Buying property in Dubai costs more than the price on the listing. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee alone is 4% of the price, and trustee, agent and mortgage charges come on top. Enter your price below to see the full amount of cash you need on transfer day.
Your purchase
UAE Central Bank caps for expats: up to 80% LTV on a first home up to AED 5M, 70% above AED 5M, 50% on off-plan. Non-residents usually get less.
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Adjust fixed fees
Estimates using typical published rates. The DLD fee is 4% of the price by law. Other fees vary by developer, bank and trustee office, and VAT (5%) applies where shown. Confirm final figures with your trustee office before transfer day.
What you pay when you buy property in Dubai
| Cost | Typical amount | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4% of the purchase price | Buyer (can be negotiated) |
| Title deed / registration admin | Around AED 580 (ready property) | Buyer |
| Trustee office fee | AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000; AED 4,000 + VAT at AED 500,000 and above | Buyer |
| Agent commission | Usually 2% + VAT | Buyer (resale) |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan + AED 290 | Buyer |
| Bank arrangement fee | Up to 1% of the loan + VAT | Buyer |
| Valuation | About AED 2,500 to 3,500 + VAT | Buyer |
| Developer NOC | About AED 500 to 5,000 | Often the seller |
As a rule of thumb, set aside around 7% of the price on top of the purchase price for a cash resale purchase, and more if you take a mortgage. For off-plan property bought from a developer, the 4% DLD fee is paid when the unit is registered on Oqood, and there is usually no agent or trustee fee.
How much deposit do you need for a mortgage?
UAE Central Bank rules cap how much a bank can lend. For expats buying a first home worth up to AED 5 million, banks can lend up to 80% of the value, so you need at least 20% as a down payment. Above AED 5 million the cap is 70%, and for off-plan property it is 50%. Non-residents usually get lower limits. Fees are paid in cash on top of the deposit, not added to the loan.