All tools / Dubai property buying costs
Dubai property buying costs
Work out every fee on a Dubai property purchase and the total cash you need on the day, with or without a mortgage.
The fees, one by one
- Dubai Land Department transfer fee: 4% of the price. By law it can be split between buyer and seller, but the buyer usually pays it.
- Title deed fee: AED 580 for a ready property, plus small knowledge and innovation fees of AED 10 each.
- Trustee office fee: AED 4,000 for properties of AED 500,000 or more, AED 2,000 below that, plus 5% VAT. Paid on ready transfers.
- Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290, paid to the Land Department.
- Bank fees: a valuation of about AED 2,500 to 3,500 and an arrangement fee of up to 1% of the loan.
- Agent commission: usually 2% of the price plus VAT on resale. Buying off-plan directly from the developer normally has no buyer's commission.
For off-plan purchases the developer registers the sale in Oqood. The 4% DLD fee still applies, and developers add their own admin fee, which this calculator does not include.
Worked examples
Ready flat, AED 1,500,000, 80% mortgage, 2% agent
Same flat, cash purchase
Special cases
- Off-plan: no trustee or agent fee when you buy from the developer, but the developer adds an Oqood registration and admin fee.
- Mortgage limits: UAE Central Bank rules let expats borrow up to 80% on a first home up to AED 5 million, and less above that or on a second home. Off-plan homes are usually limited to 50%.
- Fees cannot be borrowed. The down payment and all fees must be paid in cash.
- After you buy: budget for yearly service charges, which vary by building.
Common mistakes
- Budgeting only the down payment. Fees add around 7% to 9% on top.
- Forgetting VAT on the agent, trustee and bank fees.
- Not asking about early settlement fees on the mortgage, which can be up to 1% of the remaining loan.
Official sources
- Dubai Land Department official fees, transactions and registered agents
- Central Bank of the UAE mortgage rules
Questions people ask
How much should I budget on top of the price?
Around 7% for a cash purchase of a ready home, and 7% to 9% with a mortgage, before furniture and moving costs.
Can the developer pay the DLD fee?
Some off-plan launches offer to cover part or all of the 4% fee. Check the sales offer.
Is there VAT on residential property?
No. The first sale of new residential property is zero-rated and resale is exempt. VAT applies to agent, trustee and bank fees.
An estimate based on published Dubai Land Department fees. Confirm the final figures with your trustee office, bank and developer. Fees checked October 2026.