Property registration costs for first-time buyers in the UAE
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First-time buyers often budget only for the price. The extra costs at the signing table can add tens of thousands of dirhams.
Quick answer
Plan for total closing costs of roughly 6% to 9% of the price in Dubai: the 4% DLD transfer fee, trustee and title deed fees, agency commission (usually 2% plus VAT), mortgage registration and valuation if financed, and service charge clearances. These costs are paid in cash, not through the mortgage.
First-time buyers often budget only for the price. The extra costs at the signing table can add tens of thousands of dirhams.
The main costs
- DLD transfer fee: 4%
- Trustee office and title deed fees
- Agency commission: typically 2% plus VAT
- Mortgage registration: 0.25% of the loan plus fee
- Bank valuation and arrangement fees
- NOC fee from the developer on resale
An example
On an 1.5 million home with a mortgage, closing costs can approach 100,000 or more once commission, DLD and bank fees are added.
Cash you need on day one
Add the down payment to the closing costs. Banks lend against the property price only, so fees must come from savings.
How to keep costs down
- Compare bank offers on fees, not just interest rate
- Look for developer fee waivers on new launches
- Check first-time buyer programme benefits
- Agree commission in writing before viewing
Ask for a full cost sheet before you sign the sale agreement.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Are registration costs the same in every emirate?
No. Each emirate's land department sets its own fees.
Can closing costs be added to a mortgage?
No. They must be paid in cash.
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