Dubai Property Buying Costs Calculator
The advertised price is never the full price. Itemize the DLD transfer fee, trustee, agency commission, and mortgage fees to see the real cash you need on transfer day.
Every fee, explained
- DLD transfer fee — 4% + AED 580. The big one, paid to the Dubai Land Department at the trustee office on transfer day.
- Registration trustee fee — AED 4,200 + VAT (AED 2,100 below AED 500k). The licensed office that executes the transfer.
- Agency commission — 2% + 5% VAT on resales. Buying off-plan directly from a developer, there's typically no commission.
- Mortgage registration — 0.25% of the loan + AED 290, paid to the DLD if you're financing.
- Bank fees — arrangement fee up to 1% of the loan plus a valuation around AED 3,000 + VAT.
Budgeting rule of thumb
Cash buyers should reserve 6–7% of the price for fees; mortgage buyers 8–9% — on top of the down payment itself. On a typical AED 1.5M apartment with 80% financing, that means roughly AED 300,000 down plus ~AED 120,000 in fees: the real day-one number is AED 420,000, not 300,000. These upfront costs are also exactly why net yield differs from gross — they belong in the denominator of any honest yield calculation. For the full purchase process from offer to title deed, see our guide to buying property in Dubai as a foreigner.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the DLD transfer fee in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the purchase price plus an AED 580 admin fee for apartments and villas. It is officially splittable between buyer and seller, but in practice the buyer pays all of it on virtually every resale.
What are the total costs of buying property in Dubai?
For a cash purchase, budget roughly 6–7% on top of the price: 4% DLD, ~2% agency plus VAT, and fixed trustee/admin fees. With a mortgage it rises to roughly 8–9% once you add the 0.25% mortgage registration, bank arrangement fee (~1% of the loan), and valuation.
Are there fewer fees when buying off-plan?
Usually yes. You still pay the 4% DLD registration (Oqood) fee, but there is normally no agency commission when buying directly from a developer, and no trustee transfer fee until handover. Some developers run promotions covering the 4% DLD — always check what is included. Model an off-plan plan →
Is there property tax in Dubai?
No annual property tax exists in the UAE. After purchase, your recurring costs are service charges (billed per square foot), maintenance, and — if you rent the property out — management fees. That is why net yields here compare so well internationally. Calculate your net yield →
What is the NOC fee when buying a resale property?
The developer issues a No Objection Certificate confirming the seller has no outstanding dues before the DLD will transfer title. Sellers typically pay it, and it ranges from AED 500 to AED 5,000 depending on the developer.
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