Insights · Budget
Every dirham,
on top of the price.
Buying a ready home in Dubai costs more than the price. For example, an AED 1,500,000 apartment paid in cash needs about AED 96,200 more, roughly 6.4%: the 4% DLD transfer fee, the trustee fee, the agency fee and the title deed. A mortgage adds a registration fee and the bank's valuation.
The worked example
For example, a ready apartment at AED 1,500,000, paid in cash:
- AED 60,000
- DLD transfer fee, 4%
- AED 4,200
- Trustee fee, AED 4,000 + VAT
- AED 31,500
- Agency fee, usually 2% + VAT
- AED 520
- Title deed and admin
- about AED 96,200
- On top of the price
The DLD fee is the big one
The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the sale price to register the transfer. Its schedule splits that into 2% for the buyer and 2% for the seller, but in Dubai the buyer usually pays the full 4% unless both sides agree otherwise. Budget for all of it.
If you're financing
A mortgage adds its own costs. The Dubai Land Department registers the mortgage for 0.25% of the loan, plus AED 270 in title deed and admin fees. For example, on a AED 1,200,000 loan that is AED 3,000 + AED 270 = AED 3,270. A service partner (trustee) fee may also apply to the mortgage registration, so confirm it with your trustee office. Your bank charges a valuation fee too, usually when you apply. It isn't fixed by the DLD, so ask your bank for the number in writing first.
How much the bank will lend in the first place has its own limits: see what Dubai banks lend.
When it's paid
These costs are due at purchase, not after. The DLD fee and the trustee fee are paid together at the trustee office on transfer day, so have the cash ready before you make an offer.
Questions buyers ask
How much should I budget on top of the price in Dubai?
For example, a ready home at AED 1,500,000 bought in cash needs about AED 96,200 more, roughly 6.4% of the price: the 4% DLD fee, the trustee fee, an agency fee of usually 2% + VAT, and about AED 520 in title deed and admin fees.
Is the DLD fee paid by the buyer or the seller?
The DLD schedule splits the 4% between buyer and seller, but in Dubai the buyer usually pays all of it unless both sides agree otherwise.
What extra costs come with a mortgage?
Mortgage registration at the Dubai Land Department: 0.25% of the loan, plus AED 270 in title deed and admin fees, and possibly a service partner fee. The bank also charges a valuation fee, which it sets itself.
Is the bank valuation fee fixed?
No. The DLD doesn't set it; your bank does. Ask for the number in writing before you commit.
Sources, checked October 2026:
- Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai (buyer commonly pays the full 4% in practice)
- BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, Dubai real estate fees (market practice)
- Dubai Land Department, property sale registration (4% fee, trustee fee, title deed and admin)
- Dubai Land Department, mortgage registration (0.25% plus AED 270; service partner fee)
- VILORA Dubai Property Guide 2026 (agency fee 2% + VAT)
Fees can change; confirm the current figures before you transfer.