Every real-estate transaction in Dubai registers with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). You pay a percentage fee + flat admin costs at registration. Budget for it before you sign.
The 4% DLD fee
- 4% of the sale price, paid by the buyer.
- Split convention in the market: seller 2%, buyer 2%. In off-plan it's usually buyer 100%.
- Paid at Oqood registration (initial contract) AND at Title Deed transfer (handover). Not double — the second one closes out against what you paid at Oqood.
Admin fees
- AED 3,000 for the DLD registration form (standard).
- AED 580 trustee office fee per transaction.
- AED 250 Oqood certificate.
- AED 5,000 ± NOC fee from the developer if you resell before handover.
Mortgage registration (if applicable)
- 0.25% of loan amount + AED 290 for mortgage registration.
- Banks charge ~0.5-1% as a processing fee on top.
What's exempt / reduced
- First-time Emirati buyers get DLD waivers on select off-plan launches (gazette-specific; confirm at the time).
- Gifts between spouses, parents, and children register at 0.125% (not 4%).
- Inheritance transfers register at 0.125% of assessed value.
Tax note for non-residents
Dubai has no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on property. Your tax obligations are in your home country — this is why a structured plan with your accountant matters more than UAE tax planning.
Keep a buffer of ~5% on top of sale price for DLD + admin + furnishing. See active projects.
