Plan for roughly 6.2–6.6% on top of the purchase price when buying a ready home in Dubai with cash, and 7% or more with a mortgage. Here’s every fee, who charges it, and a worked example on an AED 1.5M apartment.
All fees in this guide are approximate and can change confirm the current rates with the DLD, your registration trustee, and your bank before you commit.
Every fee when you buy a ready property in Dubai
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the sale value, plus admin fees of around AED 580 in total (title deed, map, knowledge and innovation fees)
- Registration trustee fee: around AED 4,200 including VAT for homes priced at AED 500,000 or above, around AED 2,100 below that
- Agent commission: typically 2% plus 5% VAT. It’s a market convention recorded in your RERA Form B agreement, not a government-set rate
The extra costs of buying with a mortgage
- Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan value plus admin fees of around AED 290, paid to the DLD
- Property valuation around AED 3,000, depending on the bank
- Bank arrangement fee often up to 1% of the loan; varies by bank and offer
Worked example: an AED 1.5M apartment
The numbers below are rounded estimates your exact costs depend on the property, your bank, and the fee schedule at the time.
Buying with cash
Roughly AED 60,000 (DLD 4%) + around AED 580 (admin) + around AED 4,200 (trustee) + around AED 31,500 (2% commission + VAT) roughly AED 96,000 all in, about 6.4% of the price.
With an 80% mortgage (AED 1.2M loan)
Add around AED 3,000 (0.25% mortgage registration) + around AED 290 (admin) + around AED 3,000 (valuation) + up to AED 12,000 (1% arrangement) roughly AED 115,000 in total, about 7.6%.
Off-plan is different
The 4% DLD fee still applies, registered through Oqood, though developers sometimes absorb it in promotions. The selling commission is usually the developer’s cost, not yours. Your sales and purchase agreement lists exactly what you pay read it before you sign.
What this doesn’t include
Annual service charges aren’t a buying cost, but budget for them from day one. Check the official Service Charge Index for your building on the DLD website or in the Dubai REST app before you commit.
See what your budget really buys
Once you know your all-in number, browse homes for sale on Property Finder and filter by price with fees in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Search or browse questions about buying costs in Dubai.
Who pays the 4% DLD fee?
In practice the buyer usually pays it in full, though how it’s split is agreed between buyer and seller in the sale agreement (MOU). Confirm it in writing before you sign.
Is the 2% agent commission fixed by law?
No. It’s a market convention, not a government-set rate. Whatever you agree is recorded in your RERA Form B agreement with the agent.
What is a registration trustee office?
A DLD-approved centre where the property transfer is executed. The trustee fee is around AED 4,200 including VAT for homes at AED 500,000 or above, and around AED 2,100 below that.
What extra costs come with a mortgage?
Mortgage registration at 0.25% of the loan plus about AED 290 in admin, a valuation of around AED 3,000, and a bank arrangement fee that’s often up to 1% of the loan.
What do I pay on an off-plan purchase?
The 4% DLD fee, registered through Oqood, unless the developer absorbs it in a promotion. Commission is usually the developer’s cost. Your sales and purchase agreement lists exactly what you pay.
Can I add the fees to my mortgage?
Generally no. DLD and trustee fees are paid upfront on transfer day, so plan to have them in cash alongside your down payment. Ask your bank what, if anything, it will finance.