JSS Guide
Dubai Property Fees Explained — Buyer's Cost Guide
Reviewed by the JSS advisory team · Published and updated 18 August 2026 · Information sourced from developer data and published DLD fee schedules. Confirm details with official UAE sources before relying on them.
When budgeting for a Dubai property purchase, the headline price is only part of the equation. Acquisition costs — the one-off fees paid at or around the time of transfer — can add up meaningfully. This guide sets out the main fees as they stood in August 2026. Always confirm current figures with the DLD, your bank, and your legal adviser before transacting.
Buyer acquisition cost table
Effective August 2026. Source: published DLD fee schedules. Confirm current rates before proceeding.
| Fee | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of purchase price + AED 580 | The largest cost item. Paid at transfer, based on the purchase price as recorded by the DLD. |
| Trustee / registration office fee | AED 2,100 (under AED 500k) · AED 4,200 (AED 500k+) | Paid to the DLD-approved trustee office handling the transfer. |
| Agency fee | 2% of purchase price + 5% VAT | Standard Dubai rate. Paid to the registered broker. Confirm in writing before instructing. |
| Mortgage registration fee | 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290 | Applies only if purchasing with a mortgage. |
| Property valuation fee | ~AED 3,150 | Required by the bank for mortgaged purchases. Indicative — lender-specified valuers apply their own fee. |
| Oqood registration (off-plan) | 4% + AED 580 | The off-plan equivalent of the DLD transfer fee, paid at the time of off-plan registration. |
Other costs to factor in
- Service charge (ongoing): Annual charge for communal area maintenance, set by the owners' association and typically expressed per square foot. Varies significantly by building and area. Ask the developer or owners' association for the current rate before purchasing.
- Utility connection (DEWA): A DEWA deposit (AED 2,000–4,000 for apartments, more for villas) is paid when connecting electricity and water for the first time.
- Legal fees: If you engage a solicitor to review the SPA or PoA documents, their fee will be agreed separately. Not compulsory but strongly recommended for large purchases or complex structures.
- Home insurance: Not legally required but advisable for contents and structural coverage.
Worked example
For a straightforward AED 2,000,000 apartment purchase with a mortgage and 2% agency fee, indicative acquisition costs would be approximately:
| Item | Indicative amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee (4% + AED 580) | 80,580 |
| Trustee fee | 4,200 |
| Agency fee (2% + 5% VAT) | 42,000 |
| Mortgage registration (0.25% × AED 1,500,000 loan + AED 290) | 4,040 |
| Valuation fee (~AED 3,150) | 3,150 |
| Total indicative acquisition costs | ~133,970 |
This worked example is illustrative only. Actual costs depend on the final purchase price recorded by the DLD, the specific mortgage amount, and current fee schedules. Confirm all figures before transacting. Use our purchase-cost calculator for a configurable estimate.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
DLD fees and trustee office fees are set by government and are not negotiable. Agency commission (typically 2%) is a market convention but can be agreed between parties — confirm in writing before instructing a broker.
In Dubai, it is standard practice for the buyer to pay the 4% DLD transfer fee. Occasionally, a developer may offer to cover part of this fee as a promotion on new off-plan projects — always confirm in writing if this is claimed.
Yes. Service charges (annual, per sq ft, managed by the owners' association) and DEWA utility charges apply from the date of ownership. There is no annual property or wealth tax in Dubai.
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