Buying costs in Dubai, explained

For a ready home bought in cash, fees usually add around 6% to 7% to the price. Most of that is the Dubai Land Department's 4% transfer fee and the agency fee. These figures are indicative; the final amounts depend on the property, the developer and your bank.

Ready home, cash

DLD transfer fee

4% of the price

Registration trustee fee

AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT under AED 500,000)

Agency fee

2% of the price + VAT

Developer NOC

AED 500 to 5,000, set by the developer

With a mortgage

Mortgage registration

0.25% of the loan + AED 290

Bank fees

Valuation and arrangement fees vary by bank

Off-plan

For off-plan homes bought from the developer, the 4% DLD fee is paid as the Oqood registration fee. On new launches the developer often pays the agency fee; check the offer.

Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah

Fees there differ from Dubai. Ask us for a breakdown for the project you are considering.