Short answer: budget roughly 4–7% on top of the price. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee of 4% is the largest cost. Ready (resale) purchases add a registration trustee fee and usually a 2% agent commission; a mortgage adds registration and valuation fees.
Fees checked against the DLD’s published service fees on 18 Oct 2026. Reviewed by the Vidabricks advisory team. Fees change; confirm the final amounts on your cost sheet before paying.
Fees by purchase type
| Fee | Off-plan (from developer) | Ready / resale | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLD registration fee | 4% of the price, paid for Oqood (off-plan) registration | 4% of the price | DLD |
| Title deed fee | Developer admin / Oqood fee (ask for the amount in writing) | AED 250, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees | DLD |
| Registration trustee fee | Usually none | AED 4,200 if the price is AED 500,000 or more; AED 2,100 below that | DLD |
| Agent commission | Usually paid by the developer; confirm per project | Typically 2% of the price + 5% VAT | Market practice |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 250 title deed fee | Same | DLD |
| Bank valuation (if financed) | Typically AED 2,500–3,500 | Same | Each bank’s tariff |
| DEWA connection deposit | At handover: AED 2,000 for an apartment, AED 4,000 for a villa (refundable) | Same | DEWA |
Worked example: AED 1,080,000 one-bedroom, cash
| Item | Off-plan (AED) | Ready resale (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| DLD fee, 4% | 43,200 | 43,200 |
| Registration trustee fee | 0 | 4,200 |
| Title deed and admin fees | Developer admin fee | 270 |
| Agent commission, 2% + VAT | 0 | 22,680 |
| Total on top of the price | about 43,200 + admin fee | about 70,350 |
That is about 4.0% for off-plan and 6.5% for a ready resale, before any mortgage costs. With a mortgage of AED 864,000 (80%), add about AED 2,160 for mortgage registration (0.25%) plus the bank’s valuation fee.
Annual costs after you buy
- Service charges: set per square foot for each building and published in the DLD/RERA service charge index.
- Housing fee: the Dubai Municipality housing fee is collected through DEWA bills by whoever occupies the home.
- No annual property tax and no UAE personal income tax on rent or sale gains. Check how your home country taxes them.
How to avoid surprises
- Ask for a written cost sheet that lists every fee, including the developer’s Oqood admin fee.
- Pay the 4% DLD fee only through the official channels: the developer’s escrow or DLD payment channels for off-plan, or the trustee office for resale.
- For resale, ask the seller for the developer NOC and a service-charge clearance before transfer day.
Frequently asked questions
How much are DLD fees when buying property in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department charges a registration fee of 4% of the purchase price. On top of that come a title deed fee of AED 250, small knowledge and innovation fees, and, for ready property, a registration trustee fee of AED 4,200 (AED 2,100 if the price is under AED 500,000).
Who pays the 4% DLD fee, the buyer or the seller?
In current Dubai practice the buyer normally pays the full 4%, although it can be shared if both sides agree in the sale contract.
Are buying costs lower for off-plan property?
Usually yes. On an off-plan purchase from a developer you pay the 4% Oqood registration fee and the developer's admin fee, but there is normally no trustee fee and no agent commission for the buyer. On a ready resale you typically add the trustee fee and a 2% agent commission plus VAT.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
There is no annual property tax, and the UAE does not levy personal income tax, so individuals pay no UAE tax on rent or on a gain when they sell. Owners do pay building service charges, and occupants pay the Dubai Municipality housing fee through their DEWA bill. Your home country may tax rent and gains.
