure the property itself is a strong, well-priced investment. Rather than rushing into a mortgage simply because approval is easy, she urges buyers to take a practical approach: evaluate the value of the property, assess potential risks, and ensure their income is steady.
One of her biggest recommendations is to perform a personal “stress test.” If a household can handle the mortgage even if rates increase slightly, the decision is likely grounded and sustainable. She suggests keeping housing-related expenses under 30 per cent of income to avoid financial strain, ensuring that the purchase supports long-term security rather than short-lived optimism.
In the end, Orman’s message is straightforward: the best moment to purchase a home is not when the market shifts, but when the buyer is strong enough financially to handle the responsibility with confidence. Interest rates may move up and down, but lasting security comes from clear planning, strong cash flow, and making decisions based on real financial stability rather than hope.
