What is the DLD transfer fee?
Every time a property changes hands in Dubai, the sale has to be registered with the Dubai Land Department. The DLD charges 4% of the sale price to do this, and it is by far the biggest cost after the property itself. On a AED 2 million villa, that is AED 80,000 before anything else.
The fee applies to ready and off-plan property, to cash and mortgage buyers, and to residents and overseas investors alike. There are no nationality based discounts.
What else you pay on transfer day
The 4% is only part of the bill. This calculator adds the other charges you will see on the day:
- DLD admin and title deed fee. About AED 520 for ready property: AED 250 for the title deed, AED 250 for the map and AED 10 each for the knowledge and innovation fees. Off-plan purchases registered through Oqood pay an admin fee of around AED 250 instead.
- Registration trustee fee. Transfers of ready property happen at a DLD approved trustee office, which charges AED 2,000 plus VAT if the price is under AED 500,000, or AED 4,000 plus VAT at AED 500,000 and above. Off-plan sales are usually registered by the developer instead.
- Mortgage registration. If you borrow, the DLD registers the bank's charge over the property for 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290.
- Agency commission. Not a government fee, but most buyers pay it: usually 2% of the price plus 5% VAT.
Banks also charge their own arrangement and valuation fees. Those vary by lender, so they are not included here.
Worked example
Say you are buying a ready apartment in Dubai Marina for AED 1,500,000 with an 80% mortgage of AED 1,200,000, through an agent, and you are paying the full transfer fee.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee (4% of 1,500,000) | AED 60,000 |
| DLD admin and title deed | AED 520 |
| Trustee fee (4,000 + 5% VAT) | AED 4,200 |
| Mortgage registration (0.25% of 1,200,000 + 290) | AED 3,290 |
| Agency commission (2% + 5% VAT) | AED 31,500 |
| Total | AED 99,510 |
That comes to about 6.6% of the price, and it sits on top of your AED 300,000 down payment. So the cash you actually need is close to AED 400,000. This is the number that catches most first time buyers out.
Ready vs off-plan: how the fees differ
With off-plan property you still owe the 4%, but it is usually paid to the developer at booking, who registers the sale on Oqood. You normally skip the trustee office fee and pay an Oqood admin fee instead. When the building is handed over, the Oqood registration is converted into a title deed for a small fee. Some developers advertise "DLD fee waived" deals, which simply means they are paying part or all of the 4% for you.
How to use this calculator
Type the agreed price, pick whether the property is ready or off-plan, and say how you are paying. If you are using a mortgage, the loan amount starts at 80% of the price, which is the usual maximum for expats buying their first home under AED 5 million. Replace it with the figure from your pre-approval for an exact number. Untick the commission box if you are buying directly from a developer or the seller.
These figures are estimates based on published fees as of the date at the top of this page. Your trustee office will confirm the final amount before the transfer.
Guide The real cost of buying property in Dubai Down payment, DLD fees, agent and bank charges, and the cash you actually need on transfer day.Frequently asked questions
How much is the DLD fee in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department charges a transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price. On top of that you pay a small fixed admin charge and, for ready properties, a registration trustee fee of AED 2,000 or AED 4,000 plus VAT depending on the price.
Who pays the 4% DLD fee, the buyer or the seller?
By law the fee can be split between the two parties, but in practice the buyer almost always pays the full 4%. Whatever you agree should be written into the MOU (Form F) before the transfer.
Do I pay the DLD fee on an off-plan property?
Yes. The 4% applies to off-plan purchases too and is registered through Oqood. Developers sometimes run promotions where they cover part or all of it, so check your sales agreement.
Can I add the DLD fee to my mortgage?
Generally no. UAE banks expect you to pay transfer fees and commission from your own funds, on top of your down payment. Plan for roughly 6% to 7% of the price in cash if you use an agent and a mortgage.
When and how is the DLD fee paid?
It is paid at the transfer appointment at a registration trustee office, usually by manager’s cheque payable to the Dubai Land Department. The title deed is issued in your name once the fees are settled.