Cost of Buying Property in Dubai in 2026: Every Fee Explained
Quick answer: Budget around 6–7% of the purchase price on top of the price itself for a cash purchase of a ready property in Dubai, and roughly 7–8% if you use a mortgage. The biggest item is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee of 4%. Then come agency commission (usually 2% plus VAT), the trustee office fee, and, with a mortgage, the bank, valuation and mortgage registration fees. Off-plan purchases bought directly from a developer usually cost less in fees.
Work out your own figures: use our free Dubai property buying cost calculator.
Dubai property buying costs at a glance
| Cost | Typical amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the purchase price | Buyer (by market practice) |
| DLD admin and title deed fees | Several hundred dirhams in total | Buyer |
| Real estate agency commission | Usually 2% of the price + 5% VAT | Buyer |
| Trustee office fee | About AED 4,000–4,200 + VAT | Buyer |
| Mortgage registration (if financed) | 0.25% of the loan + about AED 290 | Buyer |
| Bank arrangement fee (if financed) | Up to 1% of the loan + VAT | Buyer |
| Property valuation (if financed) | About AED 2,500–3,500 | Buyer |
| Developer NOC (resale) | About AED 500–5,000, depending on developer | Usually seller |
Worked example: AED 2,000,000 apartment
| Item | Cash buyer | With 80% mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee (4%) | AED 80,000 | AED 80,000 |
| DLD admin and title deed fees (approx.) | AED 830 | AED 830 |
| Agency commission (2% + VAT) | AED 42,000 | AED 42,000 |
| Trustee office (approx. incl. VAT) | AED 4,410 | AED 4,410 |
| Mortgage registration (0.25% of AED 1.6M + AED 290) | – | AED 4,290 |
| Bank arrangement fee (up to 1% + VAT) | – | up to AED 16,800 |
| Valuation (approx.) | – | AED 3,000 |
| Total fees | about AED 127,000 (6.4%) | about AED 151,000 (7.6%) |
With an 80% mortgage you would also need the 20% down payment (AED 400,000), so total cash needed is about AED 551,000. Figures are rounded estimates.
What is different for off-plan purchases?
- The 4% DLD fee still applies and is paid when the sale is registered on the interim register (Oqood). Developers sometimes cover part or all of it as a promotion.
- No agency commission is usually charged when you buy directly from the developer or through its appointed brokers.
- No trustee office fee in most cases, because the developer handles registration.
- Your payments go into a regulated escrow account for that project. See our off-plan vs ready comparison.
Ongoing costs after you buy
- Service charges to the owners’ association, charged per square foot each year and varying by building and community.
- DEWA utilities, including the housing fee for owner-occupiers.
- Home insurance, and life insurance if you have a mortgage.
- Maintenance, plus a property management fee if you let the unit out.
Dubai has no annual property tax and no tax on rental income for individuals, which keeps holding costs low compared with many other markets.
How to keep buying costs down
- Compare mortgage offers on the full cost, not just the rate. Arrangement fees vary a lot between banks.
- Look for developer offers that cover the DLD fee on off-plan units.
- Get mortgage pre-approval first so the valuation and timing don’t surprise you.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the 4% DLD fee in Dubai?
By market practice in Dubai, the buyer pays the full 4% DLD transfer fee, unless the buyer and seller agree otherwise or a developer offer covers it.
How much extra money do I need to buy a property in Dubai?
For a ready property, plan for about 6–7% of the price in fees as a cash buyer and about 7–8% with a mortgage. With a mortgage you also need a down payment, which is at least 20% for most expat first-time buyers.
Is there stamp duty or property tax in Dubai?
There is no stamp duty or annual property tax as such. The main one-off government charge is the 4% DLD transfer fee, and the main ongoing cost is service charges.
Are buying costs lower for off-plan property?
Usually yes. Off-plan buyers still pay the 4% DLD fee (sometimes covered by the developer) but typically avoid agency commission and trustee office fees.
Ready to buy? Read our Dubai property buying guide, compare mortgage options for expats, or speak to an Ideal Homes advisor.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fees are set by the Dubai Land Department, banks and service providers and can change. Confirm current figures before you commit. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.