Most buyers budget for the price and a vague "about 4%". On a AED 2,450,000 ready apartment bought for cash, the real figure is AED 2,606,190, which is 6.4% on top of the price once agency commission and the developer's NOC are counted.
The worked example
| Line | How it’s worked out | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee — your 2.00% share | 2% of AED 2,450,000 | AED 49,000 |
| DLD transfer fee — seller share (2%), paid by you (negotiable) | 2% of AED 2,450,000 | AED 49,000 |
| Registration trustee fee | AED 4,000 + 5% VAT (price at or above AED 500,000) | AED 4,200 |
| Knowledge fee | AED 10 x 2 documents | AED 20 |
| Innovation fee | AED 10 x 2 documents | AED 20 |
| Title deed issuance | Flat | AED 250 |
| Property map — apartment, villa or unit | Flat | AED 250 |
| Agency commission (negotiable) | 2.00% of price + 5% VAT | AED 51,450 |
| Developer NOC fee (negotiable) | Typically AED 500–5,000, set by the developer | AED 500–5,000 |
| Cash you need on transfer day | Costs are 6.4% of the price | AED 2,606,190 |
Half the transfer fee is legally the seller's
The Land Department charges 2% to the buyer and 2% to the seller. Dubai convention is that the buyer pays both, but that's a term of the MoU, not the law. In a slower market, or on more than one unit, it's the first line worth negotiating.
None of this can go on the mortgage
UAE banks stopped financing transaction fees in 2025. Every figure below the purchase price has to be in your account on transfer day, on top of your down payment.
Agency commission is a range, not a rate
2% plus VAT is the common resale figure and the low end of what's charged. It isn't regulated, it's negotiable, and on off-plan the developer usually pays the agent instead. The trustee fee is the opposite: fixed, at AED 4,000 plus VAT at this price.
Before you sign the MoU
- This transaction may qualify for the Dubai Now digital channel, which would replace the trustee fee and save roughly AED 3,150.
- Get the developer's current NOC fee in writing before you sign the MoU.
- From 2025 UAE banks stopped financing transaction fees. Every figure below the purchase price must be available in cash on transfer day.
Sources
Estimates only. Fees change; confirm with DLD or the Sub-Registrar before committing.