The Costs of Buying Property in Dubai

The purchase price is only the largest number in a Dubai property budget. Knowing the rest in advance avoids unwelcome surprises at transfer. Figures below are taken from official Dubai Land Department (DLD) information where available; fees change, so confirm them at the time of your purchase.

Dubai Land Department registration fee

The DLD charges a registration fee of 4% of the sale value for registering a property sale. The DLD’s Property Sale Registration service page lists this as 2% from the seller and 2% from the buyer; in practice, who bears it is agreed between the parties and recorded in the contract, and in many transactions the buyer pays the full 4%. For off-plan purchases, the fee is typically collected through the developer when the sale is registered on the interim register.

Title deed and administrative fees

The DLD service page lists, on the buyer’s side, a title deed issuance fee of AED 250 and small knowledge and innovation fees.

Trustee office fee

Transfers are completed at registration trustee offices. The DLD lists a service partner fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT where the sale value is AED 500,000 or more, and AED 2,000 plus VAT below that.

Agency commission

Where a broker is involved in a resale purchase, a commission is agreed in advance — market practice is often around 2% of the price plus VAT, but it is negotiable and should be confirmed in writing. Off-plan purchases from developers often carry no buyer commission.

Mortgage costs

If you borrow from a UAE bank, expect bank arrangement fees, valuation fees, life and property insurance requirements, and a DLD fee to register the mortgage, which is based on the loan amount.

Service charges

Owners pay annual service charges for the upkeep of the building and community, usually calculated per square foot. They vary widely by building and amenity level; ask for the current figures before you buy.

Furnishing and set-up

A rental-ready apartment needs furniture, appliances where not supplied, and utility connection deposits. Holiday-home letting has its own permit costs.

International transfer costs

U.S. buyers should account for wire fees, currency conversion margins and the time needed for bank compliance checks on large transfers.

A simple worksheet

1. Purchase price
2. • DLD registration fee (budget 4% unless your contract says otherwise)
3. • Title deed, trustee and administrative fees
4. • Commission (if applicable)
5. • Mortgage-related costs (if applicable)
6. • Transfer and currency costs
7. • Furnishing and set-up (if renting)
8. = Total acquisition cost

Then, separately: annual service charges, management fees and maintenance.

Fees are subject to change by the relevant authorities. This is general information, not financial advice.