The Listed Price Isn't the Real Price — Every Dubai Property Fee, Broken Down

The number in the ad is not what you'll actually pay. Every Dubai property carries a layer of fees above the headline price, totalling roughly 6% to 8% of the property's value. Learn every line item before you set your budget — not after signing.

DLD Transfer Fee — 4% of property value. Officially split 2% buyer / 2% seller, but in most resales the buyer pays the entire 4% by written agreement in the SPA. Negotiable in the contract; the 4% total is fixed by statute.

Broker commission — 2% of property value for ready units, plus 5% VAT on the commission itself. On off-plan, the developer sometimes covers it in a promotion; sometimes the buyer pays. Confirm in writing before signing who pays.

DLD registration fees:

• Title Deed issuance: AED 250.
• Registration fee for properties under AED 500,000: AED 2,000 + VAT.
• Registration fee for properties AED 500,000+: AED 4,000 + VAT.

NOC fee. If the property is in a managed building, you need a No Objection Certificate from the developer or the owners' association before transfer. Cost varies by developer — a few hundred to several thousand dirhams.

Bank fees if you finance:

• DLD mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 fixed admin fee.
• Example on a AED 1M mortgage: 2,500 + 290 = AED 2,790 mortgage registration.
• Bank valuation fee, offer letter issuance fee, life insurance if required by the bank.

Critical update from 1 February 2025: UAE banks are no longer allowed to finance the 4% DLD fee or 2% broker commission inside the mortgage. Both must be paid in full upfront in cash. On a AED 1M mortgage, that's an extra AED 60,000+ you need in your pocket at signing.

Utility connection fees. DEWA meter transfer (electricity + water), new or transferred internet line, annual property insurance, and any deposit required by the owners' association.

Worked example: AED 1M unit with 80% financing. AED 40,000 DLD + ~AED 21,000 broker commission with VAT + AED 4,000 registration + AED 250 title deed + AED 2,290 mortgage registration + NOC fee + deposits and misc. = roughly AED 70,000–80,000 above the sale price, paid upfront in cash.

Before signing, ask the broker for a written schedule of every fee, every line, in dirhams. Anyone saying "roughly 6% or 7%" and then surprising you with higher numbers at closing does not deserve to represent you in the deal.