Cost of Buying Property in Dubai 2026: Every Fee Itemised [+31 (0)85 080 66 18](tel:+31850806618) [DubaiReal EstateCompany](/)[Projects](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects)[Buy](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/buying-property-in-dubai)[Sell](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/selling-property-in-dubai)[Services](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/services)[About us](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/team)[Blog](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog)[FAQ](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/faq)[Contact](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/contact)[+31 (0)85 080 66 18](tel:+31850806618)Book a call[EN](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai)[NL](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/nl/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai)[](tel:+31850806618)[EN](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai)[NL](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/nl/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai)Menu DubaiReal EstateCompanyClose [Projects](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects)[Buy](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/buying-property-in-dubai)[Sell](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/selling-property-in-dubai)[Services](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/services)[About us](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/team)[Blog](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog)[FAQ](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/faq)[Contact](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/contact)Book a call[+31 (0)85 080 66 18](tel:+31850806618)[EN](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai)[NL](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/nl/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai) [Home](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/)›[Dubai Property Guides](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides)›The Full Cost of Buying Property in Dubai: Every Fee, ItemisedThe Full Cost of Buying Property in Dubai: Every Fee, Itemised ============================================================== [By Indra Manniesing](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/team/indra-manniesing) · Published on 28 July 2026 The 4% DLD transfer fee is the number every buyer hears about first, and it's real, but it's also only part of what lands on the closing statement. Between government charges, the agent, the developer, and the bank, a typical Dubai purchase carries somewhere between 6% and 8% in one-off transaction costs on top of the price, before you've paid a single dirham of annual upkeep. This guide itemises every one of them. For the legal and process side of buying as a Dutch national, see [buying property in Dubai as a Dutch national](/guides/buying-property-in-dubai-as-a-dutch-national). If you're financing the purchase, [mortgages and financing for non-resident buyers](/guides/dubai-mortgages-for-non-residents) covers rates, LTV and lender fees in more depth than the summary below. The DLD transfer fee: 4%, and who actually pays it -------------------------------------------------- The Dubai Land Department charges a transfer fee of 4% of the property's sale price on every registered transaction. This is the single largest cost in the purchase and it isn't negotiable as a rate. What is negotiable is who pays it. DLD's own fee structure for related registration services confirms the fee is legally split 2% buyer / 2% seller. In practice, almost every Dubai transaction has the buyer covering the full 4%, a market convention rather than a legal requirement. Because it's convention and not law, it's a fair thing to raise during price negotiation, particularly in a slower market or on a property that's been listed for a while. Don't assume you're stuck with 4% just because it's the default. On a AED 1,500,000 property, the transfer fee alone is AED 60,000. DLD registration, trustee, and title deed fees ---------------------------------------------- Beyond the headline 4%, several smaller DLD-linked charges apply to every ready-property transaction: FeeTypical amountTrustee office registration feeAED 2,000 (properties under AED 500,000) or AED 4,000 (AED 500,000 and above), plus 5% VATTitle deed issuance feeAED 580 for ready propertyKnowledge feeAED 10Innovation feeAED 10These are fixed, small amounts relative to the 4% fee, but they add up to roughly AED 4,200-4,600 on a mid-market apartment and are due at the same trustee office appointment where the transfer is registered. Agent commission ---------------- The standard Dubai brokerage commission is 2% of the sale price plus 5% VAT on that commission, so effectively 2.1%. This is market custom, not a RERA-set rate; RERA regulates how brokers operate but doesn't fix the percentage. In the secondary market, the buyer's side typically pays this commission, though who pays what is ultimately whatever the listing agreement and offer say. On a AED 1,500,000 property, that's AED 31,500. Conveyancing, legal fees, and power of attorney ----------------------------------------------- Using an independent conveyancer or property lawyer isn't mandatory in Dubai, but it's common for non-resident buyers managing a transaction remotely or dealing with a more complex ownership structure. Fees for this typically run AED 6,000-10,000, depending on the firm and how much of the process they handle: MOU review, due diligence on the seller and the title, NOC coordination, and attendance at the transfer appointment. If you can't be in Dubai to sign in person, you'll also need a power of attorney (POA) drafted, notarised, and attested, which typically costs AED 2,000-6,000 depending on where it's prepared and whether it needs UAE embassy attestation from the Netherlands. DLD tightened its requirements on POA wording in 2026, so this is worth having drafted by a UAE property lawyer rather than a generic template. Developer NOC fee ----------------- If you're buying an existing (secondary market) property rather than a new unit direct from a developer, the seller needs a No Objection Certificate from the developer confirming all service charges and payment obligations are cleared before the sale can register. This fee is technically the seller's cost, and typically runs AED 500-3,000 for a standard residential unit, occasionally higher for luxury developments. It's worth confirming in the MOU who actually pays it in practice, since this varies by negotiation. Buyers purchasing new from a developer on first sale don't pay this fee at all; it only applies to resales. Mortgage-specific costs ----------------------- If you're financing rather than paying cash, add the bank's fees on top of everything above: an arrangement fee (roughly 1% of the loan plus 5% VAT), a property valuation fee (AED 2,500-3,500 plus VAT), a DLD mortgage registration fee (0.25% of the loan value), and mandatory mortgage life insurance running through the life of the loan. The full breakdown, including LTV caps and non-resident eligibility, is covered in [mortgages and financing for non-resident buyers in Dubai](/guides/dubai-mortgages-for-non-residents); this guide only covers the cost side, not eligibility or rates. Off-plan specific costs: Oqood and DLD waivers ---------------------------------------------- Off-plan purchases replace the standard title-deed transfer fee with Oqood registration, which is the same 4% rate but paid at the time you sign the sales agreement with the developer, not at handover. Off-plan Oqood registration also carries its own smaller admin fee (around AED 430 for an apartment or office unit) plus the AED 10 Knowledge and AED 10 Innovation fees, in place of the ready-property trustee and title deed fees above. Some developers run promotional "DLD waiver" campaigns, covering 50-100% of the 4% fee as a launch incentive on specific projects. Treat these with a degree of scepticism on the total price: a waiver worth AED 60,000-80,000 is frequently reflected in a per-square-foot price that runs somewhat above non-promotional inventory in the same building or area. Compare the all-in price, not just the headline saving. For the rest of the off-plan buying process, see [the off-plan buying process in Dubai](/guides/off-plan-buying-process-in-dubai). Recurring costs after you own the property ------------------------------------------ The transaction costs above are one-off. Owning the property brings its own recurring bills: - **Service charges.** Every unit in a jointly owned building or gated community pays an annual service charge, set by the owners' association and benchmarked against DLD's own Service Charge Index, which publishes an approved AED-per-square-foot rate for each registered building. Typical apartment rates run roughly AED 10-30 per sq ft in mid-market buildings, with prime towers in areas like Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah running AED 50-70+ per sq ft. Villas are usually far lower, in the AED 2-6 per sq ft range, since there's no shared building infrastructure to maintain. These figures vary by building, not just by area, so look up the specific project on the Service Charge Index rather than budgeting off a general range. - **DEWA and cooling.** Setting up your Dubai Electricity and Water Authority account requires a refundable security deposit, commonly AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa, plus a small activation fee. If the building runs on district cooling rather than a private AC unit, expect a separate monthly bill from the cooling provider, commonly AED 200-800 depending on unit size and usage, plus its own deposit. - **Property management, if you're renting it out.** Landlords using a management company for a standard long-term rental typically pay 5-8% of the annual rent; short-term or holiday-let management runs considerably higher, often 15-25% of revenue given the added workload. See [renting out your Dubai property](/guides/renting-out-your-dubai-property) for how this fits into the wider letting process, and [Dutch tax on Dubai property](/guides/dutch-tax-on-dubai-property) for how rental income is treated back home. A worked example: cash vs mortgaged ----------------------------------- Here's how the numbers stack up on a AED 1,500,000 ready apartment, bought on the secondary market, comparing a cash purchase to a mortgage at 65% loan-to-value. Every line is illustrative: confirm current figures with the DLD, your agent, and your bank before relying on them. Cost itemCash buyerMortgaged buyer (65% LTV)Property priceAED 1,500,000AED 1,500,000Down paymentAED 1,500,000AED 525,000 (35%)Loan amount—AED 975,000DLD transfer fee (4%)AED 60,000AED 60,000DLD trustee registration fee (+VAT)AED 4,200AED 4,200DLD title deed + Knowledge/Innovation feesAED 600AED 600Agent commission (2% + VAT)AED 31,500AED 31,500Conveyancing/legal fees (indicative)AED 8,000AED 8,000DLD mortgage registration fee (0.25% of loan)—AED 2,438Bank arrangement fee (~1% + VAT)—AED 10,238Property valuation fee (+VAT)—AED 3,150**Total one-off transaction costs****AED 104,300****AED 120,126****Cash needed at signing****AED 1,604,300****AED 645,126**The mortgaged buyer pays roughly AED 15,800 more in one-off transaction costs, almost entirely the bank's arrangement and valuation fees plus the DLD mortgage registration charge, but needs under half the cash upfront. That trade-off, more total cost for far less capital tied up, is the core arithmetic behind the buy-cash-or-finance decision. The bottom line --------------- Budget 6-8% of the purchase price in one-off costs on top of what you pay for the property itself, more if you're financing. The DLD transfer fee is the biggest single line, but agent commission and, if applicable, bank fees aren't far behind it. None of these are exotic or hidden if you know to look for them; the trouble comes from budgeting only for the 4% and getting surprised by the rest at the trustee office. Frequently asked questions -------------------------- Is the 4% DLD fee the only government charge when buying in Dubai?+No. It's the largest, but trustee office registration fees, a title deed fee, and small Knowledge and Innovation fees also apply, together adding roughly AED 4,200-4,600 on a mid-market purchase. Who pays the DLD transfer fee, buyer or seller?+Legally it's split 2%/2%. In practice, Dubai market convention has the buyer pay the full 4%, though this is negotiable and sometimes shifts in a buyer's favour in a slower market. Do I pay agent commission as the buyer?+Usually yes, in the secondary market. The standard rate is 2% of the price plus 5% VAT, set by market custom rather than regulation. What's a DLD waiver and is it really free money?+It's a developer promotion covering some or all of the 4% transfer fee on select off-plan launches. Compare the total price per square foot against non-promotional units in the same building; the saving is often partly priced back in. How much should I budget for ongoing costs after I buy?+Beyond the mortgage or your own capital, budget for the building's service charge (varies significantly by building, check the DLD Service Charge Index for the specific project), DEWA and possibly district cooling, and, if you're not living in the unit, property management if you rent it out. Ready for the next step? The Dubai-based sister of Dutch Real Estate Company: Dutch diligence, Dubai opportunity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [View our projects](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects)[Contact us](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/contact) More in Dubai Property Guides ----------------------------- [### Mortgages and Financing for Non-Resident Buyers in Dubai Can a Dutch buyer living in the Netherlands get a mortgage on a Dubai property? Yes. Here's what UAE banks actually lend, at what rate, and how it compares to a developer payment plan. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/dubai-mortgages-for-non-residents)[### Selling Your Dubai Property: The Complete Guide for Dutch Owners (2026) A complete process guide for Dutch property owners selling in Dubai — from the first Form A to repatriating your proceeds, including off-plan rules, mortgage discharge, and what it means for your Box 3 and Dutch capital gains tax. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/selling-your-dubai-property)[### Buying property in Dubai as a Dutch national: the complete guide Can Dutch citizens own property in Dubai? Yes: freehold, in designated zones that cover most of the city. Here is the full process, from reservation to title deed. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/buying-property-in-dubai-as-a-dutch-national)[### How to get the UAE Golden Visa through property investment The AED 2 million property route is the most direct path to 10-year UAE residency. This guide covers qualifying purchases, documents and the application timeline. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/uae-golden-visa-through-property-investment)[### The off-plan buying process in Dubai, step by step Payment plans, escrow protection and the handover inspection: how an off-plan purchase in Dubai runs from launch day to keys. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/off-plan-buying-process-in-dubai)[### Renting out your Dubai property: a landlord's guide Annual tenancy or holiday let? Ejari, RERA rules and the real costs of turning a Dubai property into dependable rental income. Read more →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/renting-out-your-dubai-property) DubaiReal EstateCompanyYour trusted key to real estate success in Dubai. [4,8 ★ · 123 Google reviews · Dutch Real Estate Company (sister office)](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Dutch+Real+Estate+Company+Amsterdam) Menu - [Projects](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects) - [Buy](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/buying-property-in-dubai) - [Sell](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/selling-property-in-dubai) - [Services](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/services) - [About us](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/team) - [Blog](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/faq) - [Contact](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/contact) Contact Maasstraat 188 1079 BL Amsterdam [+31 (0)85 080 66 18](tel:+31850806618) - [](https://www.facebook.com/people/Dubai-Real-Estate-Company/61574622954353/) - [](https://www.instagram.com/dubairealestatecompany/) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dubai-real-estate-company-uae) Our network - [Dutch Real Estate Company](https://www.dutchrealestatecompany.com) - [Dutch Construction Company](https://dutchconstructioncompany.com) Browse by area - [Dubailand](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubailand) - [Dubai Islands](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-islands) - [Dubai Maritime City](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-maritime-city) - [Dubai Investments Park](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-investments-park) - [Dubai Marina](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-marina) - [Downtown Dubai](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/downtown-dubai) - [Emaar Beachfront](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/emaar-beachfront) - [Dubai Creek Harbour](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-creek-harbour) - [Dubai South](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/dubai-south) - [Umm Al Quwain](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/umm-al-quwain) - [All projects →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects) Browse by property type - [Apartments](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/apartments) - [Villas](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/villas) - [Townhouses](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/townhouses) - [Penthouses](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/penthouses) - [Duplexes](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects/duplexes) - [All projects →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/projects) Browse by developer - [Emaar](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/emaar) - [DAMAC Properties](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/damac-properties) - [Nakheel](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/nakheel) - [Sobha Realty](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/sobha-realty) - [Binghatti Properties](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/binghatti) - [Ellington Properties](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/ellington-properties) - [Azizi Developments](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/azizi-developments) - [Shamal Holding](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/shamal-holding) - [Arada](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/arada) - [Select Group](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developer/select-group) - [All developers →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/developers) Dubai property guides - [Buying property in Dubai as a Dutch national: the complete guide](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/buying-property-in-dubai-as-a-dutch-national) - [How to get the UAE Golden Visa through property investment](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/uae-golden-visa-through-property-investment) - [The off-plan buying process in Dubai, step by step](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/off-plan-buying-process-in-dubai) - [Renting out your Dubai property: a landlord's guide](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides/renting-out-your-dubai-property) - [All guides →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/guides) Compare - [Dubai vs. Amsterdam: where does your property euro work harder?](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/comparisons/dubai-vs-amsterdam-property-investment) - [Off-plan vs ready property in Dubai: which should you buy?](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/comparisons/off-plan-vs-ready-property-dubai) - [Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi: which city fits your investment?](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/comparisons/dubai-vs-abu-dhabi-property-investment) - [All comparisons →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/comparisons) From our blog - [Dubai property market outlook 2026: what buyers should know](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog/dubai-property-market-2026-outlook) - [The UAE Golden Visa: what it means for property investors](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog/uae-golden-visa-property-investment) - [Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040: where the city plans to grow](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog/dubai-urban-master-plan-2040) - [Tax-free rental yields: what Dubai property really pays](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog/tax-free-rental-yields-dubai) - [All articles →](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/blog) © 2026 Dubai Real Estate Company. All rights reserved. · [Privacy policy](https://dubairealestatecompany.com/privacy-policy) Dubai office address to be announced