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UAE Property True Cost Calculator
Every fee you’ll pay when buying property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: calculated in seconds, before you commit a dirham.
Why buyers use this tool?
The price tag is never the Real Price.
Most buyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi focus on the listing price. Then they’re surprised when they need an extra 7–10% in cash on top of it just to complete the purchase.
Between Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fees, trustee fees, agency commissions, and mortgage registration, the true cost of buying property in the UAE is significantly higher than the sticker price.
This calculator gives you the complete picture: every mandatory fee, every optional cost, every ongoing charge: so you can budget accurately from day one.
how to use the calculator? simple steps
01
Enter the property price
Type in the listed or agreed purchase price in AED. If you’re still browsing, use a budget figure to model different scenarios.
02
Choose your emirate & financing type
Select Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then indicate whether you’re buying cash or with a mortgage. Financed purchases include mortgage registration and bank fees.
03
Review your full cost breakdown
See every fee itemised: upfront costs, estimated monthly mortgage payments, and projected annual service charges: all in one place.
04
Plan your budget with confidence
Use the results to set your real maximum budget before you engage an agent, apply for a mortgage, or make an offer on a property.
What's included in the calculation
Every fee, explained
These are the mandatory and standard fees for buying property in Dubai in 2025. All figures are verified against Dubai Land Department official guidance.
DLD Transfer Fee
Mandatory — paid to Dubai Land Department
4%
Trustee / Registration Fee
Fixed fee paid to DLD registration trustee
AED 4,200
Mortgage Registration Fee
If financing — paid to Dubai Land Department
0.25%
Bank Arrangement Fee
Varies by lender — typically 1% of loan value
~1%
Agency / Brokerage Fee
Paid to the real estate agent (buyer side)
2%
Annual Service Charge
Ongoing — varies by community & building
~1% p.a.
Total Upfront Fees (typical financed purchase)
2%
What's included in the calculation
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi buying costs
Buying costs differ significantly between the two emirates. Abu Dhabi’s lower transfer fees make it comparatively cheaper upfront, but mortgage terms and service charges vary.
| Fee | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer / Registration Fee | 4% of property value | 2% (ADREC) + 1% (Municipality) |
| Trustee / Admin Fee | AED 4,200 (fixed) | AED 1,000–3,000 (varies) |
| Mortgage Registration | 0.25% of loan + AED 290 admin | 0.10% of loan |
| Agency Fee (buyer) | 2% (market standard) | 2% (market standard) |
| Bank Arrangement Fee | ~1% of loan value | ~1% of loan value |
| NOC Fee (resale) | AED 500–5,000 (developer set) | AED 1,000–5,000 (developer set) |
| Annual Service Charge | AED 10–30 per sq ft (avg) | AED 8–25 per sq ft (avg) |
*** Figures are indicative for 2026 and may vary. Always verify with your agent and the relevant authority before completing a transaction.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about UAE property buying costs
What is the DLD fee in Dubai and how is it calculated?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee is 4% of the property’s purchase price, paid at the time of transfer. It applies to all ready (secondary) property transactions and most off-plan transfers. On a property worth AED 1,600,000, the DLD fee alone would be AED 64,000. This fee is typically split 50/50 between buyer and seller, though in practice buyers often bear the full cost in a competitive market. You can use our calculator above to work out your exact DLD fee instantly.
How much money do I need upfront to buy property in Dubai?
For a financed purchase, UAE residents typically need a minimum of 20% deposit (for properties under AED 5M) plus approximately 7–9% of the purchase price in transaction fees. This means on a AED 2,000,000 property, you’d need at least AED 400,000 as a deposit plus roughly AED 140,000–180,000 in fees — around AED 540,000–580,000 in liquid funds before your mortgage is even approved. Non-residents face a higher minimum deposit of 25–35%. Enter your purchase price in the calculator above to see your exact required cash figure.
Are buying fees cheaper in Abu Dhabi than Dubai?
Yes, significantly. Abu Dhabi’s transfer fees are 2% (to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre) plus 1% (to Abu Dhabi Municipality), totalling 3% versus Dubai’s 4% DLD fee. Mortgage registration in Abu Dhabi is also lower at 0.10% compared to Dubai’s 0.25%. On a like-for-like property, buyers in Abu Dhabi typically save 2–3% of the purchase price in upfront fees. However, Abu Dhabi’s property market, available inventory, and financing options differ from Dubai’s, so fee savings alone shouldn’t drive your buying decision.
What is a trustee fee in Dubai property transactions?
A trustee fee (also called a registration trustee fee) is a fixed charge paid to an authorised DLD registration trustee office, which handles the actual property transfer process on behalf of the Dubai Land Department. For properties valued at or below AED 500,000, the trustee fee is AED 2,000 + 5% VAT. For properties above AED 500,000, the fee is AED 4,000 + 5% VAT. This is a fixed cost regardless of the property price above that threshold. If a mortgage is involved, an additional AED 290 processing fee applies.
Do I pay agency fees as a buyer in the UAE?
Yes. In the UAE, it is standard practice for buyers to pay a 2% brokerage commission directly to the buyer’s agent, separate from any commission the seller pays to their own agent. Some agents in the market charge 1–2% plus VAT. On a AED 2,000,000 property, this is a AED 40,000 fee. Unlike some markets where agent fees are negotiable or folded into the price, buyer-side agency fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are an explicit, upfront cash cost. Always confirm the exact fee with your agent in writing before beginning your property search.
What is a service charge and do I have to pay it?
Service charges are annual fees charged by the building or community management to cover shared facility maintenance — lifts, pools, security, landscaping, and common areas. They are mandatory for all apartment and villa community owners in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and are regulated by RERA (in Dubai) and ADREC (in Abu Dhabi). Charges typically range from AED 8 to AED 35 per square foot per year depending on the community, with premium developments and marina-facing buildings at the higher end. Always check the service charge rate in the RERA service charge index before purchasing — it’s a significant ongoing cost that affects your net rental yield if you’re investing.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi permit foreign nationals (non-GCC, non-UAE) to purchase freehold property in designated areas. In Dubai, there are over 50 designated freehold zones including Downtown, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, and Business Bay. In Abu Dhabi, foreign ownership is permitted in Investment Zones such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, and Masdar City. Buying costs and fees are the same for foreigners as for UAE residents, though mortgage eligibility and LTV limits differ — non-residents typically receive lower LTV ratios (60–65%) from UAE banks.
What is the NOC fee and when do I pay it?
An NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required when purchasing a resale (secondary market) property. The seller must obtain a NOC from the developer confirming there are no outstanding service charges, mortgage obligations, or construction-related liabilities against the unit. The NOC fee is set by the developer and typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 5,000, though some developers charge up to AED 10,000 for premium developments. This fee is usually borne by the seller, but it can become a negotiating point. The calculator above incorporates a standard NOC estimate for resale transactions.
Does buying off-plan property in Dubai involve the same fees?
Off-plan (under construction) properties involve some different costs. The DLD fee is still 4% but is often paid at specific construction milestones rather than all upfront. Many developers offer DLD fee waivers as a launch incentive — so always check whether the developer is covering the registration fee before comparing prices. However, off-plan properties do not involve a buyer’s agent in the traditional sense when purchased direct from the developer, though some buyers engage a property consultant who may charge a fee. Mortgage options are more limited for off-plan properties in the UAE, with most requiring larger cash deposits during construction.
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