The cost of buying property in Dubai: all fees
What you pay on top of the price — for an off-plan unit, a ready home and an off-plan resale.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Off-plan from the developer | Ready home (resale) | Off-plan resale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration fee, Dubai Land Department | 4% of the price | 4% of the price | 4% of the price |
| Trustee office | — | AED 4,200 + 580 for the title deed | AED 5,200 + 40 for the Oqood |
| Our fee | Free for the buyer | 2% + VAT | 2% + VAT |
The figures are the official ones, checked against the Dubai Land Department in October 2026. The registration fee is officially shared by the seller and the buyer; in practice the buyer usually pays it — the contract says who.
An example
A ready apartment for AED 2,000,000: the registration fee is AED 80,000, the trustee office AED 4,780, our fee AED 40,000 + VAT. In total about AED 127,000 on top of the price. The same apartment bought off-plan from the developer: AED 80,000 of the registration fee and the Oqood registration.
If you buy with a mortgage
The mortgage is registered at the Land Department for 0.25% of the loan amount, and the bank adds its own fees. Our mortgage broker gives the exact figures for your case.
How the payment is made
On the secondary market the price is paid by manager's cheques at the trustee office on the day of the transfer, and the title deed in your name is issued the same day. For an off-plan unit the payments go to the escrow account of the project.
Questions and answers
Are there yearly property taxes in Dubai?
There is no yearly property tax. The owner pays the service charge of the building and the utilities; the amount depends on the project.
Do you give the exact total before I sign?
Yes — for the particular property, with every item, before you sign anything.
More guides
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