The real cost of buying property in Dubai in 2026: every fee, itemised
The DLD 4% transfer fee, trustee and title deed fees, mortgage registration, agency commission and NOC: what buying a Dubai property really costs in 2026.
The short answer
Budget 7–10% on top of the purchase price. The biggest item is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4% of the price. Agency commission is typically 2% plus VAT. Then come trustee office fees, the title deed fee and, if you borrow, a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan. These costs must be paid in cash. Banks can't finance them.
Key takeaways
- DLD transfer fee: 4% of the price, usually paid in full by the buyer.
- Agency commission: typically 2% + 5% VAT.
- Trustee office fee: AED 2,000 (under AED 500,000) or AED 4,000 (above), plus VAT.
- Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan plus about AED 290.
- Total: usually 7–10% on top of the price, payable in cash.
The full list
| Cost | Amount | Who pays | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of purchase price | Buyer (legally split, commonly paid by buyer) | All purchases |
| Title deed issuance | AED 580 | Buyer | Ready property |
| Trustee office fee | AED 2,000 (< AED 500k) or AED 4,000 (≥ AED 500k) + 5% VAT | Buyer | Ready property |
| Knowledge & innovation fees | ~AED 10 each | Buyer | Most transactions |
| Oqood registration | Varies by developer and project | Buyer | Off-plan |
| Agency commission | Typically 2% + 5% VAT | Buyer (sometimes negotiated) | Resale; rarely on direct off-plan |
| Developer NOC | AED 500–5,000 + VAT | Seller (usually) | Resale |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of loan + ~AED 290 | Buyer | Financed purchases |
| Bank valuation | AED 2,500–3,500 | Buyer | Financed purchases |
| Bank arrangement fee | Up to 1% of loan (varies) | Buyer | Financed purchases |
“…a more mature and sustainable market underpinned by transparency, governance, and data-driven policies.”
Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director General, Dubai Land Department, on the 2025 results
A worked example
Scale matters: Dubai investors put more than AED 680 billion into real estate across 258,600 deals in 2025, up 29% by value, according to the Dubai Media Office. On each of those deals, the 4% transfer fee alone is AED 40,000 per million dirhams.
A AED 1,500,000 ready apartment bought through an agent with a 75% mortgage (AED 1,125,000 loan):
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee (4%) | 60,000 |
| Agency commission (2% + VAT) | 31,500 |
| Trustee office fee (+ VAT) | 4,200 |
| Title deed and small fees | ~600 |
| Mortgage registration (0.25% + 290) | 3,103 |
| Valuation | ~3,000 |
| Total on top of price | ~102,400 (about 6.8%) |
Add the 25% deposit (AED 375,000) and you need about AED 477,400 in cash at completion. Add the bank’s own arrangement fee if it charges one.
Off-plan is cheaper up front, not overall
Buying direct from a developer usually means no agency commission, and some developers run promotions covering part of the DLD fee. The 4% still applies to the full price, though, and you pay it at registration (Oqood), not at handover. Read the off-plan due-diligence checklist before paying anything.
Costs after you buy
- Service charges: set per square foot per year by the building’s owners’ association. They vary widely between buildings and cut directly into your yield.
- Ejari registration for each tenancy, and agency fees if you use a leasing agent.
- DEWA housing fee (5% of annual rent) is billed to the occupant, not the landlord.
See rental yields in 2026 for how these change the real return.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DLD fee in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4% of the purchase price. It’s legally split between buyer and seller, but in practice the buyer usually pays all of it.
Can I add the fees to my mortgage?
No. Upfront transaction costs can’t be financed by UAE banks. You need them in cash, on top of your deposit.
How much should I budget on top of the price?
Typically 7–10% for a resale purchase with an agent and a mortgage, and less for a cash off-plan purchase direct from a developer.
Sources
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; this guide was last checked on 12 October 2026. Confirm the details for your situation with a licensed professional before you act.
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