FREE TOOL · DUBAI 2026
Get a complete breakdown of all fees when buying property in Dubai — DLD transfer fee, agent commission, mortgage registration, and more. Know your total outlay before you commit.
The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the purchase price plus AED 580 registration on every property transfer. This is the single largest transaction cost and is non-negotiable.
The buyer's agent commission is 2% of the purchase price, standardised by RERA. For a AED 1.5M property this is AED 30,000. Some off-plan developers absorb this fee.
If financing, you pay 0.25% of the loan amount to the DLD to register the mortgage. On a AED 1.2M loan, this is AED 3,000. Add bank processing fees (typically AED 5,000–10,000).
Banks require an independent valuation by a RICS-certified DLD-approved valuator. Cost varies by property size and type — typically AED 2,500–3,500 for residential units.
While not legally mandatory, many buyers use a conveyancing lawyer to review the MOU and SPA. Fees range from AED 6,000 for a simple purchase to AED 15,000+ for complex transactions.
The DLD charges a small fee to issue the Title Deed in the buyer's name. This is usually included in the NOC and transfer process fees.
| Fee | Rate | Amount (AED 2M purchase) |
|---|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of purchase price | AED 80,000 |
| DLD Registration | Flat fee | AED 580 |
| Agent Commission | 2% of purchase price | AED 40,000 |
| Mortgage Registration | 0.25% of loan (80% LTV) | AED 4,000 |
| Property Valuation | Fixed | AED 3,000 |
| TOTAL (cash) | ~6% of price | AED 120,580 |
| TOTAL (mortgage) | ~6.4% of price | AED 127,580 |
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee is 4% of the property purchase price, plus a flat registration fee of AED 580. This is paid by the buyer at the time of property transfer and is one of the largest transaction costs in Dubai.
The standard real estate agent commission in Dubai is 2% of the purchase price, paid by the buyer. This is the market norm set by RERA. For a AED 2M property, the agent's commission is AED 40,000.
Mortgage registration at the DLD costs 0.25% of the loan amount. Additionally, most banks charge a processing fee (typically AED 5,000–10,000) and require a property valuation (approximately AED 2,500–3,500). These are separate from the DLD fees.
For a cash purchase, expect to pay approximately 6–7% of the property value in transaction costs: DLD fee (4%), agent commission (2%), and registration fees. For a mortgage purchase, add 0.25% loan amount (mortgage registration) and AED 3,000 valuation. Total is typically 6.5–7.5% of purchase price.
Residential property resales are exempt from VAT in Dubai. However, the first sale of a new-build commercial property or the first sale of a residential property by a developer may attract 5% VAT. Most ready-home purchases between individuals are VAT-free.
Ready to buy in Dubai? Get a full personalised cost breakdown from our team.
WhatsApp Our Advisory TeamBuying property in Dubai involves approximately 6–7% of the purchase price in transaction costs. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee is 4% of the purchase price plus AED 580 registration. The standard buyer's agent commission is 2% (set by RERA). Mortgage buyers pay an additional 0.25% of the loan amount for mortgage registration at the DLD, plus a property valuation fee of approximately AED 3,000. Residential property resales between individuals are exempt from VAT. There is no capital gains tax or stamp duty in Dubai.
Source: DLD, RERA, Astraterra Properties advisory 2026 · Calculate your mortgage →