How much is agent commission in Dubai?

Standard agent commission in Dubai is 2% of the purchase price plus 5% VAT. For off-plan purchases, commission is typically paid by the developer. For resale transactions, commission is paid by the buyer.

What are the total closing costs for buying property in Dubai?

Total closing costs typically run 6-8% of the purchase price. This includes the 4% DLD transfer fee, 2% agent commission, AED 4,000 DLD admin, mortgage registration if financed (0.25% of loan amount), NOC fees (AED 500-5,000) and trustee fees (AED 4,000).

Does the buyer or seller pay the DLD fee in Dubai?

Legally, the DLD transfer fee is the buyer's responsibility. In practice, many transactions split it 50-50 by negotiation, though this varies. The buyer should always budget for the full 4% to avoid surprises.

Free Interactive Tool

Dubai Property Buying Costs Calculator

Buying property in Dubai comes with around 6–8% in closing costs on top of the purchase price. This tool breaks them down line by line DLD fees, agent commission, mortgage registration, NOC and trustee fees.

Your Purchase Details

Property Purchase Price (AED)

Financed Purchase?

Loan Amount (AED)

Developer Tier (affects NOC fee)

Include 5% VAT on agent commission

Total Closing Costs

AED 9,540

Infinity% of purchase price

Total Cash Required at Closing

AED 9,540

Line-Item Breakdown

DLD Transfer (4%): AED 0
DLD Admin Fee: AED 4,000
Agent Commission (2%): AED 0
VAT on Commission (5%): AED 0
NOC Fee: AED 1,000
Trustee Fee: AED 4,000
Mortgage Registration: AED 290
Title Deed Fee: AED 250
Total: AED 9,540

What's Included in Dubai Closing Costs?

DLD Transfer Fee 4%

The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the purchase price to register the transfer of ownership. Legally, this is the buyer's responsibility. Some sellers negotiate a 50-50 split, but always budget for the full 4%.

Agent Commission 2% + VAT

The buyer's agent commission is typically 2% of the purchase price plus 5% VAT. This is standard across the Dubai market. On off-plan purchases directly from the developer, commission is usually paid by the developer.

DLD Admin Fee AED 4,000

A fixed administrative charge for the transfer registration process. Varies slightly by property type (apartment vs. villa).

Mortgage Registration 0.25% of loan

If financing, the mortgage is registered with DLD at 0.25% of the loan amount, plus a AED 290 admin fee. Only applies to financed purchases.

NOC Fee AED 500–5,000

A "No Objection Certificate" from the developer is required to transfer ownership. Fees vary by developer: smaller developers charge AED 500–1,500, while Emaar and Nakheel can charge AED 2,000–5,000.

Trustee Fee AED 4,000

Paid to the DLD-approved trustee office handling the transaction. Fixed for most property values under AED 500K, scales modestly for larger transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DLD transfer fee in Dubai?

4% of the purchase price, plus an AED 4,000 admin fee. Legally payable by the buyer, though sometimes negotiated 50-50 with the seller.

How much is agent commission?

2% of purchase price plus 5% VAT for resale transactions. Off-plan commissions are usually paid by the developer.

What are total closing costs?

Typically 6–8% of purchase price, covering DLD transfer, agent commission, NOC, trustee and mortgage registration (if financed).

Who pays the DLD fee?

Legally the buyer. Negotiation can split it 50-50, but buyers should always budget for the full 4%.

Ready to buy in Dubai?

MRK Real Estate guides buyers through every fee and every form. Combine this calculator with our ROI Calculator and Mortgage Calculator to fully model your purchase.