Article · 4 November 2026 · 2 min read
The real cost of buying property in Dubai (2026)
The price is only part of it. Here is every fee you should budget for — cash or mortgage, off-plan or ready.
When you buy a home in Dubai, the main extra cost is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee of 4% of the price. On top come smaller registration and service fees, the agency fee, and — if you borrow — the bank's costs. Here is the full list, with typical 2026 amounts.
Fees on every purchase
| Fee | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer / registration fee | 4% of the price | Usually paid by the buyer |
| DLD admin and title-deed fees | a few hundred dirhams | Fixed fees per transaction |
| Trustee office fee (ready homes) | AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000; AED 4,000 + VAT from AED 500,000 | Paid at the transfer |
| Agency fee | commonly 2% + VAT on ready homes | Agree it in writing up front |
Off-plan purchases
Off-plan sales are registered in the DLD's interim register (Oqood). The 4% DLD fee is normally due at registration, early in the payment plan, together with a registration fee. There is no trustee transfer at this stage — the title deed is issued after completion.
Extra costs with a mortgage
| Fee | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage registration (DLD) | 0.25% of the loan + admin fee |
| Bank valuation | about AED 2,500–3,500 + VAT |
| Bank arrangement fee | up to about 1% of the loan + VAT |
Ready homes: the seller's side
For resale homes, the developer issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before the transfer; its fee varies by developer and is often paid by the seller — check what your agreement says.
After you buy
Budget for service charges (set per building and per square foot each year), utilities connection deposits, and home insurance. If you rent the home out, a tenancy is registered with Ejari.
A worked example
For a ready apartment at AED 1,500,000 bought in cash: DLD fee AED 60,000, trustee fee AED 4,200 (with VAT), plus admin and title-deed fees, plus the agency fee agreed with your broker. Total extras are typically around 6–7% of the price.
Fees change from time to time and some depend on the bank, the developer and the trustee office. We confirm every amount for your purchase before you sign.
Last reviewed: 10 November 2026. Fees and rules change — we confirm them for your purchase.
