DLD Fee Calculator: Dubai Property Buying Costs
Enter the price to see the Dubai Land Department transfer fee and every other one-off cost of buying a ready property, for cash buyers and mortgage buyers.
| Cost | AED | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee (4%) | 80,000 | 4% of the price, paid to Dubai Land Department |
| DLD admin / title deed fee | 580 | Typical for apartments and villas |
| Registration trustee fee | 4,200 | AED 4,000 + VAT (price AED 500k or more) |
| Agency commission (2%) | 42,000 | Plus 5% VAT |
| Mortgage registration (0.25%) | 4,290 | 0.25% of the loan + AED 290 admin |
| Bank arrangement fee (1%) | 16,800 | Up to 1% of the loan + VAT; often negotiable |
| Property valuation | 3,150 | Paid to the bank's valuer, plus VAT |
| Total fees | 151,020 |
What is the DLD fee?
The DLD fee is the 4% transfer fee the Dubai Land Department charges when a property changes hands. By market convention the buyer pays it, though buyer and seller can agree to split it. It is paid on transfer day at the Registration Trustee office, together with the title deed fee (about AED 580) and the trustee's own fee of AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT for properties under AED 500,000).
Total cost of buying property in Dubai
- Cash buyer using an agent: about 6.3 to 6.5% of the price.
- Mortgage buyer: add mortgage registration (0.25% of the loan + AED 290), the bank arrangement fee (up to 1% of the loan + VAT) and the valuation (about AED 2,500 to 3,500): usually 7 to 8% in total.
- Off-plan from the developer: the 4% DLD fee (sometimes paid by the developer as a promotion) and an Oqood registration fee, usually with no agency commission.
Residential resale property is exempt from VAT, but 5% VAT applies to the service fees: agency commission, the trustee fee, bank fees and the valuation. To see what the mortgage itself will cost each month, use the mortgage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the DLD fee in Dubai?
4% of the purchase price, plus a title deed fee of about AED 580. The trustee office adds AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT below AED 500,000).
Who pays the DLD fee, buyer or seller?
The buyer, by market convention. The law does not fix it, so buyer and seller can agree to split it in the sales agreement (Form F).
Can the DLD fee be included in the mortgage?
No. UAE banks lend against the property value only, so the DLD fee and the other purchase costs must be paid in cash.
What is a DLD fee waiver?
A developer promotion on off-plan projects in which the developer pays some or all of the 4% DLD fee for the buyer. Check the sales agreement to see exactly what is covered.
More property calculators
Results are estimates for guidance only, not financial advice. Fees, bank rates and rules change; confirm the figures with your bank, the Dubai Land Department or a RERA-registered agent before you commit.