1. List transaction costs separately
DLD sale registration fee: Dubai Land Department (DLD) lists 2% for the buyer and 2% for the seller, 4% in total. As a simple illustration only, 4% of AED 1,000,000 is AED 40,000. Check the current instructions and contract, and confirm each party’s share in writing before signing.
Registration service-provider fee: DLD’s property sale registration page lists a service-partner fee of AED 4,000 plus VAT for sale values of AED 500,000 or more and lists title-deed issuance separately. Charges depend on the service and case; confirm the payable amount with the registration trustee and current DLD service page.
Other transaction items: A developer’s no-objection certificate where required, property maps or certificates, settlement of prior dues and an adviser’s fee may apply. Confirm the amount and payer in the contract and with the relevant provider; do not assume one fixed rate applies to every transaction.
2. Add financing costs if you use a mortgage
Valuation, mortgage registration, bank arrangement fees, insurance and other application costs may add to the cash needed. Actual terms depend on the bank, loan, property and applicant. Request a written estimate from the bank and use the mortgage calculator to test a scenario; the calculator is not a loan offer or approval.
3. Budget for ownership after transfer
Building service charges, owners’ association charges, repairs, insurance, utilities and rental management may continue after purchase. Request the actual statement and annual costs for the specific building. If you plan to rent the property, also account for vacancy and management; rental income and returns are not guaranteed.
4. Build a verifiable budget
- Record the contractual price and payment dates.
- Confirm DLD registration and trustee charges on the official service page and with the transaction trustee.
- Include mortgage expenses only from a written bank quotation.
- Record developer, adviser, service and moving costs from documents or quotations.
- Keep a reserve for repairs, vacancy or changes to payment timing.
For area and purchase context, read the Dubai buying guide for Iranian buyers and Dubai neighbourhood guide. Reconfirm each property’s costs and availability before proceeding.
Dubai purchase-cost FAQs
Does the buyer always pay the entire 4% DLD fee?
DLD publishes a 4% sale-registration fee. Confirm how the parties allocate payment under the rules and the specific contract, and put the arrangement in writing before signing.
Is mortgage registration part of the sale-transfer fee?
No. Mortgage registration and bank financing costs are separate items. Check the DLD mortgage-registration service and obtain the lender’s current quotation.
Can I calculate the total cost from the listing price alone?
No. A listing price does not include registration, service, financing or contract-specific costs. Prepare a transaction-level estimate from the property documents.