UAE-wide · Costs guide
Dubai property buying costs: fees and charges explained
The short answer
Budget roughly 7% to 10% on top of the purchase price for a ready property in Dubai. The largest item is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the price. Add the trustee office fee (AED 2,000 or AED 4,000 plus VAT), the title deed fee, agency commission (usually 2% plus VAT) and, with a mortgage, a registration fee of 0.25% of the loan. Off-plan purchases are registered with Oqood instead of a title deed until handover.
Key facts
- DLD transfer fee
- 4% of the priceSet by the Dubai Land Department.
- Typical total on top of price
- About 7% to 10%Ready property, varies with financing and commission.
- Agency commission
- Usually 2% + VATMarket practice, agreed in writing.
- Mortgage registration
- 0.25% of the loan + admin fee
On this page
How much are buying costs in Dubai?
For a ready property bought without a mortgage, buyers typically pay around 7% of the price in extra costs: 4% to the Dubai Land Department, about 2% plus VAT in agency commission, and a few thousand dirhams in trustee and title deed fees. With a mortgage, add the 0.25% registration fee, valuation and bank arrangement fees.
Are the costs different for off-plan?
Off-plan purchases from a developer are registered on the interim register (Oqood) rather than with a title deed, and developers sometimes run offers that cover part of the DLD fee. Read the sale and purchase agreement to see who pays what. Agency commission on new launches is often paid by the developer, not the buyer: ask.
What does it cost to own property in Dubai?
Service charges fund the upkeep and management of the building or community and are set per square foot. On top of that come utilities (DEWA), the housing fee collected through DEWA if you live there, insurance and maintenance, and if you let the property, management fees and empty periods. Dubai has no annual property tax on residential owners.
Where do I confirm a fee?
The Dubai Land Department publishes government fees; the lender gives a written schedule for finance costs; the community or building manager confirms service charges. Fees change, so check the figure on the day you budget.
What does it cost?
Rates are set by authorities, lenders and developers and change, so confirm the current figure before you budget.
| Cost | Typically | Note |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the purchase price | Paid at transfer. Who pays is agreed in the contract; in practice usually the buyer. |
| Trustee office fee | AED 2,000 + VAT (under AED 500,000) or AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 500,000 and above) | For the registration trustee who processes the transfer. |
| Title deed issuance | About AED 580 for a ready unit | Off-plan homes are registered with Oqood until handover. |
| Agency commission | Usually 2% of the price + 5% VAT | Not set by law. Agree it in writing before viewing. |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan + about AED 290 | Only with a mortgage. |
| Bank valuation | About AED 2,500 to 3,500 | Charged by the lender. |
| Developer NOC (resale) | About AED 500 to 5,000 + VAT | Set by the developer for resale transfers. |
| Service charges (yearly) | Set per square foot by the community or building | Ask for the current rate; it recurs every year. |
What mistakes should I avoid?
Budgeting for the price only
The 4% DLD fee alone is AED 80,000 on a AED 2 million home.
Not agreeing commission in writing
Agree who pays commission, and how much, before viewings start.
Forgetting ongoing costs
Service charges and maintenance run for as long as you own.
What should I ask?
Put these in writing and keep the answers.
- Who pays the DLD fee under this contract?
- Is commission paid by me or by the developer?
- What are the current service charges, and how have they changed?
Questions people ask
How much is the DLD fee in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4% of the purchase price, plus smaller admin and trustee fees.
How much should I budget on top of the price?
Roughly 7% to 10% for a ready property, depending on commission and whether you use a mortgage.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax on residential owners in Dubai. Owners pay service charges, and residents pay a housing fee through their DEWA bill.
Sources
- 01Dubai Land Department — official services and informationDubai Land Department
- 02DLD fees in Dubai (updated 3 July 2026)Property Finder · checked 7 Oct 2026
- 03Nucleus editorial reviewNucleus Properties
This guide is educational. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and it is not an offer. Guides educate; speak to an advisor to apply them to your situation.
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